Thoracolateral flap

The thoracolateral flap represents a simple and reliable technique, especially when the breast cancer is located in the lateral portion of the breast and was originally described by Holmström and Lossing in 1985, being a modification of the thoracoepigastric flap developed by Cronin in the end of the 70’s.

The thoracolateral flap has the advantage of being similar in texture and skin color in comparison to the reconstructed breast. In addition, the morbidity of the donor area is minimal, as it does not sacrifice muscles or nerves, resulting in lower morbidity, shorter hospital stay and good aesthetic and functional results.

The use of this local dermoglandular flap allows extensive resections in breast-conserving surgery, resulting in good local oncological control, satisfactory symmetry, without the need for symmetrization of the contralateral breast, with low rates of postoperative complications and high rates of free surgical margins.