Unveiling Intricacies of DIEP Breast Reconstruction Post Early Breast Cancer: A Deep Dive into a Case of Unforeseen Complications

Abstract

In the vast expanse of restorative surgical procedures, the Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap, originating from the inferior epigastric artery, has emerged as the preferred method of breast reconstruction, attributable to its myriad advantages. The technique provides reliable vascular supply, robust tissue volume for excision, minimal invasiveness to the donor site, with direct closure and concealment of the said site. This paper embarks on an elaborate elucidation of the DIEP surgical procedure, pivoting on the analytical exploration of a particular instance where necrosis of the skin flap occurred following immediate DIEP breast reconstruction in a patient diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. This patient had previously undergone Nipple Areola Complex Sparing Mastectomy (NSM). We endeavor to extrapolate insights from this singular case of post-NSM DIEP breast reconstruction failure and correlate our findings with current literature dedicated to similar instances of surgical failure in DIEP breast reconstruction.