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[Breast reconstruction by DIEP free flap: about 100 cases]
1Service de chirurgie plastique esthétique et reconstructrice, microchirurgie et chirurgie de la main centre hospitalier de Luxembourg, 4, rue Barblé, 2120 Luxembourg, Luxembourg. degreef.christian@chl.lu
Annales De Chirurgie Plastique Et Esthetique
|February 8, 2005
Summary
The Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap offers aesthetic breast reconstruction without sacrificing the rectus abdominis muscle. This technique reduces morbidity, leading to faster recovery and less pain compared to traditional methods.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Autologous breast reconstruction traditionally involved rectus abdominis muscle sacrifice, leading to morbidity.
- The Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap emerged as an alternative to preserve muscle integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of DIEP flap for autologous breast reconstruction.
- To compare DIEP flap morbidity with other techniques.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 100 DIEP flap breast reconstructions (94 patients) between 1997-2002.
- Analysis of reconstruction timing (immediate, delayed, post-implant failure), patient risk factors, recipient vessels, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Low complication rates: 5% partial flap loss, 2% liponecrosis.
- Mean operative times: 6h 28m (unilateral), 9h 30m (bilateral).
- Mean hospital stay: 7.3 days, with minimal abdominal bulging.
Conclusions:
- DIEP flap provides aesthetic breast reconstruction while preserving the rectus abdominis muscle.
- This method reduces harvest morbidity, postoperative pain, and hospital stay.
- Comparable complication rates to free TRAM flap with improved patient recovery.