On December 8, the first ever Innervated Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) Free Flap breast reconstruction was performed in the Region of Waterloo.
Dr. Kathryn Sawa and team, performed this relatively new surgical procedure where very small nerves in the chest and abdominal flap tissue are carefully dissected out and connected with microsurgery. Traditionally DIEP flap breast reconstruction restores breast shape however the tissue is numb because the nerves in the breast are cut at the time of mastectomy. This new technique can allow patients to restore sensation/feeling in their reconstructed breast.
In Dr. Sawa’s message to Surgery Program leaders, she described the excellence of the entire OR team and thanked them for making this complex surgery go smoothly: “It truly is a testament to the dedication and skill of our OR staff at CMH.”
For interest this video (external) shows the impact this surgery can have on the lives of patients.