title: The deep inferior epigastric perforator flap for breast reconstruction, the learning curve explored.
abstract: The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap has been used as the principle tool for secondary breast reconstruction in our department. This article details our experience in learning and improving the technique with the help of an external team of experienced surgeons. In our initial 65 DIEP flap breast reconstructions our total flap loss rate was reduced from 9.5 to 0%, partial flap loss rate from 31 to 0%, and fat necrosis rate from 17 to 4.3%. We illustrate how a surgical team, which might initially have considered the complication rate from DIEP flap breast reconstruction too high, can benefit from a staged approach to this complex, but useful, reconstruction technique.
authors.affiliation: Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Telemark Public Hospital, Skien, Norway.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Busic
authors.forename: Rana
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Das-Gupta
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mesic
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Begic
mesh_terms: D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000379:methods; D019074:Epigastric Arteries / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011214:Practice, Psychological; D012086:Reoperation; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000473:pathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome