The sGAP Flap: Rare Exception or Second Choice in Autologous Breast Reconstruction?

ABSTRACT

Various flaps are available for autologous breast reconstruction. However, there is no accepted standard. The superior gluteal artery perforator (sGAP) flap is one possible option for autologous breast reconstruction. Eighty-one sGAP flaps were performed for breast reconstruction. Patient data regarding age, body mass index, medical history, timing of reconstruction, operating time, success of the operation, and complications were retrospectively analyzed. The success rate was 93% (n = 75). Thrombosis occurred in nine flaps, and three revisions were successful. There was no partial necrosis. All but one bilateral breast reconstruction was performed in two stages. The average time between the reconstructions was 3 and 5 months (2 to 6). The average operating time was 7 hours 36 minutes (5′45 to 9′33). For autologous breast reconstruction, there is no universally accepted standard and no flap meets all the requirements. The deep inferior epigastric perforator flap is our first choice. We favor the sGAP as a second choice particularly for larger breast sizes. For a staged bilateral reconstruction, the sGAP flap advances to be our first choice. The sGAP flap is a safe and reliable perforator flap providing a good breast projection, cosmetically pleasing outcome on the breast, and an acceptable outcome on the buttock with the disadvantage of a demanding dissection.

KEYWORDS

Breast reconstruction - sGAP flap - free flap

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