All about the DIEP flap reconstruction procedure

Escrito por: Top Doctors®
Publicado:
Editado por: Jessica Wise

The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap procedure is one of the several methods to reconstruct the form of the breasts during or after a mastectomy. In this article, an acclaimed plastic surgeon explains the benefits of the DIEP flap reconstruction, and why it may be preferable for patients compared to other techniques.

 

 

What is the DIEP flap reconstruction?

The DIEP procedure involves the removal of a section of abdominal tissue, skin, and fat, which is then shaped to make a new breast. The blood vessels within the section are detached and then reconnected to the blood supply in the chest. The name comes from the specific abdominal blood vessel that is reconnected.

The DIEP flap procedure is very similar to a TRAM flap procedure, taking the same section of tissue, however, the DIEP flap does not use or remove any of the abdominal muscles, preserving the structural integrity of the abdomen.

Patients who are very thin or otherwise lack fat and tissue in their midsection, or who have undergone other abdominal wall procedures, will not be suitable for this surgery.

 

What happens during a DIEP flap reconstruction?

The procedure can be performed at the same time as a mastectomy, called an immediate reconstruction, or performed after a mastectomy, called a delayed reconstruction. Some patients may wish to have the reconstructed breast as soon as possible, but others may be still undergoing cancer treatments, such as radiation or chemotherapy, and will need to wait to finish treatment before they can have a reconstruction, as to do earlier will impact the success of the reconstruction and interfere with their recovery. A delayed recovery can happen months or years after a mastectomy.

The DIEP flap surgery begins with the surgeon making a large incision along the lower abdomen to remove the donor tissue (referred to as the flap). The tissue flap is then transplanted to the breast, and the blood vessels of the flap are joined to those in the breast area. This keeps the donor tissue flap alive and helps it integrate into the area as it heals. The flap is then moulded to the appearance of the natural breast, matching the other breast (if applicable) as much as possible for symmetry and authenticity. After it is secured, all incisions in the chest and abdomen are sealed. This will surely leave behind scars, surely, but a skilled surgeon will ensure that they are thin and largely unnoticeable.

Overall, the procedure can take between six to 10 hours, classifying this as a long and major surgery, and also has a longer recovery time than a TRAM procedure, but overall it has better, more stable results for both the breast and abdomen due to the lack of interference with the muscles, and will appear and feel more natural than saline or silicone implants.

 

How is the recovery process after a DIEP flap reconstruction?

Patients will spend a few nights in the hospital for monitoring, rest, and to drain excess fluids. Recovery time can take around two months, and it is recommended that patients avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting during this time. There could be aching or numbness in the chest and abdomen as the body heals – numbness in particular can last for up to a year, but the nerves will eventually acclimate.

 

If you are considering a breast reconstruction, connect with a specialist on Top Doctors today.

 Topdoctors

Por Topdoctors
Cirugía plástica, estética y reparadora


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