Immediate breast reconstruction with a deep inferior epigastric perforator flap

Objective To summarize the experiences of immediate breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric perforator(DIEP)flap and to evaluate indications and advantages of the technique.Methods From April 2003 to June 2009,immediate breast reconstruction following mastectomy using DIEP flap was performed in 21 patients who had received mastectomy for stage I and II breast cancer(radical mastectomy in 6 cases and modified radical mastectomy in 15).Before the operation the location of DIEP was determined by using MDCT(multidetector computed tomography)angiography and Doppler perfusion flowmeter.When mastectomy was completed DIEP was dissected to obtain DIEP flap simultaneously.And the deep inferior epigastric vessels were anastomosed to the thoracodorsal vessel for immediate breast reconstruction.Results The follow-up time was 6 months to 6 years.Among the 21 patients 20 had their flaps completely survived postoperatively,fat necrosis of the distal part(1/3)occurred in one.One case suffered from hematoma in recipient site.No complications such as abdominal hernia and bulge or fat necrosis in donor sites were found.The reconstructed breasts were well-shaped.Conclusion Immediate breast reconstruction using DIEP flap possesses the advantages of satisfactory recipient condition,abundant tissue volume and minimal donor site injury.