Myth-Busting the DIEP Flap and an Introduction to the Abdominal Perforator Exchange (APEX) Breast Reconstruction Technique: A Single-Surgeon Retrospective Review

A New Era in Perforator Flap Surgery for Breast Reconstruction: A Comparative Study of Robotic versus Standard Harvest of Bilateral Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Flaps

BACKGROUND

 Traditional deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap harvest splits the anterior sheath, weakening the abdominal wall and predisposing patients to bulge or hernia. Abdominal wall morbidity may be decreased using minimally invasive techniques. We refined a transabdominal approach to the robotic harvest of bilateral DIEP flaps.

METHODS

 A retrospective medical record study involving all patients who underwent bilateral or bipedicled robotic DIEP (rDIEP) or standard DIEP (sDIEP) flap harvest between July 2021 and September 2022. Outcomes included abdominal wall morbidity, total operative time, length of stay (LOS), and complications.

RESULTS

 Forty-seven patients were included (48 sDIEP flaps, 46 rDIEP flaps) with no significant difference in patient characteristics. Fascial incision length in the rDIEP group was shorter (4.1 vs. 11.7 cm, p < 0.001). Mesh reinforcement of the abdominal wall was used in 13/24 sDIEP and none in rDIEP patients (p < 0.001). Operative time was longer in the rDIEP cohort (739 vs. 630 minutes, p = 0.013), although subanalysis showed no difference in the second half of the cohort. The average robotic dissection time was 135 minutes, which decreased significantly with the surgeon's experience. There were no intraoperative complications from using the robot. LOS was shorter with rDIEP but not statistically significant (3.9 vs. 4.3 days, p = 0.157).

CONCLUSION

 This study represents the most extensive cohort analysis of bilateral rDIEP flap harvest, offering a comprehensive comparison to traditional sDIEP. The initial results underscore the viability of robotic techniques for flap harvesting, highlighting potential advantages including reduced fascial incision length and decreased abdominal disruption. Furthermore, using robotics may obviate the necessity for fascial reinforcement with mesh.

A DIEP Dive into Patient Risk Factors for Hernia and Bulge Development: A Meta-regression

BACKGROUND

 This meta-regression aims to investigate risk factors for abdominal hernia and bulge in patients undergoing deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps and the effect of prophylactic mesh placement on postoperative complications.

METHODS

 A systematic search was conducted in July of 2022 in alignment with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Seventy-four studies published between 2000 and 2022 met the inclusion criteria. Sixty-four studies were included in the analysis for bulge and 71 studies were included in the analysis for hernia. Meta-regressions were run on the proportion of patients experiencing hernia or bulge to assess for patient risk factors and the role of prophylactic mesh placement. Proportions were transformed using the Freeman-Tukey double arcsine method.

RESULTS

 The average rates of hernia and bulge after DIEP flaps were found to be 0.18% and 1.26%, respectively. Increased age (β = 0.0059, p = 0.0117), prior abdominal surgery (β = 0.0008, p = 0.046), and pregnancy history (β = -0.0015, p = 0.0001) were significantly associated with hernia. Active smoking (β = 0.0032, p = 0.0262) and pregnancy history (β = 0.0019, p < 0.0001) were significantly associated with bulge. Neither the perforator vessel laterality nor the number of perforator vessels harvested had any association with hernia or bulge. Prophylactic mesh placement was not associated with hernia or bulge.

CONCLUSION

 Understanding the comorbidities associated with hernia or bulge following DIEP flap breast reconstruction, such as advanced age, prior abdominal surgery, pregnancy history, and active smoking status, allows surgeons to proactively identify and educate high-risk patients. Future studies may further explore whether prophylactic mesh placement offers patients any benefit.

The Current State of the Art in Autologous Breast Reconstruction: A Review and Modern/Future Approaches

