OUR PRELIMINARY EXPERIENCE WITH A NEW METHOD OF DIEAp FLAP DISSECTION.

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Microsurgery
• Breast Reconstruction

Background:

• Abdominal tissue is a preferred source for autologous breast reconstruction.
• Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flaps are commonly used.
• A new intramuscular dissection approach for DIEP flaps is presented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a novel intramuscular dissection technique for DIEP flaps.
• To compare the outcomes of the new technique with traditional DIEP flap dissection.
• To assess operative time and complication rates.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study involving 84 women undergoing breast reconstruction.
• Comparison between traditional DIEP flap dissection (49 patients) and the new intramuscular dissection (35 patients).
• Data collected on operative time and complication rates.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in complication rates between the two groups (p > 0.1).
• Mean operative time for the new approach was 3 hours 10 minutes per flap, significantly shorter than the traditional method (3 hours 41 minutes, p < 0.01).
• The new technique avoids fascia resection and preserves a protective muscle cuff around vessels.

Conclusions:

• The proposed intramuscular dissection is a novel and reliable technique for DIEP flap breast reconstruction.
• It offers easier dissection, reduced perforator injury risk, and is suitable for less experienced surgeons.
• This time-reducing technique presents a reproducible option compared to traditional DIEP flaps.