Abstract PS2-05-03: Lateral intercostal artery perforator (LICAP) flap: a new surgical approach for granulomatous lobular mastitis

Abstract Background: Granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM) is characterized by nonspecific chronic inflammation concentrated in breast lobules. Surgical resection is one of the most common treatment options for GLM. Here we report our 1-year experience with a new treatment approach for GLM that involves the use of a lateral intercostal artery perforator (LICAP) flap. Methods: During March 2024 to May 2024, we enrolled 20 GLM patients who underwent breast surgery with the use of LICAP flap. All patients were women; most of the patients were 18-50 years old; and all the clinical manifestation of GLM was breast mass. Then, we evaluated operative data (time, blood loss, and intraoperative complications), primary healing time, and recurrence, and we also analyzed the safety of day-case surgery and patient-reported outcomes (cosmetic outcome, and improvement in dressing change and bathing) at 12 months. We recorded the occurrence of common postoperative complications of the breast and documented the follow-up conditions with photographs. Results: Median age of the patients was 42 years (range: 27 to 50 years). Duration of GLM was about 1 month, and median size of the lesions was 4.75 cm (range: 3.6 to 8 cm). No significant intraoperative complications occurred. All wounds healed by primary intention. The patients' satisfaction with the breast shape was as follows: excellent (85%), good (15%), acceptable (0%), and poor (0%). No recurrence was recorded. Day-case surgery was proven to be safe and feasible, and could reduce hospital stay. Conclusion: For GLM patients refractory to conservative therapy or former unsatisfactory surgical management whose lesion is larger than 3 cm, LICAP is a suitable approach to fill the post-operation defect and achieve a relatively satisfactory cosmetic outcome. Citation Format: W. Chen, B. Zhu, J. Xue, L. Zheng. Lateral intercostal artery perforator (LICAP) flap: a new surgical approach for granulomatous lobular mastitis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2025; 2025 Dec 9-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2026;32(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS2-05-03.