Individual difference in pectoralis major muscle thickness and its effect on single-stage breast reconstruction using a tissue expander

Background In breast reconstruction using a tissue expander (TE), sufficient coverage of the TE with the pectoralis major (PM) muscle, particularly with a musculofascial flap, is highly important for avoiding postoperative complications. In patients in whom the PM is thin, intraoperative trauma often occurs, leading to troublesome repair. The present study aimed to investigate the usefulness of preoperative measurement of PM thickness in planning of breast reconstruction using a TE.