Does Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy (PMRT) After Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap (DIEP) Reconstruction Increase Complications?

Abstract

The DIEP flap has become the gold standard for autologous breast reconstruction because it retains a better quality of the abdominal donor site, and there is decreased morbidity with DIEP flap compared to TRAM flap reconstruction. However, there is a paucity of literature regarding the effect of PMRT on DIEP flaps. We reviewed our experience with bilateral reconstructions receiving unilateral PMRT to evaluate the impact of RT. The objectives of the study were to assess the type and frequency of complications observed and effect on symmetry and cosmesis.