[Breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric perforator artery free flap]

Today, breast reconstruction is an integrate part of the treatment for patients after ablative breast surgery. Many techniques of breast reconstruction were developed utilizing autologous tissues. Some of these techniques involve significant donor site morbidity, making their use questionable. We present our initial experience using the Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery (DIEA) Perforator Free Flap for breast reconstruction. The flap carries the skin and fat tissue from the abdominal wall while maintaining and preserving the abdominal wall muscles and using only it's vascular pedicle, which is re-anastomosed of the vessels on the thorax. This procedure was used in 50 women, with full success in 49 cases. There were only a few complications, most of which were treated conservatively. This technique of breast reconstruction holds many advantages: shorter recovery period, less pain, rapid return to normal activity, maintenance of the abdominal wall strength and easier insetting of the reconstructed breast with better aesthetic results.