Background: Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have historically been deterred from free flap breast reconstruction due to perceived complication risks. Numerous studies examining patients with ESRD have cited free flap complications, including increased incidences of infection and wound breakdown, with some surgeons suggesting ESRD is an independent risk factor for flap failure.15 Due to perceived risks, autologous breast reconstruction has not been extensively explored as an option in patients with ESRD on hemodialysis with comorbid connective tissue/autoimmune disorders, such as SLE. To the authors' knowledge, there are currently no published reports of successful free flap breast reconstruction in patients with ESRD due to SLE.
Methods: This case report describes a patient requiring hemodialysis for ESRD caused by SLE who underwent left mastectomy and immediate autologous breast reconstruction. Deep inferior epigastric perforator flap technique was employed.
Conclusions: This successful case report suggests the use of free flaps is a feasible option that should be considered for oncologic breast reconstruction in patients with ESRD secondary to SLE who require hemodialysis. The authors believe that further investigation is warranted to evaluate the safety of autologous breast reconstruction as an option for patients with either comorbidity. While ESRD and SLE are not explicit contraindications to free flap reconstruction, careful patient selection and appropriate indication is paramount for immediate surgical and long-term reconstructive success.
Keywords: Autologous Free Flap; Breast Reconstruction; DIEP Flap Breast; End Stage Renal Disease; Erythematosus Breast; Reconstruction; Systemic Lupus.