Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Surgery Research Articles

Evaluating mesh use for abdominal donor site closure after deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Despite improvement in abdominal morbidity with deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction compared to prior abdominally-based free flap breast reconstruction, abdominal bulge, and hernia rates have been cited anywhere from 2% to 33%. As a result, some surgeons utilize mesh or other reinforcement upon donor-site closure, but its benefit in preventing abdominal wall morbidity has not been well-defined for DIEP flaps. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate DIEP donor-site closure techniques and the impact of mesh type and plane on abdominal-wall morbidity including hernia and bulge, relative to primary fascial closure. MEDLINE, PubMED, Cochrane Library, and SCOPUS were systematically reviewed for studies evaluating DIEP flap breast reconstruction abdominal-donor site closure, where any mesh reinforcement or primary fascial closure was specified, and postoperative outcomes of hernia and/or abdominal bulge were reported. Analysis was performed in Review Manager (RevMan) evaluating mesh use, type, and plane relative to primary fascial closure, using the Mantel-Haenszel method to calculate odds ratios (ORs) of significance level p < .05, and a random effects model to account for inter-study heterogeneity. Of the 2791 DIEP patients across 11 studies, 1901 patients underwent primary closure and 890 were repaired with mesh. When hernia and/or bulge were combined into a single complication, the use of any mesh did not significantly reduce its odds compared to primary closure (OR = 0.69, p = .20). Similarly, the use of any mesh did not significantly reduce the odds of bulge alone compared to primary closure (OR = 0.62, p = .43). However, the odds of hernia alone were significantly reduced by 72% with any mesh use (OR = 0.28, p = .03). Mesh use was significantly associated with decreased odds of hernia alone with DIEP flap surgery, but there was no difference in bulge or combined hernia/bulge rates. As bulge is the more common abdominal morbidity after DIEP flap harvest in a patient with no prior abdominal surgery or risk factor for hernia, mesh use is not indicated in abdominal closure of all DIEP patients. Future prospective studies are warranted to characterize the specific indications for mesh use in the setting of DIEP flap surgery.

Intraoperative teamwork and workload among surgeons and surgical trainees during DIEP flap surgery

Two attending surgeons (surgeon at abdomen and surgeon at chest) and nine surgical trainees completed electronic surveys after deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap surgical procedures. The survey included workload and teamwork subscales. The results indicated that DIEP flap surgery is a highly demanding surgical procedure both physically and cognitively. For the surgeon at abdomen, most of workload subscales were significantly higher than the paired trainees (p&lt;0.05), while their teamwork subscales were not significantly different. The surgical trainees should know that the attending surgeon’s self-perceived workload could be higher than theirs even when their self-perceived teamwork is similar. For the surgeon at chest, most of teamwork subscales were significantly higher than the paired trainees (p&lt;0.05), while their workload subscales were not significantly different. The attending surgeons should know that even when their self-evaluation of workload is similar to their trainees, the trainee’s evaluation of teamwork could be less than theirs.

Complications of Immediate versus Delayed DIEP Reconstruction: A Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies.

Simple SummaryAlthough the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP) has become the most frequent autologous flap in breast reconstruction, it remains unclear whether reconstruction should be performed at the same time as the mastectomy or delayed. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to offer an overview of recipient site postoperative complications and help guide practicians toward the ideal timing for breast reconstruction. A pooled analysis using the Mantel and Haenszel methods with a fixed effect model provided results as an odd ratio with a 95% confidence interval. Among most complications including hematoma, infection, fat necrosis, and flap loss, no significant differences were observed. However, delayed wound healing was significantly higher for patients who underwent delayed breast reconstruction. This paper offers evidence that both surgical timings offer similar outcomes and are, therefore, valid surgical strategies. Purpose: The setting regarding the ideal timing for deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP) reconstruction remains unclear. Immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) is performed at the same time as mastectomy, while delayed breast reconstruction (DBR) is performed at any time after mastectomy except immediately. We compared both strategies to assess whether IBR or DBR should be performed to reduce postoperative adverse events. Methods: A systematic review of PubMed, Embase, Medline, Cochrane, and Web of Science was conducted, aiming at articles comparing the recipient site outcomes of IBR versus DBR with DIEP. We used the Mantel–Haenszel method with a fixed effects model. Results were expressed as the OR with a 95% CI. Results: Two retrospective and two prospective studies were identified involving 5784 DIEPs (1744 immediate and 4040 delayed). We showed a significant difference in favor of IBR for wound healing issues (OR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.41, 0.77; p = 0.0003). However, no significant differences for hematoma, infection, fat necrosis, partial flap loss, and total flap loss rate were seen. Conclusions: Despite variability in the choice of the ideal time for breast reconstruction and outcomes reported among studies, immediate DIEP surgery appears to be a reliable setting with less delayed healing issues.

