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DIEP flap plus 3-D surface imaging, 3-D printed mold can help rebuild a symmetric breast

The use of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap reconstruction assisted with 3-D surface imaging and a 3-D-printed mold provided a simple, quick method for shaping a breast that is symmetrical to the contralateral breast, according to researchers.

The researchers performed 11 unilateral breast reconstructions with deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flaps using 3-D surface imaging to aid in the surgical planning and 3-D printed molds to shape the breast neoparenchyma. Preoperatively, the researchers planned a single- or double-pedicle flap based on the estimated tissue volume required, as well as on the estimated total flap volume.

Koichi Tomita

Two health professionals evaluated patients’ cosmetic outcomes using a four-point visual analogue scale (VAS) with grades of excellent, good, fair or poor. Additionally, at 2 months postoperatively, 3-D measurements were taken of bilateral breasts, and the researchers assessed the volume difference between the reconstructed and contralateral breasts.

The researchers rated the correlation between the estimated total flap volume and actual flap weight as excellent. Final flap weight was typically slightly larger than estimated required flap volume to allow for anticipated postoperative shrinkage, according to the researchers.

The researchers noted one incidence of partial fat necrosis in a single-pedicle flap. No other major complications, such as flap loss, occurred during the follow-up period.

Cosmetic outcomes were rated as excellent in seven cases, good in three cases and fair in one case. Most cases had sufficient volume replacement with DIEP flap, with good breast projection and symmetry. - by Abigail Sutton

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.