What method of breast reconstruction surgery involves a flap of tissue that remains attached to its original site via blood supply?

The method of breast reconstruction surgery that involves a flap of tissue remaining attached to its original site via blood supply is known as a musculocutaneous flap. This technique utilizes a section of skin and underlying muscle that is still connected to the blood vessels, allowing for the preservation of the tissue's viability.

In musculocutaneous flap procedures, the surgeon carefully moves a portion of muscle along with its overlying skin from one area of the body (commonly the abdomen or back) to the breast area. Since the flap maintains its blood supply, this enhances the chances of successful integration into the new site and reduces the risk of tissue necrosis.

Implant-based reconstruction, on the other hand, involves placing artificial implants rather than using tissue from the patient’s own body. The latissimus dorsi flap is a specific type of musculocutaneous flap that utilizes the latissimus dorsi muscle from the back. A free flap involves detaching the tissue from its original site and reattaching it at the new site, which is not the case in musculocutaneous flap procedures. Thus, the definition and properties of a musculocutaneous flap align perfectly with the description given in the question.