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Long-term followup on DIEP reconstruction?

Page last modified on: January 7, 2009
Question from NVH: Has there been any long-term follow up on the DIEP-type reconstruction? How are women faring with it?
Answer —Ruth Oratz, M.D., F.A.C.P.: I can't say that I saw anything presented at the meeting about it, but my understanding is that it's a very useful and accepted plastic surgical technique for breast reconstruction following mastectomy. The choice of which type of reconstruction is appropriate for any individual patient is a personalized decision that can really only be made by that patient in consultation with her physician. There are many alternatives for plastic surgical reconstruction of the breasts after mastectomy, including immediate reconstruction with implants, tissue expander followed by reconstruction, and a variety of flap reconstructions. The details of which surgical technique is best for any individual woman depend on her anatomy and her other medical conditions.

On Wednesday, December 17, 2008, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Updates from the 2008 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. Ruth Oratz, M.D., F.A.C.P. and Carol Kaplan, M.D. answered your questions about the latest updates on breast cancer risk, screening techniques, treatment options, and more.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Ruth Oratz, M.D., F.A.C.P.Ruth Oratz, M.D., F.A.C.P. is associate professor of clinical medicine at New York University School of Medicine. She is the founder of The Women's Oncology & Wellness Practice in New York City where she specializes in treating women with breast cancer and other malignancies, as well as women at risk for cancer. 

Carol Kaplan, M.D. is an assistant professor of clinical medicine in the Rena Rowan Breast Center at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Her work revolves around the clinical care of breast cancer patients, as well as teaching medical students and house staff.

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