Breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap (DIEP-flap). History of development

Abstract

The article is devoted to the actual topic of breast reconstruction with autologous tissues. The article discusses the key stages in the development of breast reconstructive surgery using free flaps using microsurgical techniques. A flap of the anterior abdominal wall, among other techniques, is the method of choice for breast reconstruction today, also because it allows you to achieve the most "natural" result. The authors compares different variants of autologous flaps, describes the advantages of the DIEP flap in comparison with the TRAM flap. Also, special attention is paid to the choice of breast reconstruction method depending on age, constitutional characteristics and the presence of risk factors such as smoking, diabetes mellitus and excess BMI. Analyzing the advantages of breast reconstruction with autograft flaps, the author concludes that there is a higher quality of life and improved outcomes in these patients than in patients who underwent implant-based reconstruction. Based on the literature review, it was found that breast reconstruction with the help of perforating flaps is still an area of innovation and constant progress: research in this area to date is mainly aimed at reducing the morbidity of the donor area and methods for isolating recipient vessels, shortening the rehabilitation period and developing reproducible reconstruction method.