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In what situations is the DIEP flap breast reconstruction not an option?
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drchrysopoulo (Physician - Surgery - Plastic (Verified) ) - 05 / 08 / 2012
Women that have had a previous TRAM flap, tummy tuck or very extensive abdominal wall surgeries (like complex repairs of huge hernias) cannot have a DIEP or SIEA flap reconstruction because the lower tummy tissue that is needed has already been removed, disconnected or moved around.
Having said that, most of the time previous abdominal surgery really isn't an issue.
Many women these days have had a previous c-section or hysterectomy. It is possible for these procedures to cause damage to the blood vessels needed for DIEP flap surgery but this is rare. A previous c-section, hysterectomy, or tubal ligation is not a contra-indication to having the procedure.
If your surgeon is worried about potential damage from previous surgery then certain tests can be performed to examine the anatomy more closely. This can include a simple doppler ultrasound exam in the office or a more involved test like a CT angiogram.
While previous abdominal surgeries may not prevent DIEP flap reconstruction, women that have had multiple previous abdominal procedures are at increased risk of abdominal complications like bulging and even hernia after DIEP flap surgery when compared to women that have never had prior abdominal surgery.
Some medical issues can make any form of microsurgical breast reconstruction (including the DIEP flap) more difficult and also increase the risk of complications like flap loss. These include disorders that make the blood clot more easily (eg Factor V Leiden).
I hope this info helps.
Dr C
http://www.PRMA-enhance.com
Having said that, most of the time previous abdominal surgery really isn't an issue.
Many women these days have had a previous c-section or hysterectomy. It is possible for these procedures to cause damage to the blood vessels needed for DIEP flap surgery but this is rare. A previous c-section, hysterectomy, or tubal ligation is not a contra-indication to having the procedure.
If your surgeon is worried about potential damage from previous surgery then certain tests can be performed to examine the anatomy more closely. This can include a simple doppler ultrasound exam in the office or a more involved test like a CT angiogram.
While previous abdominal surgeries may not prevent DIEP flap reconstruction, women that have had multiple previous abdominal procedures are at increased risk of abdominal complications like bulging and even hernia after DIEP flap surgery when compared to women that have never had prior abdominal surgery.
Some medical issues can make any form of microsurgical breast reconstruction (including the DIEP flap) more difficult and also increase the risk of complications like flap loss. These include disorders that make the blood clot more easily (eg Factor V Leiden).
I hope this info helps.
Dr C
http://www.PRMA-enhance.com
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