A chimeric vascularised groin lymph node flap and DIEP flap for the management of lymphoedema secondary to breast cancer

摘要

Post mastectomy lymphoedema is a debilitating condition which is estimated to occur in 16-39% of breast cancer patients. We present a technique for breast reconstruction and improvement of lymphoedema using a chimeric vas-cularised groin node and Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap. This adds minimal additional operative time and morbidity. We have performed this procedure in eighteen patients with symptomatic improvement in all cases and it forms a pilot study.