Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap for Immediate Breast Reconstruction following Mastectomy in Breast Cancer Patients: An Initial Experience in Vietnam

BACKGROUND: Breast reconstruction in breast cancer patients is an optional surgery that improves the quality of life while preserving the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is a new but reliable and safe technique for autologous breast reconstruction. After mastectomy, immediate reconstruction is the preferred method because of its aesthetic result and convenience. This study is aimed at summarizing our experience in DIEP flap for immediate breast reconstruction. METHODS: A prospective study was performed on 30 breast cancer patients who underwent intermediate breast reconstruction for DIEP flap after mastectomy from June 2019 to June 2021 in Hanoi Medical University Hospital. Clinicopathology characteristics, tumor stage, treatment, and complications were evaluated. RESULT: The mean age of patients was 44.9 (range: 29-73 years). 86.7% of patients were in stages I and II. Five patients (16.7%) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. 20 patients (66.7%) underwent nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) procedures. The mean operating time was 341 minutes. The mean time to receive chemotherapy was 34.68 days. The mean number of perforators was 1.30. The overall flap success rate was 90%. Twelve patients (40%) experienced complications. Four patients (13.3%) returned to the operating room due to venous congestions. Two patients (6.67%) had complete flap loss. Other complication: fat necrosis (6.7%), seroma (13.3%), partial flap loss (3.3%), abdominal wound dehiscence (6.7%), pneumonia (3.3%), and pulmonary embolism (6.7%). After one-month postoperation, 88.9% of patients were satisfied with their breasts, and 74.07% were satisfied with the operation. CONCLUSION: DIEP flap is a new but reliable and safe technique for autologous breast reconstruction. Though patients opting for breast reconstruction still have a low risk of complication and reconstruction failure, this procedure should be used more frequently in appropriate patients to improve their quality of life.