Diep Flap Surgical Option

When a woman has breast cancer, the DIEP flap is one surgical option for reconstruction. Breast cancer is the most diagnosed form of the disease in females in the U.S.A. It develops in the cells but can begin in the milk ducts, which is where it starts most often. While either gender can have this disease, it's more common in females. There has been an outpouring of support for research and prevention and because of this, there are many options in reconstruction, as well. The DIEP flap, which is an acronym for deep inferior epigastric perforator, is one of the methods to create a natural looking feminine breast after the cancerous tissue has been removed. Here are some things to think about:

- What this procedure entails: In this reconstructive operation, surgeons take fatty tissue and skin from the belly region to create a new breast. Muscles aren't moved as in alternative flap procedures.

- Good candidates: In order to have a successful outcome, a patient needs to have ample skin and adipose tissue to perform the procedure. The muscular components need to stay intact so that the stomach muscles are still functional. A surgeon would need to make sure that removal of this tissue wouldn't disturb the musculature.

- Benefits of this operation: Benefits for a patient include that a mound of flesh will be created immediately after a mastectomy. In addition to this, a woman will also have a slimmer belly after the operation. Having a slender tummy, reminiscent of those that have had tummy tucks, along with a reconstructed breast, will do wonders for self esteem, well-being and healing. Having an attractive appearance allows a patient to feel good about herself which is a boon to a highly functioning immune system. The DIEP method is said to have fewer complications and a shorter recovery time than another flap surgery called the TRAM.

- Other reconstructive operations: Besides the flap surgeries, patients can also have implants placed in order to create natural looking breasts after a mastectomy. Doctors can sometimes place implants into the region immediately after mastectomy or after a procedure which entails expanding the region. Expanders are similar to balloons in that they are slowly filled up by the surgeon over time in order to stretch the tissue. Implants may be filled with saline or silicone and are the same as the devices used by cosmetic surgeons in augmentation procedures.

- Additional cancer treatments: In addition to removing the diseased tissue, radiologists and oncologists also prescribe radiation and chemotherapy to kill cancerous cells. Radiation is delivered via machinery which resembles an x-ray machine. The radioactive waves don't hurt but are able to attack the disease by killing the problematic cells. Chemotherapy can be injected via syringes, I.V.s or through pills.

When a woman discovers she has breast cancer, it is a scary experience. Luckily, due to ongoing research in prevention, detection and treatment, there are lots of options to choose from and survival rates have greatly improved. Reconstructive methods such as the DIEP flap operation can give a patient back her feminine shape and her confidence.

By: aabadie

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A DIEP flap can check for tooth decay and other oral health problems. To get your mouth in top shape, visit www.breastcenter.com.