Breast Reconstruction: Pros And Cons Of Diep Flap Procedure
One of the most advanced methods of surgery available today after a mastectomy is the DIEP flap reconstruction technique
. It is an excellent way to rebuild the tissue after the effects of breast cancer have taken its toll. Each patient should carefully weigh the pros and cons, though, before making a decision on this procedure.
What is it?
DIEP stands for Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator, which is a long phrase to describe the type of tissue used in the new flap. This surgery uses donor tissue from the patient's own abdominal region to create a flap of skin for the reconstructed breasts, specifically the tissue located underneath the rectus abdominus. First an incision is made along the hips and pubic bone, and the abdominal skin is lifted back from the stomach area.
None of the muscles are removed, just some of the blood vessels and surrounding fat deposits. Those blood vessels are then hooked up with blood vessels closer to the region and the tissue is formed into mounds under the skin. The skin is then pulled back down and the incision is closed.
What are the Benefits?
This procedure basically includes a tummy tuck, so women undergoing a breast DIEP reconstruction can enjoy the benefits of a tighter, leaner abdomen as a result of their surgery. This operation also allows for quicker recovery when it comes to abdominal strength than some of the other available procedures.
It has additionally been show that the recovery is less painful overall than that of other techniques. Another nice benefit of this method is that all the tissue is naturally from the patient's own body; nothing foreign or synthetic is used.
What are the Drawbacks?
The breast DIEP flap is not the right surgery for everyone. For those who are good candidates and have the surgery, one drawback they will face is the largest resulting scar across the "bikini line," although admittedly this scar will typically be well hidden by all clothing.
It is also important to consider that this type of reconstruction can only be performed one time. So if only one breast needs to be reconstructed, if the other ever needs to be removed, another means of reconstruction will have to be used on it.
Breast DIEP flap reconstruction does have some serious issues to consider, but in many ways it is a superior method of reconstructive surgery for those suffering from loss after cancer.
by: Abigail Aaronson
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