Perforator Mapping Practice for Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Flap Reconstructions: A Survey of the Benelux Region.

Background:  Numerous new and novel imaging techniques for preoperative perforator selection in deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap planning have been introduced. To what extent, these have been adopted into or replaced routine practice has hitherto remained unknown. The purpose of this study was to identify the currently preferred technique by reconstructive surgeons, the criteria that they regard as most relevant and what impact these have on the preoperative decision-making.

Concordance between preoperative computed tomography angiographic mapping and intraoperative perforator selection for deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap breast reconstructions.

Background: Preoperative imaging for perforator identification prior to a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap elevation for breast reconstruction has many advantages. Currently, computed tomography (CT) angiography provides good visualization of the perforators and their course, and is thus the imaging technique of choice. The primary aim of this study was to determine the concordance between the perforators identified preoperatively and the perforators ultimately selected intraoperatively, with a standardized protocol, in a single institution.