Breast Reconstruction with Robotic-Assisted DIEP Free Flap: TAPP Approach
摘要
Traditional deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction requires large fascial incisions to expose the deep inferior epigastric (DIE) vessels and their pedicles [1]. Although it is the preferred method due to its muscle sparing compared with transverse rectus abdominus muscle flap, this still requires splitting the anterior fascial sheath along the length of the pedicle, resulting in disruption of abdominal wall musculature and its motor innervation [2]. A robotic approach to pedicle harvest allows for dissection through small fascial incisions to preserve abdominal integrity [3]. By limiting the size of fascial incisions and dissecting the pedicle intraabdominally using the robot, the only disruption of the abdominal wall musculature is when the pedicle itself is intramuscular. This in turn also preserves the motor nerves innervating the abdominal wall.