Laparoscopically harvested omental flap for immediate breast reconstruction

Background Breast cancer surgery and accompanying breast reconstruction have been diversified. We report our experience of immediate breast reconstruction using laparoscopically harvested omental flap (LHOF). Methods During a 44-month period, 44 immediate breast reconstructions with LHOF were performed. Patients were followed up for complications and cosmetic results. Results Forty cases of pedicled LHOF and 4 cases of free LHOF were performed after either nipple-sparing mastectomy (n = 21) or breast-conservation treatment (n = 23). Morbidity included 1 minor vascular injury (2.3%) of the LHOF, 4 wound and graft infections (9.1%), and 1 epigastric hernia (2.3%). Cosmetic results were mostly satisfactory, with a soft breast that was natural in appearance. Donor-site scars were minimal. However, in 5 patients (12.5%), omental flap size was found to be inadequate during the procedure. Conclusions Although there is a limit of volume, LHOF is an attractive autologous flap, which makes a natural soft breast and minimal deformity of the donor site.