Deep inferior epigastric perforator and transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap breast reconstruction: A comparison of breast mobility outcomes

Abstract

Current breast reconstruction evaluations mostly focus on static cosmetic analysis as a measure of the clinical outcomes. Moreover, it is essential to consider the dynamic changes in the reconstructed breast alongside assessments of aesthetic symmetry, functional restoration, complication rates, and long-term stability of the reconstruction. This study aimed to assess the mobility of the reconstructed breast following various breast reconstruction techniques, specifically by comparing deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps and pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flaps. We conducted a longitudinal case study to investigate the changes in breast movement resulting from different surgical interventions. The comparison showed that DIEP flap reconstruction was more likely to achieve superior breast mobility outcomes than TRAM flap reconstruction. For a better breast aesthetic outcome, it is fundamental to improve the awareness of the dynamic evaluation of the reconstructed breast at the surgical strategy level.

Keywords

• Deep inferior epigastric perforator flap
• Transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap
• Breast mobility
• Breast reconstruction outcome