The Use Of The Diep Flap In The Modern Reconstructive Surgery

Perforator flaps are one of the most complex currently known forms of tissue reconstruction. Their discovery base based on the knowledge of many generations of scientists. The DIEP flap is used in clinical situations where there is need to reconstruct a large tissue volume. Owing to the similarity of tissue structure and skin colour, it is a flap of choice in breast reconstruction with native tissues. It has large dimensions size and a considerable volume. Its peduncle is characterised by a large diameter and significant length of vessels. Anatomical variation is low and possible to assess preoperatively. It is for these reasons that the DIEP flap is counted among the flaps of the highest clinical use. With careful planning, application of meticulous surgical technique and utilisation of the operating team's experience, the complication rate is relatively low. The current reality of medical procedure pricing makes it impossible not to mention the costs. DIEP flap breast reconstruction is apparently expensive. Breast reconstruction with implants is associated with lower initial costs, but often requires additional procedures spread over time (e.g. implant replacement, plastic surgery of the other breast), which makes the costs difficult to estimate. Costs incurred by a facility performing DIEP flap reconstruction are currently not reflected in the pricing of this procedure by the Polish National Health Fund (NFZ), which is another factor affecting the number of such surgeries performed in Poland.