Fat necrosis in free DIEAP flaps: incidence, risk, and predictor factors.
Fat necrosis within a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap reconstructed breast is considered a minor complication from reconstructive point of view, but one that can induce anxiety, inconvenience and concerns about cancer recurrence to the oncologist and the patient. A series of 100 consecutive unilateral deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap breast reconstructions were reviewed to identify the institutional incidence as well as potential risk and predictor factors of fat necrosis. Examination revealed 37 reconstructed breasts with palpable firmnesses (described as clinical fat necrosis) and ultrasonography and mammography confirmed signs of fat necrosis in 30 reconstructed breasts. Flaps harvested on a single perforator, obese patients with body mass index > or = 30 and revision operations were all statistically significant predictors in our statistical model. Postoperative radiotherapy, a reconstructed breast volume over 500 mL and a pedicle raised on a single row of perforators were statistically significant only after univariate analysis and their statistical strength was lost after introducing them with multivariate model. This study helped us to further clarify criteria for selection of patients undergoing breast reconstruction with flaps from the abdomen.
Bozikov
Kresimir
K
Department of Plastic Surgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia. kresimirbozikov@yahoo.com
Arnez
Tine
T
Hertl
Kristijana
K
Arnez
Zoran M
ZM
D015992:Body Mass Index; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005218:Fat Necrosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D016015:Logistic Models; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D008327:Mammography; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D016217:Ultrasonography, Mammary