The Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator and Pedicled Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flap in Breast Reconstruction: A Comparative Study
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Background Our objective was to compare the complication rates of two common breast reconstruction techniques performed at our hospital and the cost-effectiveness for each test group. Methods All patients who underwent deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap and transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap by the same surgeon were selected and matched according to age and mastectomy with or without axillary clearance. Patients from each resultant group were selected, with the patients matched chronologically. The remainder were matched for by co-morbidities. Sixteen patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction with pedicled TRAM flaps and 16 patients with DIEP flaps from 1999 to 2006 were accrued. The average total hospitalisation cost, length of hospitalisation, and complications in the 2 year duration after surgery for each group were compared. Results Complications arising from both the pedicled TRAM flaps and DIEP flaps included fat necrosis (TRAM, 3/16; DIEP, 4/16) and other minor complications (TRAM, 3/16; DIEP, 1/16). The mean hospital stay was 7.13 days (range, 4 to 12 days) for the pedicled TRAM group and 7.56 (range, 5 to 10 days) for the DIEP group. Neither the difference in complication rates nor in hospital stay duration were statistically significant. The total hospitalisation cost for the DIEP group was significantly higher than that of the pedicled TRAM group (P<0.001). Conclusions Based on our study, the pedicled TRAM flap remains a cost-effective technique in breast reconstruction when compared to the newer, more expensive and tedious DIEP flap.Keywords:
DIEP flap
Fat necrosis
Rectus abdominis muscle
Abdominoplasty
Fat necrosis remains one of the complications after autologous breast reconstruction. The knowledge is limited, because previous studies used vague and diverse definitions, and were based on physical examination only. In this study, 202 deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps for breast reconstruction were evaluated with respect to fat necrosis.
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A series of 310 breasts reconstructed by a single surgeon using free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) and deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps was reviewed to see if there were any differences in the incidence of fat necrosis and/or partial flap loss between the two techniques. During the study period, 279 breasts were reconstructed with free TRAM flaps and 31 breasts were reconstructed with DIEP flaps. In the breasts reconstructed with free TRAM flaps, the incidence of partial flap loss was 2.2 percent and the incidence of fat necrosis was 12.9 percent. The DIEP flaps were divided into two groups. For the first eight flaps, patients were selected using the same criteria normally used to choose patients for free TRAM flaps. In this unselected early group, the incidence of partial flap loss was 37.5 percent and the incidence of fat necrosis was 62.5 percent. Because of the high incidence of partial flap loss and fat necrosis in the first eight flaps, subsequent selection was modified to limit the use of DIEP flaps to patients who had at least one sufficiently large perforator in each flap (a palpable pulse and a vein at least 1 mm in diameter) and who did not require more than 70 percent of the flap to create a breast of adequate size. In this later (selected) group, fat necrosis (17.4 percent) and partial flap loss (8.7 percent) were reduced to a level only moderately higher than that found in the free TRAM flap group. From these data, it can be concluded that the incidence of partial flap loss and fat necrosis is higher in DIEP flaps than in free TRAM flaps, probably because the blood flow to the former flap is less robust. This difficulty can be circumvented to some extent, however, by careful patient selection. Factors that should be considered include tobacco use, size of the perforators (especially the vein), and (in unilateral reconstructions) the amount of flap tissue across the midline needed to create an adequately sized breast. If these factors are properly considered when planning the operation, fat necrosis and partial flap loss can be reduced to an acceptable level. For selected patients, the DIEP flap is an excellent technique that can obtain a successful, autologous tissue breast reconstruction with minimal donor-site morbidity. For patients who are not good candidates for reconstruction with this flap, the free TRAM flap remains a good alternative. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 106: 576, 2000.)
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Perforator flaps
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Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction is an improved method of autologous tissue breast reconstruction with minimal insult to the abdominal wall. This study summarizes the data collected on 148 consecutive DIEP flaps used for breast reconstruction in 109 patients. Of the patients, 90.7% had immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy, 6.5% had secondary reconstruction, and 2.8% had bilateral reconstruction after having had a mastectomy and having a new primary cancer diagnosed in the remaining breast. A total of 78.7% patients underwent unilateral reconstruction, 21.3% underwent bilateral reconstruction, and 15.7% needed two flaps to make a single larger breast. There was one flap failure. Incidence of fat necrosis was 6.8% and incidence of incisional hernia was 1.4%. The advantages of a free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap breast reconstruction are inherent in DIEP flap breast reconstruction. The increased technical effort for DIEP flap reconstruction is offset by the lesser insult to the abdominal wall with maintenance of the entire rectus abdominis muscle.
