The Transverse Abdominal Island Flap: Part II. Surgical Technique

The purpose of this article—an adjunct to Part I appearing in January—is to describe in detail the surgical technique of the transverse abdominal island flap for reconstructing the female breast after mastectomy. This perioperative and intraoperative management scenario represents the consensus of both authors and is not intended as a rigid set of rules on “how to do it.” Rather it is hoped that these observations, based on our experience, will stimulate further expansion and refinement and more exact definition of the art and science involved in this concept. This portion of the article should not be considered independent of the perspective presentedin Part I regarding patient selection, indications, contraindications, and limitations of the transverse abdominal island flap.