Exploring personalized postoperative non-invasive tissue oximetry in DIEP flap breast reconstruction

Early detection of vascular compromise after autologous breast reconstruction is crucial to enable timely re-exploration for flap salvage. Several studies proposed non-invasive tissue oximetry for early identification of ischemia of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps. The present study aimed to explore the utility of non-invasive tissue oximetry following DIEP flap surgery using a personalized oxygenation threshold.MethodsPatients undergoing immediate/delayed DIEP flap surgery were included in this prospective observational study. DIEP flap tissue oxygenation (StO2) was monitored continuously using near-infrared spectroscopy. A baseline measurement was performed by positioning one sensor at the marked position of the major inferior epigastric perforator on the abdomen. A new sensor was positioned postoperatively on the transplanted tissue. In unilateral procedures, postoperative StO2 values of the native breast were also obtained. Measurements were continued for 24 h.ResultsThirty patients (42 flaps) were included. Fourteen patients (46.7%) had an uncomplicated postoperative course. A minor complication was observed in thirteen patients; in five patients, at least one major complication occurred, requiring re-exploration. Median StO2 readings were significantly lower in patients with major complications compared to uncomplicated cases. In fourteen unilateral DIEP flap procedures, StO2 values of the native breast were similar to the preoperative baseline measurement (92%; p = 0.452).ConclusionsNon-invasive tissue oximetry following DIEP flap surgery could aid in early detection of vascular compromise. StO2 values of the native breast and abdominal wall preoperatively can be used interchangeably and can serve as personalized reference value.Level of evidence: Level IV, diagnostic / prognostic study.

Conventional CT versus Dedicated CT Angiography in DIEP Flap Planning: A Feasibility Study.

The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is used with increasing frequency in post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Preoperative mapping with CT angiography (CTa) is crucial in reducing surgical complications and optimizing surgical techniques. Our study’s goal was to investigate the accuracy of conventional CT (cCT), performed during disease staging, compared to CTa in preoperative DIEP flap planning. In this retrospective, single-center study, we enrolled patients scheduled for mastectomy and DIEP flap breast reconstruction, subjected to cCT within 24 months after CTa. We included 35 patients in the study. cCT accuracy was 95% (CI 0.80–0.98) in assessing the three largest perforators, 100% (CI 0.89–100) in assessing the dominant perforator, 93% (CI 0.71–0.94) in assessing the perforator intramuscular course, and 90.6% (CI 0.79–0.98) in assessing superficial venous communications. Superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) caliber was recognized in 90% of cases (CI 0.84–0.99), with an excellent assessment of superficial inferior epigastric vein (SIEV) integrity (96% of cases, CI 0.84–0.99), and a lower accuracy in the evaluation of deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) branching type (85% of cases, CI 0.69–0.93). The mean X-ray dose spared would have been 788 ± 255 mGy/cm. Our study shows that cCT is as accurate as CTa in DIEP flap surgery planning.

Monitoring Breast Reconstruction Flaps Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Tissue Oximetry.