DIEP flap
Fat necrosis
Rectus abdominis muscle
Abdominal Hernia
Tissue expansion
Modified Radical Mastectomy
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Background: Breast reconstruction using flaps from the lower abdomen can be compromised by fat necrosis. The muscle-sparing free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM), deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP), and superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flaps are techniques that have evolved in an effort to decrease abdominal donor-site morbidity. Each flap in this evolution, however, includes fewer perforating blood vessels. The authors hypothesized that flaps with fewer perforators are less well perfused and therefore more likely to suffer fat necrosis. Methods: The authors prospectively studied the incidence of fat necrosis and number of perforators in 228 consecutive abdominal free flap breast reconstructions. Results: The incidence of fat necrosis was 14, 25, 5, and 19 percent for SIEA flaps and flaps with one to two, three to five, and more than five perforators, respectively. The incidence of fat necrosis was significantly associated with the number of perforators (p = 0.007), smoking (p = 0.02), and inclusion of zone 3 of flaps (p = 0.05). The lowest risk of fat necrosis occurs in flaps with three to five perforators, which are predominantly muscle-sparing TRAM flaps. The risk of fat necrosis is highest in flaps with one or two perforators, which are predominantly DIEP flaps. SIEA flaps, and flaps with poor perforators in which greater than five perforators were included, had an intermediate risk of fat necrosis. Conclusions: The risk of fat necrosis in breasts reconstructed with free muscle-sparing TRAM, DIEP, and SIEA flaps increases as the number of perforators supplying the flap decreases. Breast reconstruction using DIEP and SIEA flaps may decrease abdominal donor-site morbidity compared with muscle-sparing TRAM flap techniques, but these flaps also carry a higher risk of fat necrosis that can compromise the breast reconstruction.
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The transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap has become the procedure of choice for autologous breast reconstruction after mastectomy in the past decade. Despite the numerous advantages of the free TRAM flap, abdominal wall complications are the major concerns for plastic surgeons performing breast reconstruction with TRAM flaps. Since the report of successful breast reconstruction with the free deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap by Allen and Treece in 1994, there has been increasing use of the free DIEP flap for breast reconstruction in recent years. The reported results of the free DIEP flaps were comparable to those of the free TRAM flaps, though there might be slightly increases of rates of partial flap loss and fat necrosis. However, the abdominal wall complications could be eliminated. After the experiences of breast reconstructions with free TRAM flaps, we chose the free DIEP flap as our procedure for the breast reconstruction after mastectomy for recent 10 cases. There was no total or partial flap loss. The results were cosmetically acceptable, though the dissections of perforators were tedious. We believe the free DIEP flap is an excellent technique that can obtain a successful, autologous tissue breast reconstruction with minimal donor-site morbidity.
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Background: Compromised perfusion in autologous breast reconstruction results in fat necrosis and flap loss. Increased flap weight with fewer perforator vessels may exacerbate imbalances in flap perfusion. We studied deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) and muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (MS-TRAM) flaps to assess this concept. Methods: Data from patients who underwent reconstruction with DIEP and/or MS-TRAM flaps between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2011 (n = 123) were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, comorbidities, intraoperative parameters, and postoperative outcomes were collected, including flap fat necrosis and donor/recipient site complications. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine effects of flap weight and perforator number on breast flap fat necrosis. Results: One hundred twenty-three patients who underwent 179 total flap reconstructions (166 DIEP, 13 MS-TRAM) were included. Mean flap weight was 658 ± 289 g; 132 (73.7%) were single perforator flaps. Thirteen flaps (7.5%) developed fat necrosis. African American patients had increased odds of fat necrosis (odds ratio, 11.58; P < 0.001). Odds of developing fat necrosis significantly increased with flap weight (odds ratio, 1.5 per 100 g increase; P < 0.001). In single perforator flaps weighing more than 1000 g, six (42.9%) developed fat necrosis, compared to 14.3% of large multiple perforator flaps. Conclusions: Flaps with increasing weight have increased risk of fat necrosis. These data suggest that inclusion of more than 1 perforator may decrease odds of fat necrosis in large flaps. Perforator flap breast reconstruction can be performed safely; however, considerations concerning race, body mass index, staging with tissue expanders, perforator number, and flap weight may optimize outcomes.
