The use of the ipsilateral versus contralateral pedicle and vertical versus horizontal flap inset models in XXXX flap breast reconstruction: the aesthetic outcome.

@entity1 @entity20231
The use of an ipsilateral or a contralateral rectus abdominis muscle as a pedicle and comparison of their advantages and disadvantages in @entity20231 flap breast reconstruction have been reported in the literature. In our clinical experience with 22 pedicled @entity20231 flap breast reconstructions, the use of either an ipsilateral or contralateral pedicle was found to be equivocal regarding the flap viability and the aesthetic outcome. Thus, it seems better to decide their use according to the needs of an individual @entity1 . In our series, the contralateral pedicled @entity20231 flap with a vertical flap inset was preferred in @entity1 with a small opposite breast or in @entity1 with infraclavicular tissue losses (four @entity1 ). The ipsilateral pedicled @entity20231 flap reconstruction with a horizontal flap inset was preferred in @entity1 with a full and attractive opposite breast, unless they received adjuvant radiotherapy (six @entity1 ). In @entity1 who received adjuvant radiotherapy the contralateral pedicle was used regardless of the inset model preferred (10 @entity1 ). Bilateral @entity20231 flap breast reconstruction was applied in one of our cases, which is not included in the three categories above mentioned. The aesthetic outcome was determined by analyzing a @entity1 satisfaction questionnaire. Overall satisfaction was achieved in 17 @entity1 . Four @entity1 were dissatisfied. We think that choosing the correct flap inset model is one of the most important factors in achieving a satisfactory aesthetic outcome. Choosing the correct pedicle regarding the type of the flap inset model is equally important to facilitate technical ease during flap transposition and to improve flap survival.
