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Traveling for DIEP reconstruction?

Page last modified on: September 18, 2008
Question from WynnME: What are the issues one must address if one wants a DIEP reconstruction and you have to go many miles away from one's home to a city where they perform the surgeries (i.e. Johns Hopkins)?
Answer —Maurice Nahabedian, M.D.: Unfortunately, there are very few surgeons in the U.S. that routinely perform the DIEP flap. They are located throughout the United States but only in a few cities. This means that many women will have to travel to these cities in order to receive this type of reconstruction. This procedure is actually performed with greater frequency in the European countries. However, in the U.S., many surgeons are reluctant to perform this type of reconstruction.

In my practice, I see many patients who travel great distances in order to have this procedure performed. What I request is that these patients be prepared to stay in Baltimore for a period of 7to 10 days following the reconstruction. After that, they are free to go back home and then return for scheduled follow-ups at 6 weeks and 3 months following the procedure.

On Wednesday, November 19, 2003, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Breast Reconstruction. Maurice Nahabedian, M.D. and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about different techniques in breast reconstruction, the pros and cons of implants and body tissue transfers, when you might want to reconstruct, and many more issues related to rebuilding your breast/s after breast cancer surgery.

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

Maurice Nahabedian, M.D. is director of the Center of Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery of the Breast and associate professor of plastic Surgery at Johns Hopkins.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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