ArticlePlastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open2018
The Pedicled LICAP Flap Combined with a Free Abdominal Flap In Autologous Breast Reconstructions.
Article in Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open, 2018. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
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Who cites it
4 citing papers in PubMed, 4 citations in OpenAlex.
- Comparative Analysis of Bilateral Stacked Flap and Hybrid Breast Reconstruction: Clinical Results and Patient-reported Outcomes.Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open · 2026Article
- Scarless LICAP Flap Harvest Through Wise Pattern Incision for Breast Volume Restoration After Explantation: Retrospective Series of 10 Patients.Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open · 2026Article
- Combined perforator flaps for total breast reconstruction-a narrative review and insights from massive weight loss cases.Gland surgery · 2024Review
- Oncoplastic reconstruction of a large chest wall defect using dual fasciocutaneous flaps: A case report.International journal of surgery case reports · 2022Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
2 authors at 1 institution in 1 country.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundPrevious surgery or slim body configuration can limit the size of the available abdominal flap in autologous breast reconstruction. However, redundant skin and subcutaneous tissue lateral to the mastectomy site can be utilized as the pedicled lateral intercostal artery perforator (LICAP) flap. This study evaluates the combination of a free abdominal flap and a pedicled LICAP flap to achieve increased breast size and improved cosmetic outcome.
methodsPatients undergoing secondary autologous breast reconstruction were included in a prospective study. The combination with a LICAP flap was used for women with insufficient abdominal flap tissue in relation to the desired breast size. The authors also assessed their modification of the original lateral thoracodorsal flap design to improve the aesthetic outcome.
resultsIn 109 patients, 121 free abdominal flaps were performed. The combination with a pedicled LICAP flap was used in 82 free abdominal flap reconstructions (68%). The LICAP flap provided additional volume and resulted in better projection and ptosis of the neo-mamma. The overall complication rate for the LICAP flaps was 26 %; all minor complications. Despite combining flaps, the majority of patients needed additional surgery to improve breast symmetry. Breast reduction of the native breast was the most common symmetrizing procedure.
conclusionIn selected patients with insufficient abdominal flap tissue, a combination of a free abdominal flap and a pedicled LICAP flap is a valuable option to increase breast size and cosmetic outcome. Additional symmetrizing surgery might still be necessary.
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Registered trials
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