Limiting the fascia incision length in a DIEP flap: Repercussion on abdominal wall morbidity.

Background: The evolution from free muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap to deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap leads to less donor-site morbidity. However, rectus fascia is usually incised longitudinally from perforator(s) to iliac vessels, often exceeding 15 cm when including longitudinal muscle spreading. By using a limited fascia incisional (LFI-) technique, we try to diminish abdominal wall functional decrease.

ESPRAS Survey on Breast Reconstruction in Europe.

Background:  The European Leadership Forum (ELF) of the European Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (ESPRAS) previously identified the need for harmonisation of breast reconstruction standards in Europe, in order to strengthen the role of plastic surgeons. This study aims to survey the status, current trends and potential regional differences in the practice of breast reconstruction in Europe, with emphasis on equity and access.

Materials And Methods:  A largescale web-based questionnaire was sent to consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeons, who are experienced in breast reconstruction and with understanding of the national situation in their country.

Immediate versus delayed autologous breast reconstruction: A retrospective matched cohort study of irradiated patients.

Background: The impact of radiotherapy on breast reconstructions is not completely understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term effects of radiation therapy in relation to timing of autologous breast reconstruction.

Methods: A total of 1247 patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction at the University Hospitals of Leuven between August 1997 and October 2013 were subjected to a retrospective matched cohort study.

Oncological safety of autologous breast reconstruction after mastectomy for invasive breast cancer.

Background: The number of patients requesting autologous breast reconstruction (ABR) after mastectomy for breast cancer has increased over the past decades. However, concern has been expressed about the oncological safety of ABR. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of ABR on distant relapse.

Fat necrosis in deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps: an ultrasound-based review of 202 cases.

Background: In autologous breast reconstruction after mastectomy, fat necrosis is a rather common complication that may lead to secondary corrective surgery. The understanding of fat necrosis until now has been limited because previous studies were based exclusively on physical examination and used diverse definitions.

Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed the incidence of fat necrosis and the correlation of several risk factors in 202 deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps for breast reconstruction.

Perforator topography of the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap in 100 cases of breast reconstruction.

The anatomic topography of the perforators within the rectus muscle and the anterior fascia largely determines the time needed to harvest the perforator free flap and the difficulty of the procedure. In 100 consecutive cases, the topographic patterns of the perforators were investigated. In 65 percent, a short intramuscular course was seen.