title: Pre-expanded Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap.
abstract: The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap can be used to cover large defects of the proximal lower extremity, abdominal wall, perineum, vulva, and buttock. Pre-expanding DIEP flaps cause a possible delay phenomenon improving vascularity, decrease donor site morbidity, and increase the area that can be covered. Pre-expansion requires staged procedures, has risk of extrusion and infection, causes temporary contour deformity during the expansion process, and requires a longer course. Pre-expanded DIEP flaps can be a useful flap with proper patient selection and planning.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, Baylor Scott & White Health, 2401 South 31st Street, Temple, TX 76508, USA.
authors.forename: Sharon E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Monsivais
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, Baylor Scott & White Health, 2401 South 31st Street, Temple, TX 76508, USA.
authors.forename: Nicholas D
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Webster
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, Baylor Scott & White Health, 2401 South 31st Street, Temple, TX 76508, USA.
authors.forename: Stacy
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, Baylor Scott & White Health, 2401 South 31st Street, Temple, TX 76508, USA. Electronic address: Michel.SaintCyr@BSWHealth.org.
authors.forename: Michel H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Saint-Cyr
mesh_terms: D034861:Abdominal Wall / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000601:surgery; D019074:Epigastric Arteries / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D061525:Perforator Flap / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000601:surgery; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D015626:Tissue Expansion / Q000379:methods*; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting
keywords: DIEP; Deep inferior epigastric perforator flap; Pre-expansion; Tissue expansion