Free flap reconstruction is a common procedure with success rates greater than 99%. However, vascular complications may occur, resulting in flap failure. For this reason, early detection of vascular compromise is crucial for flap salvage. Vascular complications may be detected early by monitoring tissue oximetry parameter changes using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). This method of noninvasive monitoring can evaluate changes in flap oxygenation levels caused by arterial and venous thrombosis before surgical reexploration. The goal of this study was to assess the validity of using NIRS oximetry for monitoring free flaps. We conducted a prospective cohort observational study of 10 patients undergoing breast reconstruction. We used the INVOS 7100 cerebral oximetry monitoring system (Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland) to provide 24-hr continuous postoperative monitoring of flap perfusion and compared the data with clinical assessment findings. The median patient age was 57 years (range = 41-61 years). Patients underwent immediate breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap surgery (n = 4), delayed reconstruction with DIEP flap surgery (n = 4), transverse upper gracilis flap surgery (n = 1), and latissimus dorsi flap with lipofilling (n = 1). We successfully monitored all 10 flaps for 24 hr postoperatively. The overall flap survival rate was 100%. Findings of clinical examination, Doppler studies, and surgical outcome were consistent with NIRS monitoring. In conclusion, NIRS tissue oximetry could potentially provide a noninvasive method for effective postoperative monitoring of free flaps.

Advances in deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction

: Over the last three decades, the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap has emerged as the primary and preferred method for autologous breast reconstruction for women with breast cancer. DIEP flaps allow for autologous tissue reconstruction without significant sacrifice of abdominal wall musculature. Several advancements and refinements have been made in terms of performing DIEP flap surgery since its initial description in all aspects of the flap planning process. Pre-operatively, computed tomography angiography imaging can be obtained to aid in perforator mapping for flap planning and dissection. Intra-operatively, indocyanine green angiography can be performed to evaluate flap perfusion and allow for on the table adjustments of flap design. The use of these imaging modalities can contribute to reduced perforator dissection times with increase in operative speed and improvements in flap survival. In addition, DIEP flaps enhancements with flap neurotization or concurrent transfer of adjacent lymph nodes may allow for improved post-operative outcomes with enhanced sensory recovery and improvement in secondary lymphedema. Here, we review these recent advancements in deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction.

Volume change in the rectus abdominis muscle after deep inferior epigastric perforator flap harvest

Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is associated with less donor site morbidity than transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. However, abdominal muscle atrophy and donor site complications caused by denervation during pedicle dissection cannot be avoided. This retrospective study investigated the change in the rectus abdominis muscle volume after DIEP flap harvest. Of 395 patients who underwent unilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction between August 2007 and July 2017, 25 patients with >2-year postoperative abdominal computed tomography data were evaluated. Preoperative and postoperative images of the abdominal muscle after pedicle dissection and the nonoperated side were compared. The volume of the muscles from the lower margin to the umbilicus was determined by using OsiriX image analysis application. The muscle volumes on the side of pedicle dissection decreased from 72.63 ± 23.29 cm3 preoperation to 53.09 ± 16.93 cm3 postoperation (p < 0.001). The corresponding volumes on the side without dissection were 73.29 ± 19.25 cm3 and 60.89 ± 18.79 cm3 (p < 0.001). The percentage of postoperative retained volume relative to the preoperative retained volume was 75.65% ± 19.18% on the pedicle dissection side and 84.65% ± 19.00% on the contralateral side. The 9% difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.10). No major abdominal complications were observed. Despite nerve injury during DIEP flap surgery, the volume loss of the involved and contralateral muscles did not differ. More than 75% of the abdominal muscle volume was retained. Muscle integrity was well maintained without any postoperative complications.

Predictors, Classification, and Management of Umbilical Complications in DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction.

