The Efficacy of Half Purse Suture Technique in Eliminating “Dog-Ear” Deformity at Donor Site Incision in Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap (DIEP) Breast Reconstruction

Abstract

Background

To evaluate the effectiveness of the half purse suture technique in eliminating the “dog-ear” deformity at the donor site incision of the Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap (DIEP) for breast reconstruction.

Method

From May to October 2022, the half purse suture technique was employed to suture the lateral ends of the donor site incision in 5 female patients undergoing DIEP breast reconstruction. The patients’ ages ranged from 39 to 56 years, with a mean age of 48.2 years. Four patients underwent primary breast reconstruction, while one patient underwent secondary reconstruction. Postoperatively, the donor site on the abdomen was routinely dressed with compression bandages.

Results

All 5 patients were followed up at one month postoperatively. The flaps survived successfully, and the donor site incisions healed primarily without complications. The skin at the lateral ends of the abdominal incisions appeared smooth, without any dog-ear deformity. No complications such as local concavity or infection were observed.

Conclusion

The half purse suture technique effectively eliminates the “dog-ear” deformity at the donor site incision of the DIEP flap.