DIEP flap
Pronunciation: DEEP flap
Also written as: DIEP — Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator
Breast reconstruction technique using abdominal tissue while preserving muscle integrity.
Full Definition
The Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap is a microsurgical breast reconstruction technique that transfers skin and fat from the lower abdomen to recreate the breast mound. Unlike the TRAM flap, the DIEP flap preserves the rectus abdominis muscle by carefully dissecting around the blood vessels that perforate through the muscle. This results in reduced donor site morbidity and better abdominal wall function post-operatively. The procedure requires microsurgical expertise to connect the flap's blood vessels to recipient vessels in the chest.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize DIEP and specify 'flap' to avoid confusion with other surgical terms.
In Context
- "The patient was an excellent candidate for DIEP flap reconstruction given adequate abdominal tissue." — surgical consultation
- "Microsurgical anastomosis was performed to establish blood supply to the DIEP flap." — operative report