Q:

I am interested in DIEP and live in N.C., but before I go any further, I have questions. I’m a healthy, 43-year-old female; married with children; I work, and I’m a non-smoker. I was recently diagnosed with multi-centric DCIS in my right breast. MRI enhancing revealed a left breast lesion, and a biopsy will be scheduled soon. Genetic testing came back negative. A local plastic surgery consult indicated sufficient abdominal tissue to create a breast mound. My first question — who are the breast surgeons that your office works with? Would they do a sentinel node biopsy as my surgeon has recommended? Second, could the mastectomy and DIEP occur during a single surgery? Third, do you coordinate care with my current breast surgeon? I anticipate that if the lesion on the left is also DCIS, I would opt for a lumpectomy and radiation on that side since the area is small, and do it locally with my current breast surgeon. Finally, how would I start the process of moving forward with a consult with your office for DIEP?

A:

Hi, Kay,

Thank you for your question, I am sorry you have to go through surgery. It seems you have already gotten a lot of good information about your possible treatment and reconstruction. Our practice has specialized in breast reconstruction using natural fatty tissue and procedures such as the DIEP flap since 2002. My partner and I have performed nearly 2000 breast reconstructions using natural tissue with an overall success rate of 99%. We work with several breast surgeons who we collaborate with on every patient. We are also accustomed to patients having to travel to us from out of state and have had patients come from 48 of the 50 states. We understand the difficulties associated with what you are going through and our mission is to help people in your situation. You have some excellent questions so I will answer them in list format. 

1. Who are the breast surgeons that your office works with?

We work with multiple breast surgeons who we are familiar with and collaborate with to offer our patients the options that are best for each individual situation.  Drs. Megan Baker, Jennifer Fiorinni, and Jennifer Beatty are excellent breast surgeons who we work with. Would they do a sentinel node biopsy as my surgeon has recommended I have done? Yes, they would and frequently do prior to mastectomy to determine if radiation is needed after mastectomy.

2. Could the mastectomy and DIEP Flap occur during a single surgery?

Yes, absolutely! We feel this is very important to get the best result and to minimize the number of surgeries needed.

3.  Do you coordinate care with my current breast surgeon? I anticipate that if the lesion on the left is also DCIS that I would opt for lumpectomy and radiation on that side since it is a small area and would do that locally with my current breast surgeon.

Yes, we coordinate with our patient’s home breast surgeons. For what treatment is best we also rely on the opinion of the breast surgeon here. In your situation it may be best to consider possibly having both breasts removed and then reconstructing both at the same time with the same technique. That approach allows us to achieve better symmetry between the breasts. Sometimes after a lumpectomy and radiation, the breast can develop an abnormal shape that is not desirable and difficult — if not impossible — to match with the opposite breast. The problems might not surface until after radiation and are then nearly impossible to repair. When we use the DIEP flap, it is often available for each breast and therefore makes for a great match. We can discuss this more if you like.

4. How would I start the process of moving forward with a consult with your office for DIEP?

Just let me know if you would like to see me for a consult in person or make an appointment to talk over the phone. Most of the time, we can plan and answer questions before an actual visit in person. My staff can contact you to schedule an appointment and gather additional information.

I hope that I have answered your questions, let me know if you have other questions.

Thank you,

James Craigie, MD

CNBR