Background/Objectives: Modern breast reconstruction has undergone substantial evolution, with implant-based, pedicled autologous, and free autologous techniques. The purpose of this study is to review the current state of the art in free autologous breast reconstruction, highlighting advancements in the types of flaps, donor site selection, techniques, and functional restoration. Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed to capture studies related to well-known free flaps that are used for breast reconstruction. Studies for each flap type were reviewed and sorted for inclusion into one of six categories: (1) clinical outcomes, (2) comparison studies of alternative flaps, (3) preoperative planning, (4) flap classifications and perfusion zones, (5) technique descriptions, and (6) time and cost analyses. Results: The majority (77%) of articles included were written on various types of abdominally based free flaps, including TRAM, DIEP, and SIEA flaps. These studies indicated an evolution in technique over time to minimize donor site morbidity, improve patient-reported and functional outcomes, improve efficiency, and expand clinical indications. The remaining 23% of articles discussed alternative flap choices, including PAP, TUG, S/IGAP, and LAP flaps. Studies highlighted technical challenges and the evolution of techniques to make these flaps more accessible, as well as how to combine flaps to expand clinical indications. Conclusions: Autologous breast reconstruction has evolved significantly, with advancements in techniques such as robotic-assisted surgery, multi-flap reconstruction, bipedicled flaps, and neurotization. This review highlights the current best practices while acknowledging ongoing challenges and the potential for future innovations in microsurgery, nerve regeneration, and personalized medicine, which hold promise for further refining outcomes.

Approach to DIEP Flap Pedicle Dissection via a Midline Fascial Incision

In this article, our technique for deep inferior epigastric pedicle dissection utilizing a midline fascial incision is described. Approaching these vessels via a midline facial incision provides facile access to the retrorectus space bilaterally, utilizes a dissection plane that facilitates preservation of nerve and muscle fibers, and allows for both efficient and ergonomic pedicle dissection. This method is safe and easily reproducible and may reduce abdominal donor site morbidity in deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction.

Thigh Perforator Exchange: Intraflap Perforator Augmentation of Anterolateral Thigh Free Flaps

Peripheral perfusion in large anterolateral thigh flaps may be inadequate if perforator zones are not properly planned during flap design and harvest, and variations in vascular anatomy can contribute to operative difficulty and morbidity. Intraflap anastomosis of extrinsic perforators may allow for augmentation of perfusion while avoiding significant intramuscular dissection. Adaptation of the perforator exchange technique, previously described in autologous breast reconstruction, optimizes vascular flow in anterolateral thigh flaps. Here, we present a technique for intraflap perforator anastomosis (the thigh perforator exchange) and illustrate its use in a subset of patients. This technique is relatively simple and rapid to perform with no vascular complications observed in our series.

Contemporary Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction: Abdominally Based Flaps

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Understand the types of abdominally based flaps, their anatomy, and their drawbacks. 2. Understand important aspects of the history and physical examination of patients wishing to undergo these procedures. 3. Understand the benefits of preoperative planning and its role in avoiding complication. 4. Understand the operative steps of the procedures and tips to increase efficiency. 5. Understand the postoperative care of these patients and the role of enhanced recovery pathways.

SUMMARY

In this article, the authors review the history, current state, and future directions related to abdominally based microsurgical breast reconstruction. This article covers preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative considerations intended to improve patient outcomes and prevent complications. Evidence-based findings are reported when available to comprehensively review important aspects of these procedures.

Surgical outcomes of robotic versus conventional autologous breast reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Breast reconstruction is an integral part of breast cancer management. Conventional techniques of flap harvesting for autologous breast reconstruction are associated with considerable complications. Robotic surgery has enabled a new spectrum of minimally invasive breast surgeries. The current systematic review and meta-analysis study was designed to retrieve the surgical and clinical outcomes of robotic versus conventional techniques for autologous breast reconstruction. An extensive systematic literature review was performed from inception to 25 April 2023. All clinical studies comparing the outcomes of robotic and conventional autologous breast reconstruction were included for meta-analysis. The present meta-analysis included seven articles consisting of 783 patients. Of them, 263 patients received robotic breast reconstruction, while 520 patients received conventional technique. Of note, 477 patients received latissimus dorsi flap (LDF) and 306 were subjected to deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap. There was a significantly prolonged duration of surgery (MD 58.36;95% CI 32.05,84.67;P < 0.001) and duration of anaesthesia (MD 47;95% CI 16.23,77.77;P = 0.003) among patients who underwent robotic surgery. There was a similar risk of complications between robotic and conventional surgeries. The mean level of pain intensity was significantly lower among patients who received robotic breast surgery (MD- 0.28;95% CI - 0.73,0.17; P = 0.22). There was prolonged length of hospitalization among patients with conventional DIEP flap surgery (MD- 0.59;95% CI - 1.13,- 0.05;P = 0.03). The present meta-analysis highlighted the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of robotic autologous breast reconstruction. This included the successful harvesting of LDF and DIEP flap with acceptable surgical and functional outcomes.

