DIEP Flap for Head and Neck Reconstruction: An Underutilized Option!

Abstract

Background The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is a workhorse flap for breast reconstruction. Its use for head and neck (HN) reconstruction is rare. Abdomen provides a donor site abundant in skin and subcutaneous tissue, amenable to primary closure; sizeable, robust, and consistent perforators and a long, sizeable pedicle for comfortable microvascular anastomosis. Its offers all the donor variables needed for HN reconstruction in abundance.

Keywords

• DIEP flap
• HN reconstruction
• large defects
• musculocutaneous rectus abdominis flaps