Are you a DIEP Flap Candidate?

I am becoming more and more concerned with people being told they are not candidates for the DIEP Flap because of previous abdominal surgery. These surgeries don't necessarily eliminate you from having a DIEP Flap. Essentially it depends on your previous surgeries. If they were done in the middle of your abdomen then it should be relatively straight forward to identify your anatomy and perform the operation. The typical c-section scar can be fine as well. It has been my practice sine February 14, 2004 when I ordered the first perforator protocol Cat Scan (CT) of the abdomen at Froedtert&Medcial College of Wisconsin. I just reviewed the images before writing this blog. It has been a huge advantage to many of our patients with a history of prior abdominal surgery or who may have a pannus. I have had many consultation where the patients have seen several surgeons prior to me because they were told that because of their abdominal scar that they would not be candidates. We look at the blood vessel anatomy to identify to the best of our ability whether or not you can be a candidate.