Innovative Reuse of Breast Expander Capsules for Parietal Pleura Repair in DIEP Flap Surgeries

Abstract

The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is a very popular method for autologous breast reconstruction due to its aesthetic benefits and muscle preservation. However, preparation of recipient vessels during this procedure can lead to complications, including injury to the parietal pleura, resulting in a possible post-operative pneumothorax. Current literature on parietal reconstruction in such cases is limited, with a variety of treatment methods reported. We present an innovative approach using an autologous breast expander capsule for reconstruction of a parietal pleura defect encountered during a DIEP flap procedure. In our case, the capsule from a previously placed breast tissue expander was utilised as a biological patch to repair a 1 × 1.5 cm pleural tear. No adverse effects were in post-operative recovery, with no pneumothorax observed. This technique offers a promising method in pleural reconstruction during DIEP flap surgeries, which are becoming popular in both reconstructive and aesthetic procedures.Level of Evidence III This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .