Questions I should ask PS re DIEP Flap

teaka123

On Monday I have an appointment with the Plastic Surgeon regarding my upcoming mastectomy and DIEP Flap reconstruction. Looking to make a list of questions I should ask. What questions do you wish you had asked?

Thank you!!!

NancyHB

If you don't already know the answer, my first question would be, how many DIEP surgeries have you done? DIEP is a specialty surgery and results are dependent on skill and experience. You may also be able to ask to see photos of completed surgeries.

How long will I be in the hospital? (It seems to vary from 3-5 days).

Do you use a warming blanket or other similar device after surgery? (Helps with blood flow. I spent 3 days under a BearHugger and found it to be the worst part of the procedure, and was unprepared for it).

If you're a caffeine drinker - do I need to give up caffeine for any period of time? My PS said no caffeine for 6 weeks post surgery, but didn't tell me before-hand. I was a 3-cup-a-day coffee drinker and that lead to some pretty miserable headaches. Caffeine is a vasodilator and he wanted to control blood flow to the surgical site during recovery. As a side note - that includes chocolate, too! :-(

What is your rate of post-surgical infection? I landed back in the hospital for a week with a hospital-acquired antibiotic-resistant superbug that scared the life out of me. Doctors know their rates of infection; DIEP and other tissue surgeries have higher rates of infection than other reconstruction/no recon surgeries. Knowing the rate wouldn't have changed my mind about the surgery but would have better informed my decision.

What is your rate of wound dehiscence? I had a small area open in my nipple (because of the infection) and had to pack it for several weeks after. Again - it wouldn't have changed my mind but I would have been better prepared for the possibility.

DIEP is not a one-and-done surgery, so also ask about the expectation and timeframes for the multiple stages. I'm three years out and haven't had my Stage 2 yet but thinking about it for the fall. I'm finally less afraid of that infection and feel like I can take a chance on finishing up.

Good luck

teaka123

NancyHB, thank you for the list and explanations. Other than the hospital stay I would not have known to ask about any of the others. Your infection and need to go back in the hospital. That type of infection is scary.