Use of the Cephalic Vein in DIEP Breast Reconstruction Does Not Increase Risk of Lymphedema of the Ipsilateral Arm

• Published in: Plastic and reconstructive surgery (1963) Vol. 151; no. 1; p. 195
• Main Authors: Svee, Andreas, Falk-Delgado, Alberto, Folkvaljon, Folke, Cederland, Christoffer, Wallenius, Imke, Audolfsson, Thorir, Drazan, Lubos, Mani, Maria
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.01.2023
• Subjects: Epigastric Arteries - surgery; Humans; Hyperemia - etiology; Iliac Vein - surgery; Lymphedema - complications; Lymphedema - surgery; Mammaplasty - adverse effects; Perforator Flap - blood supply; Postoperative Complications - epidemiology; Postoperative Complications - etiology; Postoperative Complications - surgery; Regional Blood Flow; Retrospective Studies

Flap failure is a rare but devastating complication in deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap reconstructions. Common causes of partial or complete flap failure are related to venous congestion. Although the cephalic vein is usually a safe and reliable recipient vein for additional venous o...