How to Start and Build a Practice in Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction: Success and Sustainability in a Private Practice Setting

The aim of this article is to provide a template for building and sustaining a microsurgical breast reconstruction practice in a private practice setting. The target audience including residents, microsurgical fellows, and reconstructive microsurgeons were currently employed in an academic setting, and reconstructive microsurgeons were currently employed in a private group entity. We present five pillars that initiate, support, and sustain a successful practice in microsurgical breast reconstruction. The five key concepts are (1) establishing a practice vision and culture, (2) obtaining funding, (3) assembling staff, (4) negotiating insurance and other contracts, and (5) striving for efficiency and sustainability. These concepts have been at the core of Plastic, Reconstructive and Microsurgical Associates of South Texas-a private practice eight-physician group based in San Antonio, Tex.-since its inception. However, these concepts have evolved as the practice has grown and as the economic landscape has changed for reconstructive microsurgeons. In the article, we will present what we have done well, what we could have done better, and some pitfalls to avoid.

Preoperative planning using virtual reality and computed tomography angiogram in deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction

The gold standard for preoperative planning of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction uses computed tomography angiography (CTA). Virtual reality (VR) circumnavigates the limitations of CTA by reconstructing a fully immersive and interactive 3D representation of the scan. Scans of 44 patients who underwent DIEP flap breast reconstruction were retrospectively reviewed and compared using CTA and VR imaging modalities. The objective of this research was to compare perforators found using VR to the ones identified using conventional CTA. A correlation was found between the imaging modalities for unilateral (R = 0.96 (CI = 0.92, 0.98)) and bilateral (R = 0.93, (CI = 0.83, 0.97)) DIEP flap surgeries when comparing perforator location related to the umbilicus. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression found that higher intramuscular course length (IMC) is associated with the number of perforators found per side (OR = 1.79 (CI = 1.24, 2.6)), and medial location (OR = 2.85 (CI = 1.38, 5.87)). Larger vessel caliber (VC) is associated with shorter IMC (T2 vs. T3, OR = 3.34 (CI = 1.49, 7.49)), and branching in adipose tissue (AB) is associated with higher VC (T1 vs. T3, OR = 0.02 (CI = 0.007, 0.08); T2 vs. T3, OR = 0.24 (CI = 0.11, 0.55)). Overall, preoperative planning using VR was easy to use, safe, more intuitive, and provided in a time-efficient manner, more information about perforant characteristics. VR can improve the surgeon's decision accuracy, relating to the best perforators for harvesting, in a shorter time period.

Short Fasciotomy-Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Harvest for Breast Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Despite several technical modifications to further reduce donor invasiveness in harvesting deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps, techniques with general applicability and demonstrating clinical benefits are scarce. The present study aimed to introduce a short-fasciotomy technique and evaluate its reliability, efficacy, and applicability by comparison with those of conventional methods.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted with 304 consecutive patients who underwent DIEP flap-based breast reconstruction. A total of 180 patients underwent the conventional technique between October of 2015 and December of 2018 (cohort 1), and in 124 patients, the short-fasciotomy technique was implemented between January of 2019 and September of 2021 (cohort 2). In the short-fasciotomy technique, the rectus fascia was incised as much as overlies the intramuscular course of targeted perforators. After intramuscular dissection, pedicle dissection proceeded without additional fasciotomy. Postoperative complications and fasciotomy-saving benefits were compared.

RESULTS

The short-fasciotomy technique was successfully adapted for all patients in cohort 2, regardless of length of intramuscular course and number of harvested perforators, with no case requiring conversion to the conventional technique. The mean fasciotomy incision length in cohort 2 was 6.6 cm, which was significantly shorter than that in cohort 1 (11.1 cm). The mean length of the harvested pedicle in cohort 2 was 12.6 cm. No flap loss occurred in either group. The rate of other perfusion-related complications did not differ between the two groups. The rate of abdominal bulge/hernia was significantly lower in cohort 2.

CONCLUSIONS

The short-fasciotomy technique allows for less invasive DIEP flap harvest regardless of anatomical variability. It provides reliable outcomes with minimal functional donor-site morbidity.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, III.

Artistry and Aesthetics in Breast Reconstruction: Raising the Bar

Breast reconstruction is a critical component of breast cancer treatment for many women who undergo mastectomy [...].

