Clinical Scenarios Using Thoracodorsal and Lateral Thoracic Vessels Versus Internal Mammary Vessels in Bipedicled Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Autologous breast reconstruction using the bipedicled deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap poses unique challenges in Asian patients with a low BMI and limited donor volume. While internal mammary vessels (IMA/Vs) remain the standard recipient site, the rise of minimally invasive mastectomy has limited access to IMA/Vs. This study compared the results of thoracodorsal and lateral thoracic vessels (lateral-based) versus IMA/Vs (medial-based) in bipedicled DIEP flap breast reconstruction.

METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on 62 patients who underwent bipedicled DIEP flap reconstruction between 2018 and 2023 by a single senior surgeon. Patients were stratified by incision placement and recipient vessel choice into medial- and lateral-based groups. Clinical outcomes, complication rates, and long-term aesthetic results were analyzed.

RESULTS: Despite a higher re-exploration rate in the lateral-based group (12.5% versus 4.5%; p = 0.298), flap survival was comparable between the groups. Fat necrosis rates were lower in flaps without re-exploration (5.4%) and increased significantly following compromised perfusion (33.3%). The lateral-based group achieved superior aesthetic outcomes in breast shape (p = 0.043) and scar visibility (p < 0.001), with a reduced need for secondary fat grafting. Dual vascular sources provided more reliable perfusion and improved long-term fat survival, although further validation with perfusion imaging is warranted.

CONCLUSION: The lateral-based approach, despite technical challenges, is a viable alternative to the medial-based method in certain patients, offering reliable perfusion and superior aesthetic outcomes with fewer revisions. An algorithmic approach to recipient vessel selection can optimize outcomes of bipedicled DIEP flap reconstruction.