[Benefit of simultaneous contralateral breast symmetry procedure with unilateral breast reconstruction using DIEP flaps. About 33 cases]

Background: After unilateral breast reconstruction, a procedure on the contralateral breast is often needed to achieve symmetry. Here, we present a single surgeon's experience with performing contralateral symmetry procedures simultaneously with DIEP flap.

Methods: We evaluated 33 consecutive patients (mean age, 52.1 years) who underwent DIEP flap unilateral breast reconstruction and a simultaneous contralateral breast procedure performed and 2 patients with delayed controlateral symmetry procedures. A single-stage breast cancer reconstruction is successful if after the original reconstruction no correction for revision of breast mound, or contralateral breast procedures are performed, under general anesthetic, to complete the reconstruction.

Results: In 24 patients (73%), breast reconstruction was completed after a single stage with one general anesthetic, and in 8 patients (24%), revisions were performed with two general anesthetic (7 patients) and three general anesthetic in one case. Reconstructions requiring more than one general anesthetic were due to 4 of 39 (10%) postoperative complications. Mean operating time was 485 minutes.

Conclusions: For patients who need contralateral reduction mammoplasty or mastopexy for symmetry, performing these procedures and breast reconstruction simultaneously facilitates single-stage breast reconstruction in most patients.