ABSTRACT

Criticisms/Limitations A single case report alone does not carry much weight or authority. However, this was a feasibility study and introduced a completely new concept into the field of autologous breast reconstruction. In their discussion the authors note that they performed 16 procedures and had success with both vertical and low transverse skin islands. Although they describe that both are feasible, they prefer the low transverse donor site for cosmesis. Furthermore, they describe the concept of a 2-week “delay” in which the inferior epigastric vessels are ligated before the formal reconstructive procedure. These techniques are still in practice today and help improve blood supply to the flap from the superior system and thus avoid fat necrosis, a notuncommon complication of this procedure.