Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
6214338 | Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery | 2014 | 5 Pages |
SummaryBackgroundEstimation of the volume of abdominal tissue is desirable when planning autologous abdominal based breast reconstruction. However, this can be difficult clinically. The aim of this study was to develop a simple, yet reliable method of calculating the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap weight using the routine preoperative computed tomography angiogram (CTA) scan.MethodsOur mathematical formula is based on the shape of a DIEP flap resembling that of an isosceles triangular prism. Thus its volume can be calculated with a standard mathematical formula. Using bony landmarks three measurements were acquired from the CTA scan to calculate the flap weight. This was then compared to the actual flap weight harvested in both a retrospective feasibility and prospective study.ResultsIn the retrospective group 17 DIEP flaps in 17 patients were analyzed. Average predicted flap weight was 667Â g (range 293-1254). The average actual flap weight was 657Â g (range 300-1290) giving an average percentage error of 6.8% (p-value for weight difference 0.53). In the prospective group 15 DIEP flaps in 15 patients were analyzed. Average predicted flap weight was 618Â g (range 320-925). The average actual flap weight was 624Â g (range 356-970) giving an average percentage error of 6.38% (p-value for weight difference 0.57).ConclusionsThis formula is a quick, reliable and accurate way of estimating the volume of abdominal tissue using the preoperative CTA scan.