Comparison of outcomes of arterial end-to-side versus end-to-end anastomosis in autologous deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction: DIEP-ES study protocol.

BACKGROUND: End-to-end anastomosis to the internal mammary artery (IMA) is the current standard anastomosis technique for women undergoing autologous breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap. This approach fails to preserve the length of the IMA, compromising its availability for cardiac surgery use in women who develop coronary heart disease. A viable alternative may be end-to-side anastomosis, but data on its feasibility is currently lacking. METHODS: This pilot study will involve 60 patients at a single-center institute over approximately 24 months. Inclusion criteria are female sex, age >18 years, history of breast cancer, and eligibility for unilateral autologous DIEP breast reconstruction. Exclusion criteria include patients with a legal guardian, inability to consent, and history of blood clotting disorders or hypercoagulability. Data will be collected at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1-year post-surgery. The primary outcome is "major complication" of the recipient site, including anastomotic insufficiency, arterial thrombosis, hematoma, reoperation, or flap loss. Secondary outcomes are abdominal perfusion and major donor site complications, such as wound healing disorders. Patient satisfaction will be assessed using the SF-36 and BREAST-Q (reconstructive module) questionnaires. STUDY STATUS: The DIEP-ES study has begun enrolment in February 2023. As this is an ongoing trial, no results have been gathered yet. The results will be reported upon completion of the study. We anticipate that the primary and secondary outcomes of the end-to-side approach will be comparable to the accepted standard of care, i.e., end-to-end anastomoses. CONCLUSIONS: End-to-side anastomosis may be a safe alternative for DIEP breast reconstruction, especially for patients at risk for coronary heart disease. This pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility and safety of the end-to-side anastomosis technique in DIEP-flap breast reconstruction. The preliminary findings will inform the design of future multicentric trials to confirm the efficacy of this approach.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

End-to-end anastomosis to the internal mammary artery (IMA) is the current standard anastomosis technique for women undergoing autologous breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap. This approach fails to preserve the length of the IMA, compromising its availability...

Explore cómo esta investigación se conecta con la práctica clínica

More peer-reviewed studies in Ensayos clínicos.

• Leech Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis — The Landmark RCT — Michalsen et al. (2003)
• Leech-Assisted Flap Salvage — Systematic Review of 277 Cases — Whitaker et al. (2012)
• Effects of hirudotherapy on liver functions, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity in rats with metabolic syndrome — Bilden A et al. (2026)
• Efficacy and Safety of Hirudotherapy for Improving Sperm Quality Parameters in Male Infertility: A Randomized Controlled Trial — Abtahi-Forooshani M et al. (2026)
• Reverse Sural Flap Venous Congestion Successfully Managed With Enoxaparin in a Male Patient With a Traumatic Foot Crush Injury: A Case Report — Velasco-Bustamante J et al. (2026)
• Investigation of the therapeutic effects of medicinal leech treatment on lower extremity ischemia-reperfusion injury — Ünal K et al. (2026)
• Efficacy of Medicinal Leech Therapy in Diverse Clinical Applications: A Comprehensive Study from Azerbaijan — Farzali S et al. (2025)
• HIRUDOTHERAPY IN RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY: CASE-REPORTS AND REVIEW — Heinz P et al. (2020)
• Hirudotherapy Efficacy and Complications in the Management of Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review — Foppiani J et al. (2024)
• Hirudotherapy in Wound Healing — Nair H et al. (2022)

Browse all ASH-analysed research →