In recent years, the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap has become the workhorse flap for autologous breast reconstruction. Despite increased reports on DIEP flaps, umbilical complications have not been previously studied. The aesthetics of the umbilicus dictates the beauty of the abdomen, and it is critical for plastic surgeons to minimize the scarring of the umbilicus. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent DIEP flaps to determine the predictors of umbilical complications, and created a classification system of these wounds. Retrospective review of 323 patients who underwent DIEP flap surgery from 2009 to 2016 was performed. Umbilical stalk heights, widths of fascial diastasis, and abdominal wall thicknesses were measured from computed tomographic scans. Data regarding demographic and patient characteristics were collected. Of the 323 patients, there were 58 patients that had umbilical complications (18 percent). These patients had statistically higher body mass indexes, heavier flaps, and thicker abdominal walls (p < 0.05). Also, they had statistically higher umbilical stalk heights (29.3 mm versus 18.7 mm), and analysis showed that the likelihood ratio of having umbilical complications was 2.05 at 20.1 mm, 3.05 at 25.4 mm, and 6.43 at 30 mm. Logistic regression analysis revealed that umbilical stalk height, fascial diastasis, age, procedure time, and flap weight were significant predictors (p < 0.05). Umbilical complications in patients undergoing DIEP flap surgery for breast reconstruction have not been previously studied. Our study shows that the umbilical stalk height plays a significant role, and umbilical wounds can be classified into five types: no wound, minor wound, wound dehiscence, partial necrosis, and total necrosis. Therapeutic, III.

Perforator Phase Contrast Angiography of Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforators: A Better Preoperative Imaging Tool for Flap Surgery than Computed Tomographic Angiography?

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of in vivo perforator visualization by a newly proposed magnetic resonance-based perforator phase contrast angiography (pPCA) technique for deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap surgery and to prospectively compare its image quality and clinical value with computed tomographic angiography (CTA), the state-of-the-art perforator imaging technique. Institutional review board approval and informed consent were obtained. DIEP pPCA and CTA data were acquired in 10 female patients before DIEP flap surgery. Image findings were compared between the two techniques and with literature reports. The overall image quality is negatively correlated with patient BMI for CTA, but positively correlated with BMI for pPCA. Compared with CTA, pPCA has significantly better image quality (P = 0.005), signal-to-noise ratio (P < 0.001), and contrast-to-noise ratio (perforator-to-muscle, P < 0.001; perforator-to-fat, P = 0.014). It also has preferable clinical value ratings, although not statistically significant (P = 0.388). There is a good agreement (84%) between perforators detected by pPCA and CTA. Perforator location deviations between pPCA and CTA are compatible with the precision required for plastic surgery. Perforator size measured by pPCA seems to be more accurate than CTA, as it is 0.8 ± 0.3 mm smaller (P < 0.001), consistent with the reported 0.5 to 1.2 mm overestimation by CTA. There is no significant difference in perforator intramuscular course assessment (P = 0.415). The developed magnetic resonance-based pPCA technique presents superior image quality, better vessel contrast, and more accurate perforator anatomy than the x-ray-based CTA. pPCA has the potential to emerge as the preferred preoperative planning tool for perforator flap reconstructive surgery.

DIEP flap salvage by cannula venesection of the superficial inferior epigastric vein.

The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is a technique of autologous breast reconstruction that is gaining popularity. The main advantage of the DIEP flap over the traditional transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap is that there is a lower incidence of abdominal wall donor-site morbidity with the DIEP flap. However, venous congestion is the most dreaded complication of DIEP flap surgery which requires prompt intervention. In this case report, we present a simple but effective procedure to salvage the congested DIEP flap. A 55-year-old female underwent left breast reconstruction with DIEP flap and developed venous congestion during surgery. Cannula venesection of the superficial inferior epigastric vein (SIEV) was performed intraoperatively followed by intermittent aspiration of blood for 3 days. A satisfactory aesthetic result was achieved with no evidence of fat necrosis. This procedure eliminated the need for performing an additional microvascular anastomosis, required less operative time, and allowed augmentation of the venous drainage of the congested flap.Level of Evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.

The Low DIEP Flap: An Enhancement to the Abdominal Donor Site.

