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

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.

Impact of body mass index on free DIEP flap breast reconstruction: A multicenter cohort study.

Introduction: Several patient-related factors have been identified with regard to the safety and efficacy of breast reconstructions. This study analyzed the largest series of microsurgical breast reconstructions in Germany using deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps, with a focus on the impact of patient body mass index (BMI).

Patients And Methods: A total of 3911 female patients underwent 4561 free DIEP flap breast reconstructions across 22 different centers.

Impact of Smoking Status in Free Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction: A Multicenter Study.

Background:  Several patient-related factors have been identified with regard to the safety and efficacy of breast reconstructions. Using the largest database available in Europe, the presented study investigated the impact of cigarette smoking on deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) free-flap breast reconstructions.

Methods:  In total, 3,926 female patients underwent 4,577 free DIEP-flap breast reconstructions after malignancies in 22 different German breast cancer centers.

[Quality assurance in breast reconstruction - Establishment of a prospective national online registry for microsurgical breast reconstructions].

Background:  The loss of a breast, and thus of the female body shape, is often extremely traumatising for women affected. Although free flap grafts have become the gold standard in reconstructive breast surgery, it has not been possible to date to unequivocally document their superiority over conventional alternative techniques. To date, there are no data on the care situation in Germany.