Robotic-assisted DIEP flap harvest: a feasibility study on cadaveric model

The DIEP flap has reduced the incidence of abdominal wall complications compared to the TRAM flap [1]. However, this risk still remains [1-2] because the anterior sheath of the rectus muscle needs to be incised longitudinally to dissect the deep inferior epigastric vessels. We believe that robotic dissection of the deep inferior epigastric vessels may reduce donor site morbidity by preserving the anterior sheath of the rectus muscle as much as possible. The aim of this study was to assess the technical feasibility of DIEP flap harvest with robotically assisted dissection of the deep inferior epigastric vessels.