Impact of chest wall perforator flap reconstruction on mastectomy in breast cancer

Introduction: Breast conserving surgery (BCS) has comparable or superior oncological safety when compared to mastectomy and is associated with improved cosmetic and psychological outcome. Previously patients with larger tumour to breast ratios were not suitable for BCS due to poor aesthetic outcomes and hence underwent total mastectomy with or without reconstruction. With the introduction of chest wall perforator flaps (CWPF), a significant proportion of these women who would have otherwise undergone mastectomy, can now qualify for BCS along with volume replacement.