Trends and Innovations in Autologous Breast Reconstruction

More than 40 years have passed since the description of the first "free abdominoplasty flap" for breast reconstruction by Holmström. In the meantime, surgical advances and technological innovations have resulted in the widespread adoption of autologous breast reconstruction to recreate the female breast after mastectomy. While concepts and techniques are continuing to evolve, maintaining an overview is challenging. This article provides a review of current trends and recent innovations in autologous breast reconstruction.

Modern Approaches to Abdominal-Based Breast Reconstruction

Modern approaches to abdominal-based breast reconstruction have evolved since the introduction of the transverse musculocutaneous flap by Dr Carl Hartrampf in the 1980s. The natural evolution of this flap is the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap, as well as the superficial inferior epigastric artery flap. As breast reconstruction has advanced, so too has the utility and nuances of abdominal-based flaps, including the deep circumflex iliac artery flap, extended flaps, stacked flaps; neurotization; and perforator exchange techniques. Even the delay phenomenon has been successfully applied to DIEP and SIEA flaps to augment flap perfusion.

Characterizing Outcomes of Medial and Lateral Perforators in Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flaps

BACKGROUND

 Perforators are typically found in rows in the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap. As methods to assess flap perfusion continue to improve, surgeons may be more likely to select perforators traditionally avoided. The purpose of this article is to describe clinical outcomes based on row and number of perforators to reevaluate flap and abdominal donor site morbidity.

METHODS

 A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who underwent breast reconstruction with DIEP flaps by four microsurgeons from 2013 to 2020. The row and number of perforators were determined from operative reports. Chi-square and t-test or nonparametric Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon two-sample test were used for discrete and continuous variable, respectively, as applicable. Logistic regression was used for multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

 Of 628 flaps, 305 were medial row (58.7%), 159 were lateral row (30.6%), and 55 had both rows (10.6%). Partial flap loss was higher in both rows (p = 0.003). Fat necrosis was higher with medial (p = 0.03) and both rows (p = 0.01) when compared with lateral using multivariable analysis. Hernia or bulge was higher in lateral row flaps (lateral: 8/157, 5.1%; medial, 5/299, 1.7%; both, 0/55; p = 0.05); however, mesh was more commonly used in both row flaps (p = 0.05). There was no difference in fat necrosis or abdominal morbidity between single and multiple perforators.

CONCLUSION

 There was no difference in fat necrosis based on the number or row of perforators. The lateral row provides adequate perfusion but may be associated with an elevated risk of hernia or bulge. Patients may benefit from mesh, especially when both rows are dissected.

Clinical outcomes following robotic versus conventional DIEP flap in breast reconstruction: A retrospective matched study

Background

A robotic deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap created through a totally extraperitoneal approach minimizes violation of the donor site, which may lead to postoperative pain reduction and rapid recovery. The authors compared the clinical outcomes of robotic and conventional DIEP flap breast reconstructions.

Methods

Data from consecutive patients who underwent mastectomy with DIEP flaps for breast reconstruction between July 2017 and January 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into robotic and conventional DIEP groups, and the two groups were matched using the inverse probability of treatment weighting method. They were compared based on the reconstruction time, drainage amount, postoperative pain, rescue analgesics, hospital stay, complications, and BREAST-Q scores.

Results

After matching, a dataset of 207 patients was formed, including 21 patients in the robotic DIEP group and 186 patients in the conventional DIEP group. The mean reconstruction time was longer in the robotic DIEP group than in the conventional DIEP group (P<0.001). In the robotic group, pain intensity during the postoperative 6–24 hours was significantly reduced (P=0.001) with less use of fentanyl (P=0.003) compared to the conventional DIEP group. The mean length of hospital stay for the robotic DIEP group was shorter than that for conventional DIEP (P=0.002). BREAST-Q scores indicated a higher level of the abdominal physical well-being domain in the robotic group (P=0.020). Complication rates were comparable between the two groups.

Conclusions

This study suggests that a robotic DIEP flap offers enhanced postoperative recovery, accompanied by a reduction in postoperative pain and hospital stay.

Enhanced Recovery Pathway Reduces Hospital Stay and Opioid Use in Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction: A Single-Center, Private Practice Experience

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine benefits of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathway implementation in free flap breast reconstruction related to postoperative narcotic use and health care resource utilization.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients undergoing deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction from November of 2015 to April of 2018 was performed before and after implementation of the ERAS protocol.

