Bilateral Autologous Breast Reconstruction in a Patient with Unilateral Breast Cancer: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

Various reconstructive and/or oncoplastic options are available for breast cancer patients. In properly selected patients, autologous tissue-based reconstruction usually results in aesthetic, natural breasts. The choice of a reconstructive option for a breast cancer patient is a multifactorial decision that should consider the patient's values and preferences, as well as oncologic variables. A case of a 47-year-old woman who underwent bilateral skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) and bilateral abdominally-based reconstruction despite having unilateral breast cancer. Right SSM and left lumpectomy were indicated for ductal carcinoma in situ in the right breast and benign tumors with microcalcifications in the left breast. The patient had very small breasts and wished for larger breasts, using her own tissue, to be created in a single-stage operation. Right SSM and left subcutaneous mastectomy were followed by bilateral free transverse rectus abdominis flap reconstruction and nipple sharing.