Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 20, 2026
An Experimental Human DIEP Flap Model to Investigate Preservation Strategies for Vascularized Composite Allografts and Free Flaps
Published on: December 5, 2025
Skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction with a deep inferior epigastric perforator flap
Kenji Yano1, Ko Hosokawa, Kunihiro Nakai
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2,Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan. knjyano@psurg.med.osaka-u.ac.jp
Background:
It is important for breast reconstruction after mastectomy to recreate immediately good breast symmetry with an adequate amount of soft tissue.
Methods:
Eight patients with breast cancer underwent skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction with a deep inferior epigastric perforator flap. This operative technique, and the results, advantages, and disadvantages of the technique were assessed.
Results:
Seven patients had stage IIA disease, and one patient had stage I disease. An arc-shaped incision was made just at the lateral border of the breast in all patients. Three patients had a separate periareolar incision, and one had a circumferential nipple incision. There was 100% flap survival, and good breast symmetry was achieved in all patients. No major perioperative complications occurred in this series. A small amount of fat necrosis occurred in one flap. One patient had slight abdominal bulging. Minor wound-healing problems at the lateral breast skin envelope occurred in two patients.
Conclusion:
These data indicate that skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction with a DIEP flap is a reliable and safe technique. This method is a potentially useful surgical technique, which has achieved very promising results.
