The Impact of Preoperative CT Angiography on Breast Reconstruction With Abdominal Perforator Flaps

Abstract

pCTA appears to reduce operative time by minimizing time spent identifying perforators, assisting in side selection for unilateral reconstruction, and optimizing planning when a long intramuscular course is identified. The effect of a learning curve cannot be excluded and is the chief limitation of this study.

CT‐angiography prior to diep flap breast reconstruction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…After screening the full text of 20 articles, eight were selected for critical appraisal (Fig. ) . No additional relevant studies were found by screening related articles and citations.…”

“…and M.R.H.V.) resulted in two studies scoring low on both validity and relevance . These articles were therefore excluded, whereas six other studies were selected for further analysis .…”

Perforator mapping reduces the operative time of DIEP flap breast reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of preoperative ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance angiography

“… Five studies were missing standard deviations 48,51,37,45,46 which prevents inference about the spread of data and required imputation for this review, which will bias the results towards no effect and as such, we designated these studies at high risk of bias due to missing data.…”

Optimizing Efficiency in Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction

“…13 In addition, it is one of the few adjuncts that has been shown to significantly decrease operative time and reduce surgeon stress in DIEP flap breast reconstruction. 8,11,14,15 Not only does it facilitate identifying the dominant perforators, but also provides a road map for the abdominal flap vascular supply. It is unclear if operative time has any effect on postoperative complications.…”

“…11,12 The CT angiogram has become the gold standard preoperative imaging for perforator flap breast reconstruction. 13 In addition, it is one of the few adjuncts that has been shown to significantly decrease operative time and reduce surgeon stress in DIEP flap breast reconstruction.…”