Enhancing Volume Precision in Breast Reconstruction: A BMI-Based Model for Predicting Flap Weight in Profunda Artery Perforator Flaps

<b>Background:</b> In recent years, the profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap has gained recognition as a viable technique in autologous breast reconstruction, demonstrating low donor site morbidity and favorable reconstructive outcomes. This study aims to highlight the recent refinement...

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Main Authors: Charalampos Varnava, Shaghayegh Gorji, Sascha Wellenbrock, Tobias Hirsch, Maximilian Kückelhaus, Philipp Wiebringhaus
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Life
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/4/667
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author Charalampos Varnava
Shaghayegh Gorji
Sascha Wellenbrock
Tobias Hirsch
Maximilian Kückelhaus
Philipp Wiebringhaus
author_facet Charalampos Varnava
Shaghayegh Gorji
Sascha Wellenbrock
Tobias Hirsch
Maximilian Kückelhaus
Philipp Wiebringhaus
author_sort Charalampos Varnava
collection DOAJ
description <b>Background:</b> In recent years, the profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap has gained recognition as a viable technique in autologous breast reconstruction, demonstrating low donor site morbidity and favorable reconstructive outcomes. This study aims to highlight the recent refinements using the PAP flap for breast reconstruction focusing on preoperative volume prediction. <b>Methods:</b> A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the outcomes of breast reconstruction surgeries using the PAP flap at our institution between May 2018 and December 2022. A total of 114 PAP flaps performed in 96 patients were included. Statistical analysis was performed to analyze flap volume in relation to body mass index (BMI). Surgical details, such as donor site-related complications and patient characteristics, were also collected. <b>Results:</b> BMI was identified as a statistically significant predictor (<i>p</i> < 0.001) for flap weight in the resulting model. The average BMI observed was 23.0, while the mean flap weight was 304.2 g. The predictive model for flap weight was determined as follows: flap weight (g) = (19.252 × BMI) − 143.572. This model underscores the relationship between BMI and flap weight, quantifying the influence of BMI on flap weight prediction. <b>Conclusions:</b> Our study indicates that it is feasible to harvest an adequate volume for breast reconstruction even in patients with a low BMI. To facilitate preoperative prediction of PAP flap volume, we developed an algorithm designed to enhance preoperative planning and estimate the need for supplementary procedures to achieve the desired volume.
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spelling doaj-art-a08c024e53a74c7fba1d9e56d861b7792025-08-20T02:17:59ZengMDPI AGLife2075-17292025-04-0115466710.3390/life15040667Enhancing Volume Precision in Breast Reconstruction: A BMI-Based Model for Predicting Flap Weight in Profunda Artery Perforator FlapsCharalampos Varnava0Shaghayegh Gorji1Sascha Wellenbrock2Tobias Hirsch3Maximilian Kückelhaus4Philipp Wiebringhaus5Department of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, GermanyDepartment of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, GermanyDepartment of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, GermanyDepartment of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, GermanyDepartment of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, GermanyDepartment of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany<b>Background:</b> In recent years, the profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap has gained recognition as a viable technique in autologous breast reconstruction, demonstrating low donor site morbidity and favorable reconstructive outcomes. This study aims to highlight the recent refinements using the PAP flap for breast reconstruction focusing on preoperative volume prediction. <b>Methods:</b> A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the outcomes of breast reconstruction surgeries using the PAP flap at our institution between May 2018 and December 2022. A total of 114 PAP flaps performed in 96 patients were included. Statistical analysis was performed to analyze flap volume in relation to body mass index (BMI). Surgical details, such as donor site-related complications and patient characteristics, were also collected. <b>Results:</b> BMI was identified as a statistically significant predictor (<i>p</i> < 0.001) for flap weight in the resulting model. The average BMI observed was 23.0, while the mean flap weight was 304.2 g. The predictive model for flap weight was determined as follows: flap weight (g) = (19.252 × BMI) − 143.572. This model underscores the relationship between BMI and flap weight, quantifying the influence of BMI on flap weight prediction. <b>Conclusions:</b> Our study indicates that it is feasible to harvest an adequate volume for breast reconstruction even in patients with a low BMI. To facilitate preoperative prediction of PAP flap volume, we developed an algorithm designed to enhance preoperative planning and estimate the need for supplementary procedures to achieve the desired volume.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/4/667volumetryPAP flapbreast reconstructionquality of lifebreast cancer
spellingShingle Charalampos Varnava
Shaghayegh Gorji
Sascha Wellenbrock
Tobias Hirsch
Maximilian Kückelhaus
Philipp Wiebringhaus
Enhancing Volume Precision in Breast Reconstruction: A BMI-Based Model for Predicting Flap Weight in Profunda Artery Perforator Flaps
Life
volumetry
PAP flap
breast reconstruction
quality of life
breast cancer
title Enhancing Volume Precision in Breast Reconstruction: A BMI-Based Model for Predicting Flap Weight in Profunda Artery Perforator Flaps
title_full Enhancing Volume Precision in Breast Reconstruction: A BMI-Based Model for Predicting Flap Weight in Profunda Artery Perforator Flaps
title_fullStr Enhancing Volume Precision in Breast Reconstruction: A BMI-Based Model for Predicting Flap Weight in Profunda Artery Perforator Flaps
title_full_unstemmed Enhancing Volume Precision in Breast Reconstruction: A BMI-Based Model for Predicting Flap Weight in Profunda Artery Perforator Flaps
title_short Enhancing Volume Precision in Breast Reconstruction: A BMI-Based Model for Predicting Flap Weight in Profunda Artery Perforator Flaps
title_sort enhancing volume precision in breast reconstruction a bmi based model for predicting flap weight in profunda artery perforator flaps
topic volumetry
PAP flap
breast reconstruction
quality of life
breast cancer
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/4/667
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