A serious drawback of the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is an abdominal scar that is too high. Because the umbilicus should be incorporated into the flap territory, lowering the scar is very difficult. This report describes a new DIEP flap design where the flap is placed in the lowermost part of the abdomen, well below the umbilicus, similar to a mini-abdominoplasty. The low DIEP flap was used only for cases with moderately sized breasts and reliable perforators way below the umbilicus. The flap's lower border was on the pubic rim and the upper border was usually located 4 to 6 cm below the umbilicus. The donor defect could be closed primarily without umbilicus detachment. From May of 2014 to October of 2014, 47 consecutive cases underwent breast reconstruction with DIEP or superficial inferior epigastric artery flaps. Of these, 27 underwent low DIEP or low superficial inferior epigastric artery flap surgery. All breast reconstructions were successful except for one case of flap failure. When compared with the conventional DIEP flap, the weight of the low DIEP flap was smaller, and venous congestion was more common in the low DIEP flap cases. The abdominal scar left by the low DIEP flap was close to the pubic rim and could be concealed by underwear. The low DIEP flap is a new option for breast reconstruction that leaves a much more favorably located donor scar and umbilicus shape. However, planning with computed tomographic angiography is crucial to avoid venous insufficiency. Therapeutic, III.

Coding System for Computed Tomographic Angiography of Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforators in DIEP Flaps

Sir:FigureThe deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap has become a widely used surgical technique for autologous breast reconstruction. The DIEP flap has proven reliability and a low complication rate, and preserves adequate abdominal wall competence.1 Because the anatomy of the cutaneous perforators of the anterior abdominal wall is variable,2 computed tomographic angiography contrast study of the abdominal wall is used preoperatively in many centers around the world to define the anatomy of deep inferior epigastric arteries and their perforators. Computed tomographic angiography is used for mapping the inferior epigastric vessels and perforators relative to landmarks on the abdominal wall. The technique provides a great deal of information to assist the surgeon elevating the DIEP flap and shortens operative time.3 A 54-year-old woman had previously undergone a left mastectomy and requested a prophylactic right skin-sparing mastectomy with bilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction. The patient underwent preoperative computed tomographic angiography to elucidate the vascular supply of the anterior abdominal wall.4 Because it is time consuming to meet with the radiologist before each operation, we have devised a system whereby the radiologist can exactly specify the details of each perforator on the anterior abdominal wall and include this in the written report of the computed tomographic angiogram that is available electronically for the surgeon to review before surgery. The coding system involves two coordinates: Coordinate A: Perforators located to the left of the umbilicus will be marked by the letter (L), and any perforator located on the right of the umbilicus will be marked by (R) before writing the distance from the midline in millimeters. Coordinate B: Any perforator superior/cephalad to the umbilicus is marked by (-) and any perforator inferior/caudad to the umbilicus level is marked by (+); before writing the distance in millimeters from the umbilicus level. Usually we ignore the (+) mark. If the perforator is located on the umbilical level, we will refer to it with (0). After that we add the perforator caliber in millimeters. On the Doppler study and after starting the operation, it was obvious that the computed tomographic angiography results were correct and dependable, especially in describing the location of perforators and their courses (Fig. 1). The coding system makes it very simple and practical. Each perforator carries a unique code that defines its position and caliber (Table 1). The codes for the perforators of the case described above were as follows: (L50, 20, 1.7) (L15, 50, 1.2) (R36, 80, 0.6) (R36, 15, 0.9) (R60, 0, 1.7) (R60, -10, 1.1).Fig. 1: Grid on the anterior abdominal wall photograph preoperatively shows the accuracy of the study.Table 1: Codes of Perforators According to Computed Tomographic Angiography Finding*Dissection of the perforators in the abdominal wall is the most time-consuming part of DIEP flap surgery. The vascular anatomy of the skin has been studied previously5; however, preoperative determination of the exact anatomy of perforators of the anterior abdominal wall for DIEP flaps is a very helpful technique. The coding system for the perforators of the deep inferior epigastric artery can make the communication between the surgeons and radiologists simpler and the documentation easier. We believe it gives more confidence to surgeons before and during the procedure. Breast reconstruction using DIEP flaps can be achieved more safely. Ammar Al-Dhamin, M.B.Ch.B. Robert Berry, M.D. Vani Prasad, M.B.B.S. Alison Martin, B.Sc. Steven F. Morris, M.D., M.Sc. Departments of Surgery, Radiology, and Anatomy and Neurobiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada DISCLOSURE The authors have no financial disclosures, commercial associations, or conflicts of interest to report.

