High-volume hydrodissection for abdominally based free flaps: Preliminary results

Introduction: A novel method of high-volume hydrodissection that provides both subfascial and intramuscular perforator dissection of deep inferior epigastric perforators has been safely demonstrated in animals. This manuscript demonstrates our preliminary results when translating this technique to humans. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all free-flap breast reconstructions utilizing the high-volume hydrodissection technique performed by the senior author (DS) at the University of Florida Medical Center from January 2014 to June 2015. Results: Twenty-one patients underwent 31 free-flap breast reconstructions during the study period utilizing the high-volume hydrodissection technique. No patients were lost to follow-up which averaged 8.2 months. Complications included 1 partial flap necrosis (<10%), 1 breast hematoma, 1 abdominal bulge, 2 flaps with minimal fat necrosis (<5%), and 1 abdominal wall cellulitis. Conclusion: High-volume hydrodissection is a safe technique to facilitate dissection of abdominally based free flaps for breast reconstruction.