Hand-performed minimal fascial incision DIEP flap breast reconstruction: A scoring system and early single-centre experience

A hand-performed MFI DIEP flap reduced hospital stay and mesh use, and was not significantly different in terms of operative time or complication rate to a standard DIEP flap. A scoring system was proposed to optimise patient selection for MFI. The hand-performed technique represents a key step in the surgical learning curve towards laparoscopic and robotic approaches. Further multi-centre prospective studies should be carried out to minimise performance bias and test the proposed framework.