Using Social Media to Understand Patient Perceptions of Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Reconstruction

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Breast Reconstruction
• Patient-Reported Outcomes

Background:

• Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is the gold standard for autologous breast reconstruction.
• Growing patient interest in DIEP flaps due to concerns with silicone implants and transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap complications.
• Social media analysis is increasingly relevant for understanding patient experiences with DIEP flaps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze patient perceptions of DIEP flap reconstruction using social media data.
• To identify common themes, outcomes, and complications discussed by patients online.
• To gauge the overall sentiment and engagement related to DIEP flap experiences on social media platforms.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 1000 social media posts from Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) between January 2015 and June 2024.
• Posts were analyzed for patient demographics, reported outcomes, complications, and overall sentiment.
• Engagement metrics (likes, comments) were assessed for posts discussing complications.

Main Results:

• The majority of posts (94.0%) were from women; 63.7% were postoperative.
• Overall sentiment was largely neutral (49.9%), with Instagram showing higher positivity (50.0%).
• Cosmetic issues and wound healing were the most common complications reported. Instagram posts about complications received significantly more comments (P=0.0124).

Conclusions:

• Social media provides valuable insights into patient experiences with DIEP flap reconstruction.
• Clinicians can leverage these insights to improve preoperative education and postoperative support.
• Understanding patient concerns regarding cosmetic outcomes and complications is crucial for enhancing recovery.