Longitudinal Volume Assessment of Reconstructed Breast Using Three-Dimensional Measurement: How Do DIEP and LD Flap Change Immediately after Surgery?

Abstract

Background The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) and latissimus dorsi (LD) flaps are two widely used autologous breast reconstructions. Despite studies on flap-volume changes, the time of the first measurement is not immediately after surgery. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the change in volume over time from the immediate postoperative period using a three-dimensional (3D) scanner.

Keywords

• breast reconstruction
• latissimus dorsi
• perforator flap
• magnetic resonance imaging
• supine position