RESULTS

Four hundred nine patients met inclusion criteria. The pre-ERAS group comprised 205 patients, and 204 patients were managed through the ERAS pathway. Mean age, laterality, timing of reconstruction, and number of previous abdominal surgical procedures were similar ( p > 0.05) between groups. Mean operative time between both groups (450.1 ± 92.7 minutes versus 440.7 ± 93.5 minutes) and complications were similar ( p > 0.05). Mean intraoperative (58.9 ± 32.5 versus 31.7 ± 23.4) and postoperative (129.5 ± 80.1 versus 90 ± 93.9) morphine milligram equivalents used were significantly ( p < 0.001) higher in the pre-ERAS group. Mean length of stay was significantly ( p < 0.001) longer in the pre-ERAS group (4.5 ± 0.8 days versus 3.2 ± 0.6 days). Bivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that operative time was positively associated with total narcotic requirements ( p < 0.001) and length of stay ( p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

ERAS pathways in microsurgical breast reconstruction promote reduction in intraoperative and postoperative narcotic utilization with concomitant decrease in hospital length of stay. In this study, patients managed through ERAS pathways required 46 percent less intraoperative and 31 percent less postoperative narcotics and had a 29 percent reduction in hospital length of stay.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, III.

Unilateral breast reconstruction using double transverse upper gracilis (TUG) flaps

INTRODUCTION

When the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is unavailable, autologous reconstruction of a moderate-to-large breast presents a surgical challenge. We retrospectively review our experience of unilateral breast reconstruction using double transverse upper gracilis (TUG) flaps and highlight specific technical considerations.

METHODS

Thirty-four patients underwent double TUG flaps for unilateral breast reconstruction between 2012 and 2020. The average patient age was 50 years and the average body mass index (BMI) was 23.1 kg/m². In all cases, the indication for surgery was breast cancer: 31 patients had immediate reconstruction, 11 had simultaneous axillary surgery and eight had primary contralateral symmetrising surgery.

RESULTS

Of the 68 TUG flaps, 67 (98.5%) were successful. The mean operative time was 5 h 50 min (195-460 min) and the mean combined flap weight was 551 g (279-916 g). Eight patients returned to the operating theatre in the early post-operative period and five patients underwent secondary lipofilling to address contour deformities. Most commonly (n = 22), the flaps were oriented horizontally/obliquely, with one flap anastomosed medially to the internal mammary axis and the other anastomosed lateral to the subscapular system. The internal mammary artery perforators and serratus anterior artery provided the best vessel calibre match with the TUG vessels.

CONCLUSIONS

Double TUG reconstruction is a safe and reliable option for unilateral breast reconstruction and is an important option when the DIEP flap is unavailable.

Abdominal perforator exchange flap (APEX): A classification of pedicle rearrangements

INTRODUCTION

Abdominal-based reconstruction is the most commonly performed method for breast reconstruction after mastectomy using the patient's own tissues. DIEP flap has allowed to reduce the donor site morbidity but the incidence of bulging or hernia remains still high, especially when flap is based on multiple perforators. Abdominal Perforator Exchange flap (APEX) represents a further step forward in preserving the abdominal wall structures by disassembling the pedicle components and their reconstitution at the end of the dissection. In this study, we explore the possible anatomical configurations of perforators exchange for APEX, providing a simple classification of perforators reconstitution patterns and the possible clinical implications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on patients who received APEX flap for abdominal based breast reconstruction. Preoperative CT scans and procedure descriptions were analyzed to identify the vascular patterns during flap harvesting and the pedicle reconstitution sites. The onset of abdominal wall and flap related complications were investigated.

RESULTS

APEX flap was performed on 51 women and four vascular patterns were identified. We identified the Type A pattern in 36 cases (70.6%), the Type B pattern in 8 (15.7%), and the Type C pattern in 5 (9.8%). We performed an extra-anatomical reanastomosis (Type D) in only two case (3.9%) (p = .09). We recorded anastomotic problems in five pedicles' reconstitution and the odds ratio showed a possible correlation between the localization of pedicle division and the anastomosis problems (p > .05). No total or partial flap loss was recorded during this study. Marginal fat necrosis was clinically observed in three cases, which had very large flaps. No bulging or hernia was recorded.

