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Reconstruction of an Extended Defect in the Axilla Using a Thoracodorsal Fasciocutaneous Perforator Flap

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Abstract

Background

Ectopic primary carcinoma of breast tissue is a rare entity, and its diagnosis often is delayed. The axilla is the most common site involved. The Limberg flap as a random flap is easy and practicable for coverage of many defects including those involving the axilla. In the reported case, the vascularity of the flap was improved by including a thoracodorsal artery perforator.

Methods

This report presents the clinical features of a case of ectopic breast carcinoma in the axilla and an alternative tension-free Limberg thoracodorsal artery perforator flap for reconstruction of the extended defect after excision of the tumor.

Results

The flap survived and healed without further problems. A good functional and aesthetic result was obtained.

Conclusion

Ectopic primary carcinoma of breast tissue is a rare entity. Correct early diagnosis should be made. A tension-free fasciocutaneous flap according to Limberg, supercharged using a thoracodorsal artery perforator, can provide skin and soft tissue coverage for extended defects in the axilla with a satisfactory outcome. The operative procedure is easy and reliable. This is a further surgical option for soft tissue extended reconstruction in the armpit.

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Acknowledgment

Thanks to Arch. Raluca F. Pescar for styling the drawing.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Catholic University of “Sacro Cuore”–School of Medicine, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00169, Rome, Italy

    Giuseppe Visconti

  2. via Pietro Adami 22, 00168, Rome, Italy

    Giuseppe Visconti

  3. Department of Plastic Surgery, University Medical Centre Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands

    Yassir Eltahir & Paul M. N. Werker

  4. Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University Medical Centre Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands

    Robert J. Van Ginkel

Authors
  1. Giuseppe Visconti
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  2. Yassir Eltahir
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  3. Robert J. Van Ginkel
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  4. Paul M. N. Werker
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Giuseppe Visconti.

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Visconti, G., Eltahir, Y., Van Ginkel, R.J. et al. Reconstruction of an Extended Defect in the Axilla Using a Thoracodorsal Fasciocutaneous Perforator Flap. Aesth Plast Surg 32, 813–816 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-008-9218-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-008-9218-7

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