Breast reconstruction with autologous tissue following mastectomy

Breast cancer remains to be one of the most malignant diseases in the female population. It affects an essential part of female self-consciousness, and therefore causes a wide range of psychological traumas. The incidence in Europe and North America varies between 70 up to 100 new cases in 100.000 inhabitants per year. According to contemporary literature, mastectomy remains one of the most effective methods in the laborious effort to treat and overcome cancer. In this report the history of breast reconstruction is presented. The established methods which are taken into consideration after mastectomy and their clinical outcome are portrayed. The authors propose the free TRAM and DIEP flap as the methods of first choice after mastectomy, which offer most reliable transfer and low morbidity. In the recent past, increasing interest is observed for the SIEA flap. The free S-GAP flap is proposed for patients who are not candidates for a TRAM, DIEP or SIEA flap. Moreover, the pedicled Latissimus Dorsi flap remains still as a reliable, versatile alternative, particularly in case of contraindications for the above mentioned free flaps or when complications occurred.