title: The versatile DIEP flap: its use in lower extremity reconstruction.
abstract: The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap gained widespread popularity as a free flap in breast reconstruction. It is also a versatile and reliable supply of a large amount of skin and soft-tissue, which can be used in other types of reconstruction. We present 25 consecutive cases (28 DIEP flaps) performed in our service during the past 5 years for different indications in lower extremity aesthetic and functional reconstruction, both as pedicled or free flaps. The amount of tissue provided, its reliable vascular supply and long and adequately sized pedicles, together with its limited donor-site morbidity make it a useful alternative free flap.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Gent, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Gent, Belgium. koenraad.vanlanduyt@ugent.be
authors.forename: Koenraad
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Van Landuyt
authors.forename: Phillip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Blondeel
authors.forename: Moustapha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hamdi
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tonnard
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Verpaele
authors.forename: Stanislas
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Monstrey
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000601:surgery; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome