Longitudinal Volume Assessment of Reconstructed Breast Using Three-Dimensional Measurement: How Do DIEP and LD Flap...

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) and latissimus dorsi (LD) flaps are common autologous breast reconstruction methods.
• Previous studies on flap volume changes often lack immediate postoperative measurements.
• Accurate assessment of flap volume dynamics is essential for evaluating reconstruction outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the volumetric changes of DIEP and LD flaps from the immediate postoperative period.
• To compare flap volume changes over 12 months using three-dimensional (3D) scanning.
• To establish a baseline for future flap volume assessment studies.

Main Methods:

• Patients undergoing DIEP or LD flap breast reconstruction were enrolled.
• A Kinect 3D scanner measured reconstructed and contralateral healthy breast volumes.
• Measurements were taken immediately post-surgery and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, analyzed with a linear mixed model.

Main Results:

• DIEP flaps showed a statistically significant volume increase up to 3 months compared to immediate postoperative measurements.
• LD flaps demonstrated a significant decrease in volume over the 12-month follow-up period.
• Volume ratios differed significantly between DIEP and LD flaps when compared to the healthy control side.

Conclusions:

• LD flap volume consistently decreases post-surgery, whereas DIEP flap volume increases by approximately 10% within the first month.
• The initial volume increase of DIEP flaps should be considered in research not starting measurements immediately post-surgery.
• 3D scanning provides a reliable method for tracking flap volume changes in breast reconstruction.