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What is your approach for PMRT when the patient has a DIEP flap?
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2 AnswersMednet Member
Radiation Oncology · Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh
I would say that the presence of a DIEP flap does not change my approach to PMRT much. I look to cover the chest wall and regional nodes (+/- IM nodes) similar to a flat chest wall or expander/implant case. In my experience, the only change that sometimes happens is planning as the DIEP can sometime...
Mednet Member
Radiation Oncology · USC Keck School of Medicine
There is concern that radiation can affect internal mammary and DIEP flap anastomosis, but I'm not sure what the exact risk would be. I also only cover IMN selectively, so when I need to cover it, the patient is high risk. Our institution is fortunate to have plastic surgeons who understand cancer c...