Comparing Plastic Surgeon Operative Time for DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction: 2-stage More Efficient than 1-stage?

Abstract

We found that staged reconstruction over 2 procedures resulted in a significant reduction in operative time for the plastic surgeon for both unilateral and bilateral reconstruction. With amenable breast surgeons and patients, the advantages of controlling scheduling and the operating room may encourage plastic surgeons to consider performing free flap reconstruction in a delayed fashion.