Breast reconstruction surgery using an omental flap is an option after breast conserving surgery

This study aimed to evaluate laparoscopically harvested omental flap (LHOF) as used in breast reconstruction.  It concluded that LHOF is a promising option in partial breast reconstruction after breast conserving surgery. 

There are several types of surgery used in the treatment of breast cancer. One option is laparoscopically harvested omental flap (LHOF) for breast reconstruction. This surgery involves using small incisions to remove tissue in the abdomen that is then used in the reconstruction of breast tissue. The advantage of this technique is that scars are smaller than many other breast reconstruction techniques. The success and safety of this surgery is examined is still under investigation.  

This study aimed to evaluate the complications, local recurrence, and cosmetic outcomes associated with LHOF. Information on 200 patients, most of whom had underwent partial breast reconstruction after breast-conserving surgery, from 2002 to 2016 were included.

The rate of complications was 12.0%. Complications included bleeding during surgery, or tissue death after the surgery has taken place. In 24 patients (12.0%) the flap removed from the abdomen was not large enough and needed to be expanded in order to reconstruct the breast to its original size. When applied to total reconstruction, this occurred in 32.6% of patients.

Patients were followed for approximately 90 months and in that time two cases (1.0%) had recurrence of breast cancer in the original tumor site. 80% of patient’s surgeries were rated as cosmetically good or excellent, from a scar and reconstruction point of view. Donor-site scars were small. 

This study concluded that LHOF is an attractive option in partial breast reconstruction after breast conserving surgery but that there were limits to the size of the reconstruction that could be done. 

This is a retrospective study, which is not an excellent level of evidence. It also does not compare other types of techniques. Decisions regarding surgery choice should be made in discussion with a physician who best knows the case.