DIEAP Flap Breast Reconstruction Followed by Local Recurrence of Breast Cancer

Abstract

Local recurrence after an autologous breast reconstruction is uncommon. We describe 2 patients with local recurrence 3 and 9 years, respectively, after mastectomy with DIEAP (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator) flap breast reconstruction. Patients generally present with a palpable mass, pain, or other visible abnormalities. Various imaging techniques are helpful, always completed by biopsy to characterize the tumour. A repeated sentinel node procedure can be useful in staging. The treatment of the local recurrence needs to be determined in a multidisciplinary team consultation.