[Patients' satisfaction and social reintegration after breast reconstruction with the DIEP/TRAM flap]

The aim of the study was to evaluate social reintegration and patients' perception after breast reconstruction with the free TRAM/DIEP flap. Between 2004 and 2006, 100 patients with an average age of 48 years with breast cancer, capsular contracture and lymphangioma underwent single or second stage autologous tissue transfer. In 7 patients reconstruction was performed on both sides (altogether 107 flaps). The patients were seen for postoperative evaluation and were asked for their personal acceptance after reconstruction. Postoperatively, no instability of the abdominal wall was seen. 3 patients had a total flap loss, in 2 patients a partial loss was evident, 1 had a hematoma, 2 showed successfully treated thrombosis of the flap vein, and 2 patients suffered from wound healing problems at the flap and 4 patients at the abdomen. Aesthetic results concerning natural feeling and breast symmetry were graded as excellent and patients' satisfaction was high.