The versatile DIEP flap: its use in lower extremity reconstruction.
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.
Van Landuyt
Koenraad
K
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Gent, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Gent, Belgium. koenraad.vanlanduyt@ugent.be
Blondeel
Phillip
P
Hamdi
Moustapha
M
Tonnard
Patrick
P
Verpaele
Alex
A
Monstrey
Stanislas
S
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