Uni-vs. bilateral DIEP flap reconstruction – A multicenter outcome analysis

Abstract Objective Over the past decade numbers of bilateral mastectomy have increased steadily. As a result, bilateral breast reconstruction is gaining popularity. The presented study compares complications and outcomes of unilateral and bilateral DIEP free-flap breast reconstructions using the largest database available in Europe. Methods Female breast cancer patients (n = 3926) receiving DIEP flap breast reconstructions (n = 4577 free flaps) at 22 different centers were included in this study. Free flaps were stratified into two groups: a unilateral- (UL) and a bilateral- (BL) breast reconstruction group. Groups were compared with regard to surgical complications and free flap outcome. Results Mean operative time was significantly longer in the BL group (UL: 285.2 ± 107.7 vs. BL: 399.1 ± 136.8 min; p  Conclusions The data underline the feasibility of bilateral DIEP flap reconstruction, when performed in a setting of specialized centers.