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. 2022 Aug 11;29(8):5682-5697.
doi: 10.3390/curroncol29080448.

Donor-Site Morbidity and Quality of Life after Autologous Breast Reconstruction with PAP versus TMG Flap

Angela Augustin  1 , Petra Pülzl  1 , Evi M Morandi  1 , Selina Winkelmann  1 , Ines Schoberleitner  1 , Christine Brunner  2 , Magdalena Ritter  2 , Thomas Bauer  1 , Tanja Wachter  1 , Dolores Wolfram  1
Affiliations

Donor-Site Morbidity and Quality of Life after Autologous Breast Reconstruction with PAP versus TMG Flap

Angela Augustin et al. Curr Oncol. .

Abstract

The transverse myocutaneous gracilis (TMG) and the profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap are both safe choices for autologous breast reconstruction originating from the same donor region in the upper thigh. We aimed to compare the post-operative outcome regarding donor-site morbidity and quality of life. We included 18 patients who had undergone autologous breast reconstruction with a PAP flap (n = 27 flaps). Prospective evaluation of donor-site morbidity was performed by applying the same questionnaire that had already been established in a previous study evaluating TMG flap (n = 25 flaps) outcome, and results were compared. Comparison of the two patient groups showed equivalent results concerning patient-reported visibility of the donor-site scar and thigh symmetry. Still, the TMG group was significantly more satisfied with the scar (p = 0.015) and its position (p = 0.001). No difference was found regarding the ability to sit for prolonged periods. Donor-site wound complications were seen more frequently in the PAP group (29.6%) than in the TMG group (4.0%). Both groups expressed rather high satisfaction with their quality of life. Both flaps show minimal functional donor-site morbidity and high patient satisfaction. To minimize wound healing problems in PAP patients, thorough planning of the skin paddle is necessary.

Keywords: PAP flap; TMG flap; autologous breast reconstruction; breast cancer; donor-site morbidity; mastectomy; quality of life.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(Left) Preoperative and (right) post-operative views of bilateral breast reconstruction with donor-site in the thigh region: (a) TMG flap and (b) PAP flap.
Figure 2
Figure 2
(a–f). Questions about the donor-site and breast reconstruction, “no answer” excluded.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Cosmetic results. Post-operative views of donor-site after bilateral flap harvesting: (a) TMG flap and (b) PAP flap.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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