Breast Reconstruction with Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) Flaps

Abstract

Breast reconstruction using autologous tissue has been shown to give the best results with patient reported outcomes. Perforator flaps give the closest `like for like' tissue match to the breast tissue and are preferable to other forms of reconstruction. Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flaps provide a good volume reconstruction, with acceptable scars and limited donor site morbidity. Challenging technical aspects lead to a significant learning curve, however, DIEP flaps have now become a `workhorse' flap for breast reconstruction.