Early experience with the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap in breast reconstruction

The free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap has earned a prominent place in the armamentarium of the clinician performing breast reconstructive surgery. There is, however, significant morbidity associated with this flap. With the advent of the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap many of these disadvantages may be overcome. Early experience with this promising technique is presented.Presented at the Seventh Annual Meeting of the European Association of Plastic Surgeons (EURAPS), May 16-18, 1996, Innsbruck, Austria