Computed Tomographic Angiography–guided Zero-CO2 Endoscopic Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flap for Salvage Breast Reconstruction After Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Loss

Summary: Total loss of a free deep inferior epigastric perforator flap is a devastating complication in autologous breast reconstruction, particularly in low–body mass index Asian patients with limited salvage options. A reliable pedicled alternative that minimizes donor-site morbidity is therefore essential. We report a case of a 47-year-old woman who developed complete deep inferior epigastric perforator flap necrosis and was successfully salvaged using a computed tomographic angiography–guided endoscopic thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap based on the lateral thoracodorsal artery. Through a single 8-cm posterior axillary incision, the TDAP pedicle was skeletonized endoscopically with minimal muscle harvest and without gas insufflation. The flap survived completely without seroma or shoulder dysfunction, and the donor-site scar was inconspicuous at 6-month follow-up. This case demonstrates that computed tomographic angiography–guided endoscopic TDAP flap harvest without CO 2 insufflation is a practical, low-morbidity salvage option after microsurgical failure and is particularly suitable for Asian centers with limited access to standard insufflation equipment.

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Publication Details

Journal
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Global Open
Published
2026-07-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000007918
Primary Topic
Reconstructive Surgery and Microvascular Techniques
Type
article
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article

Computed Tomographic Angiography–guided Zero-CO2 Endoscopic Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flap for Salvage Breast Reconstruction After Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Loss

Hong Nhung Nguyen, Quang Vinh Vu, Thanh Tuan Hoang, Tung Vo et al.
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Global Open
Reconstructive Surgery and Microvascular Techniques
article

Computed Tomographic Angiography–guided Zero-CO2 Endoscopic Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flap for Salvage Breast Reconstruction After Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Loss

Hong Nhung Nguyen, Quang Vinh Vu, Thanh Tuan Hoang, Tung Vo, Tuan Anh Bui
article en

Abstract

Summary: Total loss of a free deep inferior epigastric perforator flap is a devastating complication in autologous breast reconstruction, particularly in low–body mass index Asian patients with limited salvage options. A reliable pedicled alternative that minimizes donor-site morbidity is therefore essential. We report a case of a 47-year-old woman who developed complete deep inferior epigastric perforator flap necrosis and was successfully salvaged using a computed tomographic angiography–guided endoscopic thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap based on the lateral thoracodorsal artery. Through a single 8-cm posterior axillary incision, the TDAP pedicle was skeletonized endoscopically with minimal muscle harvest and without gas insufflation. The flap survived completely without seroma or shoulder dysfunction, and the donor-site scar was inconspicuous at 6-month follow-up. This case demonstrates that computed tomographic angiography–guided endoscopic TDAP flap harvest without CO 2 insufflation is a practical, low-morbidity salvage option after microsurgical failure and is particularly suitable for Asian centers with limited access to standard insufflation equipment.

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Global OpenVol. 14(7)
Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VN), Vietnam Military Medical University (VN), Hung Vuong Hospital (VN), 108 Military Central Hospital (VN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 6%
Reconstructive Surgery and Microvascular Techniques
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Computed Tomographic Angiography–guided Zero-CO2 Endoscopic Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flap for Salvage Breast Reconstruction After Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Loss — Hong Nhung Nguyen, Quang Vinh Vu, et al. · Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Global Open (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS