Breast Reconstruction with Perforator Flaps in Poland Syndrome: Report of a Two-Stage Strategy and Literature Review.

Abstract

Background: Poland syndrome is a congenital deformity presenting unilateral hypoplasia of the breast, pectoralis muscle, and ipsilateral skeletal anomalies. In complex female cases, the significant amount of soft tissue needed for reconstruction continues to be a surgical challenge. Perforator flaps offer alternative methods with sufficient tissue volume, minimal donor site morbidity, and natural cosmetic outcome; however, their role in Poland syndrome breast reconstruction is seldom discussed. This study aims to present a new 2-stage strategy for esthetic restoration of the Poland syndrome chest anomaly that achieves breast symmetry while maintaining a scarless appearance.

Case presentation: A 38-year-old female presented with Poland syndrome on the right side, and amastia, athelia, and absence of pectoralis major muscle were observed. We present an innovative 2-stage approach consisting of tissue expansion and, successively, a deep inferior epigastric perforator flap transfer. A pleasing breast appearance had been achieved at 6 months of follow-up. A literature review regarding the use of free perforator flaps in Poland syndrome was conducted to demonstrate the applicability of this method. Seven articles described a total of 15 cases using free perforator flaps met the inclusion criteria and were summarized. A satisfactory correction was reported in all the cases.

Conclusion: Perforator flaps provide reliable alternatives for Poland syndrome breast and chest-wall reconstruction. Proper patient selection and thorough assessment are vital to the success of the surgery.