DIEP flap

I have been reading about the DIEP flap. It sounds preferable to the TRAM flap in that it does not use the abdominal muscle. What can you tell me about its success rate?  Are there any doctors at the Cleveland Clinic who perform this?  Is it more expensive than the TRAM flap procedure?  I would appreciate any information you can provide. Thank you.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear eamona, I was unable to find actual statistics regarding the DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforation)flap, only information found was descriptions of the procedure.  We do not perform this particular procedure at Cleveland Clinic.  Regarding the costs, you would have to check with the institutions that are actually doing the procedure.

[donethat]

I just had a diep flap at the end of Oct.  I researched it thoroughly because I don't like surgery and wasn't willing to go through any more unless I was sure of the results, since this is elective, unlike the mastectomy.  I am happy with the results--all my abdominal muscles are still intact and I'm exercising normally, and I have cleavage again!  I have a D cup breast and the new one is doing fine.

I have a bibliography of all the journal articles I researched if you're interested.  But the best site is www.diepflap.com which is the site of the doctor that I went to in New Orleans, Dr. Robert Allen.  The educational nurse for the hospital, Michelle, is excellent and will help you with any info you want.

Dr. Allen has been doing this procedure since 1992.  As far as I can tell, he has been doing it the longest in the US and perfected the procedure here in the US.

I wish you luck.  I saw a video on how the conventional TRAM flap is done and it was really scary--a lot of trauma to the body that with new medical technology is unnecessary.  However, this procedure does require microsurgical skills and therefore requires a doctor with training and access to good equipment (like a good microscope).