Hot Topic Of The Day - Reconstructions After Mastectomy (Source: Science Daily)

New procedure known as SADIE Flap

(Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery-Deep Inferior Epigastic Artery Flap)

UT Southwest Medical Center surgeons have come up with a new method of breast reconstruction  which takes advantage of two microsurgical procedures using abdominal tissue and other body tissue.

A flap based procedure usually uses tissue obtained from the abdomen, thigh, buttocks. The new technique incorporates improved and updated versions of pre-existing techniques if the usual flap surgeries (known as DIEP/SIEA) are not appropriate. Blood vessels can be mismatched in more traditional flaps, making the method less reliable. It's reported that with the new approach ''..there is no mismatch of blood vessels, and the flow of blood is not burdened by any turbulence issues'' - Dr. Nicholas Haddock.

Surgeons explain that trying to match arteries can  be compared to attempting to attach two pipes of different sizes; making an ill-fitted seal. This results in an anatomical mismatch and causes turbulence. To solve this issue, the smaller of the arteries ('pipes') must have an intermediary pipe - with one smaller and one larger end. This can prevent debris building up and therefore clogging/clotting in arteries.

This 'intermediate pipe system' addresses this issue of any mismatching arteries from the SIEA flap joining to the chest. Using instruments specially designed for Super-Microsurgery, three procedures have been completed and UTSW surgeons hope to expand the use of this method, as well as increasing the use of the more traditional SIEA flap.

UT Southwest Medical Center is one of the first centres in the world to practice four-flap breast constructions, and their breast microsurgical team has one of the biggest experiences globally with multiple-flap based surgeries using combined parts of the body. In the case of Four-flap breast reconstruction, fat and skin are sourced from the patient's stomach and back of the legs.

To help women make an informed decision about their surgery, UT southwstern's Breast Reconstruction Program works in association with UT Southwestern's Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center. A woman's decision is based on several factors: her health, any  predicted cancer treatments, approximate recovery time, body shape and includes other factors.

This new technique is increasing in national recognition, and is anticipated to grow in popularity.

Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/04/160419145411.htm