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Background In the past decade, there has been increasing breast reconstructions after mastectomy. The ideal material for reconstruction of a breast is fat and skin. The transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap has been the gold standard for breast reconstruction until recently. Abdominal wall function is a major concern for plastic surgeons in breast reconstruction with TRAM flaps. The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) free flap spares the whole rectus abdominis muscle, includes skin and fat only, and therefore preserves adequate abdominal wall competence. The aim of this study was to summarize our experience in breast reconstruction with DIEP flap. Methods Between March 2000 and August 2005, a total of 43 breast reconstructions were performed on 40 patients by our surgeons using DIEP flap (3 patients had bilateral procedures), 14 of them were immediate surgeries and 26 were delayed. Abdominal function, satisfaction with the donor site and reconstructed breast, and the sensation recovery was assessed respectively during follow-up. Results The mean age of the patients was 38.6 years (range, 28—50). The size of the flaps was 11 cm×26 cm in average (height 10 — 12 cm, width 15 — 33 cm). The mean length of the vascular pedicles was 9.3 cm (range, 7 — 12). The patients were followed up for a mean of 16 months (range, 6—30 months). During the follow-up, 2 (5%) patients had total flap loss, 2 (5%) had partial necrosis, 4 (9%) had wound edge necrosis in the abdomen, and 1 had axillary seroma. None of the patients had hernia, and all of them were able to resume their daily activities after the operation. Patient satisfaction with the reconstructed breast rated high, 95% of the patients achieved spontaneous return of sensation in the reconstructed breast, but none of them had a sensation equivalent or approximate to the normal. Conclusions The DIEP flap has the same benefits as the TRAM flap without destroying the continuity of the rectus muscle. It can reduce donor-site morbidity and provide an aesthetic refinement in breast reconstruction.
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Fat necrosis
Seroma
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A series of 310 breasts reconstructed by a single surgeon using free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) and deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps was reviewed to see if there were any differences in the incidence of fat necrosis and/or partial flap loss between the two techniques. During the study period, 279 breasts were reconstructed with free TRAM flaps and 31 breasts were reconstructed with DIEP flaps. In the breasts reconstructed with free TRAM flaps, the incidence of partial flap loss was 2.2 percent and the incidence of fat necrosis was 12.9 percent. The DIEP flaps were divided into two groups. For the first eight flaps, patients were selected using the same criteria normally used to choose patients for free TRAM flaps. In this unselected early group, the incidence of partial flap loss was 37.5 percent and the incidence of fat necrosis was 62.5 percent. Because of the high incidence of partial flap loss and fat necrosis in the first eight flaps, subsequent selection was modified to limit the use of DIEP flaps to patients who had at least one sufficiently large perforator in each flap (a palpable pulse and a vein at least 1 mm in diameter) and who did not require more than 70 percent of the flap to create a breast of adequate size. In this later (selected) group, fat necrosis (17.4 percent) and partial flap loss (8.7 percent) were reduced to a level only moderately higher than that found in the free TRAM flap group. From these data, it can be concluded that the incidence of partial flap loss and fat necrosis is higher in DIEP flaps than in free TRAM flaps, probably because the blood flow to the former flap is less robust. This difficulty can be circumvented to some extent, however, by careful patient selection. Factors that should be considered include tobacco use, size of the perforators (especially the vein), and (in unilateral reconstructions) the amount of flap tissue across the midline needed to create an adequately sized breast. If these factors are properly considered when planning the operation, fat necrosis and partial flap loss can be reduced to an acceptable level. For selected patients, the DIEP flap is an excellent technique that can obtain a successful, autologous tissue breast reconstruction with minimal donor-site morbidity. For patients who are not good candidates for reconstruction with this flap, the free TRAM flap remains a good alternative.
Fat necrosis
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To evaluate breast reconstruction with a combined skin flap of the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) and the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM).The DIEP and TRAM united flap was elevated with the vessel pedicle of the deep inferior epigastric perforator on the affected side and the rectus abdominis muscle pedicle on the intact side. The reconstructive breast was shaped after the deep inferior epigastric vessels were anastomosed to the internal mammary vessels or the thoracodorsal vessels ipsilaterally.We have used the DIEP and TRAM united flaps for breast reconstruction in 17 cases. All of the flaps survived, and the reconstructed breasts were well-shaped with the follow-up of 6-18 months.The DIEP and TRAM united flap possesses of advantages such as rich blood supply, abundant tissue volume and easy shaping. It is especially applicable to the cases who have large chest defect and need large volume tissue.
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