Abdominal Wall following Free TRAM or DIEP Flap Reconstruction: A Meta-Analysis and Critical Review

Numerous studies compare techniques for free flap breast reconstruction techniques, with no consensus regarding differences in complication rates. This study compared the risk of fat necrosis, partial flap loss, total flap loss, abdominal bulge, laxity, or weakness, and abdominal hernia after deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) and free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap surgery for breast reconstruction. A MEDLINE and manual search of English-language articles on DIEP and free TRAM flap surgery published up to April of 2007 yielded 338 citations. Two levels of screening identified 37 relevant studies. The Mantel-Haenszel fixed-effects and DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models were used to perform the meta-analysis. Six studies reporting both DIEP and free TRAM flap outcomes were used to estimate pooled relative risks of complications and confidence intervals. There was a twofold increase in the risk of fat necrosis (relative risk, 1.94; 95 percent CI, 1.28 to 2.93) and flap loss (relative risk, 2.05; 95 percent CI, 1.16 to 3.61) in DIEP patients compared with free TRAM patients. There was no difference in the risk for fat necrosis when the analysis was limited to studies using muscle-sparing free TRAM flaps (relative risk, 0.91; 95 percent CI, 0.47 to 1.78). DIEP patients had one-half the risk of abdominal bulge or hernia (relative risk, 0.49; 95 percent CI, 0.28 to 0.86). Sixteen studies reporting DIEP outcomes and 23 studies reporting free TRAM outcomes were used to estimate pooled complication rates. Pooled flap-related complication rates were higher in DIEP patients, whereas donor-site morbidity was higher in free TRAM patients. This analysis suggests that the DIEP flap reduces abdominal morbidity but increases flap-related complications compared with the free TRAM flap in breast reconstruction.

Análisis de controversias en reconstrucción mamaria con colgajo DIEP

The use of DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) flap surgery in breast reconstruction is often conditioned by the patient and the oncologic treatment c...

High-Frequency Ultrasound: A Useful Tool for Evaluating the Abdominal Wall following Free TRAM and DIEP Flap Surgery

This is the first study to use a standardized ultrasound protocol to evaluate hernia and abdominal wall laxity following free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) and deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap surgery. All patients who underwent free TRAM and DIEP flap surgery performed by the senior author between the years 1994 and 2003 were recruited for physical examination and ultrasound of the abdominal wall for the dynamic evaluation of hernia and abdominal wall laxity. A total of 25 of 28 patients were followed up (89 percent). Eleven were in the DIEP flap group (44 percent) and 14 were in the free TRAM flap group (56 percent). Age- and body habitus-matched female volunteers (n = 12) were also used in this study. The mean follow-up was 3.8 years (range, 0.8 to 8.2 years). Although the kappa coefficient was +1 for detection of hernia on physical examination between two independent examiners, the interobserver correlation was poor for detection of bulges (kappa coefficient, +0.53). Ultrasound showed that abdominal wall laxity was statistically highest in the upright position, followed by 30 degrees of truncal flexion, and lowest in the supine position. The amount of abdominal wall laxity detected by ultrasound was significantly higher in the free TRAM flap group than in the free DIEP flap group. Two hernias were detected in the TRAM flap group by ultrasound and one hernia was previously known in the DIEP flap group. This is the first study to establish a standardized ultrasound protocol as an adjunct diagnostic tool to clinical examination for the dynamic evaluation of postoperative hernia and abdominal wall laxity.