Immediate-DElayed AutoLogous (IDEAL) Breast Reconstruction with the DIEP Flap.

UNLABELLED

The most common cancer worldwide in women is breast cancer. The increasing number of cases each year, requires a novel curative approach that can combine oncological treatments and breast reconstruction yielding a pleasing and aesthetic breast that is a definitive and long lasting solution. Thus, the Immediate-DElayed AutoLogous (IDEAL) breast reconstruction principle was created to hold up to the standards of the needs of contemporary women.

METHOD

The IDEAL protocol for breast reconstruction was developed in our department in cooperation with our breast surgery unit and describes a two-stage approach that implicates neoadjuvant radio-/ chemotherapy treatment regimes and tumor staging before the mastectomy in order to avoid post-mastectomy radiation. In a second step the breast is then reconstructed with autologous tissue for optimal and natural results.

CONCLUSION

More and more patients decide to undergo breast reconstruction after breast cancer. The IDEAL concept offers a life-long and safe solution with a low rate of late complications.