Local recurrences after DIEP reconstruction of the breast – Epidemiology and strategies for treatment

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women. Breast reconstruction can be performed with autologous fat tissue, implants, or a combination of both. Overall, there is no increased risk of breast cancer recurrence after autologous breast reconstruction compared to mastectomy alone. The aim of our study is to evaluate the recurrence rate after deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap reconstruction in our patients’ series as well as to describe the management of local recurrence based on our experience. We conducted a retrospective, bi-centric observational study. A total of 666 patients who underwent breast reconstruction with a DIEP flap at the two breast centers were included. Among 238 patients of breast center no. 1 who received DIEP flap reconstruction, an axillary and five local recurrences were observed. At breast center no. 2, which included 428 patients, seven local recurrences occurred. In total, 13 cases of recurrence were identified, yielding a recurrence prevalence of 2% this study population. In case of local recurrence, tumor resection with preservation of the DIEP flap is possible. Different techniques can be used to preserve flap perfusion.