Autogenous breast reconstruction with the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap

The care plan for patients who are faced with a diagnosis of breast cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach. The plastic surgeon has become a critical member of this team, especially for the patient who requires mastectomy. The autogenous breast reconstruction plan for these patients requires versatile reconstructive options and commitment to minimize donor site morbidity. The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap was an important development in the evolution of breast reconstruction techniques using skin and fat only. Sparing of the rectus abdominus musculature greatly reduces donor site morbidity compared with musculocutaneous flaps. The patient who has undergone a DIEP flap breast reconstruction enjoys a short recovery period with minimal postoperative pain and a resultant high rate of satisfaction. The authors have used the flap in more than 800 breast reconstructions; the procedure has proven to be safe, reproducible, and especially suited to bilateral reconstructions.