Three-dimensional Analysis of How Radiation Affects Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) Flap Volume, Projection, and Position in Breast Cancer Reconstruction.

Background: The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap has gained popularity for autologous free flap breast reconstruction. Historically, patients receiving post mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) were not candidates for immediate autologous reconstruction due to concerns for flap volume depletion, fat necrosis, and flap failure. However, this literature is anecdotal and lacks case controls.