CONCLUSION

Our perforators exchange classification for abdominal-based flap helps clinician in planning the surgery and also in describing the procedure easily allowing a more efficient communication. This classification could be used to approach perforator flaps with multiple vessels at other anatomical locations as well.

Robotic DIEP Flap Harvest through a Totally Extraperitoneal Approach Using a Single-Port Surgical Robotic System

SUMMARY

Deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap surgery is one of the most common techniques for breast reconstruction using abdominal tissue. Although the DIEP flap reduces donor-site morbidity when compared with the conventional free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap, violation of the anterior rectus sheath, rectus muscle, and motor nerves cannot be avoided. To further minimize tissue damage in the donor site, the use of a surgical robotic system for DIEP flap harvest with a totally extraperitoneal approach has been suggested. This totally extraperitoneal approach has a long learning curve because of the narrow preperitoneal space and the difficulty of converting a potential space to an actual space. Thus, the authors suggest a single-port robotic system optimized for narrow surgical spaces as a feasible option for DIEP flap harvest by a totally extraperitoneal approach, which has a shorter learning curve.

Abdominal weakness, bulge, or hernia after DIEP flaps: An algorithm of management, prevention, and surgical repair with classification

BACKGROUND

This study analyzes abdominal weakness, hernia, and bulge following deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction. Abdominal wall morbidities are categorized, and an algorithm for management is provided.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 644 patients who underwent abdominal based flap breast reconstruction between 2009 and 2018 and met selection criteria was performed. Bulge and hernia were evaluated on exam and then by imaging and/or operative exploration. The incidence of abdominal weakness was evaluated by BREAST-Q™ data. Risk factors were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 644 patients, 23 (3.6%) had a clinically significant bulge or hernia on exam postoperatively. Developing an abdominal wound postoperatively and sacrificing nerves both correlated with an increased incidence of bulge or hernia (p < 0.05). The use of lateral row perforators, keeping the umbilicus, higher BMI, and the use of biological mesh in the initial abdominal wall repair trended toward an increased incidence of bulge or hernia; however, these data were not statistically significant. Seven percent of patients who answered the BREAST-Q™ reported abdominal weakness. Patients in the umbilicus sacrificing cohort had an increased incidence of weakness (p < 0.05). Abdominal wounds, nerve sacrificing procedures and obesity correlated with an increased incidence of weakness; these data were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

A classification and algorithm for treatment of functional abdominal wall morbidity after DIEP flap is provided. Abdominal wall morbidity is classified as: type 1 - abdominal weakness; type 2 - smaller, unilateral abdominal bulge; and type 3 - true abdominal hernia or large bilateral bulge. An algorithm of treatment is presented, which includes physical therapy and surgical repair recommendations.

Complications and Patient-reported Outcomes after TRAM and DIEP Flaps: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) and deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flaps are the most common abdominally based breast reconstruction procedures. Each technique has its advantages and disadvantages; however, how morbidity relates to satisfaction is not well-understood. Our aim was to compare complications and patient-reported outcomes following pedicled TRAM (pTRAM), free TRAM (fTRAM), and DIEP flaps to guide flap selection.

Update on Nonfacial Fat Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Fat transplantation is becoming increasingly popular for off-face rejuvenation.

OBJECTIVE

To provide an update in the literature of current knowledge and emerging concepts in the use of fat transplantation for nonfacial applications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This update includes the potential benefits and risks of using fat transfer techniques on the body.

RESULTS

The current literature and author experiences are provided to help understand this growing field of aesthetic procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of nonfacial fat transplantation is increasing and will become a larger part of aesthetic practices.

Intersection-splitting Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap

Preserving a dynamic abdominal wall is the premise behind the evolution of TRAM flaps into deep inferior epigastric perforators (DIEPs). Performing a true DIEP flap requires a highly refined surgical technique and often times involves a tedious intramuscular dissection which may account for the slow, albeit steady adaptation of DIEPs in breast reconstruction. This article intends to address a scenario in which an additional perforator from a different row is needed. Based on our current knowledge of the abdominal wall and its embryology, we propose splitting the rectus abdominis muscle through the intersections while recruiting a second perforator instead of converting the procedure into MS-TRAM or performing a second anastomosis through the perforator exchange technique, APEX. This potentially saves time and simplifies the procedure while maintaining the integrity of the abdominal wall.