Using KISS Flaps in a Chest Wall Reconstruction After Mastectomy for Locally Advanced Breast Cancer: A New Technique

Abstract

This study described a technique for the reconstruction of large lateral thoracic defects after local advanced breast cancer resection that allows for complete cover of the defect and primary closure of the donor site. The authors performed reconstruction using the newly designed KISS flap in 2 women for coverage of their large skin defect (15 × 13 cm each) following mastectomies with extensive tissue resection. The KISS flap consisting of 2 skin islands (marked Flap A and Flap B; 15 × 6 cm each) was designed and transferred to the thoracic defect through the subcutaneous tunnel, and based on the same vessel. The flap covered properly without causing excessive tension and allowed primary closure of chest wound and donor defect. The security it brings is comparable with that of classical radical mastectomy, and its success rate is similar to that of single skin flap transplantation. Compared with the conventional pedicled latissimus-dorsi-musculocutaneous flap, we believe that the donor zone tension decreases, wherein the KISS flaps can reduce the incidence of incision dehiscence and nonhealing complications to some extent. The study reported good results from this technique and discussed the techniques that referenced previous reports.