[Satisfaction and quality of life after DIEP-flap breast reconstruction]

Satisfaction and quality of life of patients who have undergone DIEP-flap breast reconstruction have been assessed by many authors in many countries using standardized tools. However, some simple and practical information is often not found in these studies. The aim of our work was to carry out a practical satisfaction survey of patients reconstructed by DIEP flap in our center. Our cohort was made up of 207 patients who underwent DIEP-flap breast reconstruction in Marseille between January 2014 and December 2020. A letter containing our original satisfaction survey was sent to all the patients in our sample. We received 104 responses, which were statistically analyzed using the flat sorting method. Nine-two percent of patients were globally satisfied with the result of their breast reconstruction. A large majority of patients are in favor of the idea of performing their reconstruction again using a DIEP flap. Fifty-five percent of participants were "not bothered at all" by their abdomen after their surgery. The DIEP flap is a versatile technique that allows surgeons to offer it in multiple breast reconstruction situations and to obtain a high degree of patient satisfaction.