Super obesity is not necessarily a contraindication to deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction

The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is widely recognised as a safe and reliable flap for use as a first-choice option in autologous tissue breast reconstruction. Patients with obesity represent a challenging group for autologous breast reconstruction, as they are at increased risk of developing major and minor complications in comparison with patients with normal weight. We report a 59-year-old woman with super obesity, who presented to our department with right breast skin necrosis after implant reconstruction following mastectomy for right breast cancer. After implant removal and local treatment with both surgical debridement and negative pressure wound therapy, the patient successfully underwent a DIEP flap breast reconstruction. We conclude that super obesity should not be a contraindication to DIEP flap breast reconstruction.

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