SAN ANTONIO, TX. ― Methodist Hospital will reach an important breast cancer treatment milestone today when surgeons there perform the 8,500th DIEP flap procedure.
"We are proud to reach this landmark achievement that reflects the high-quality treatment and advanced treatment options available to our patients," said Lisa Keihne, vice president of Oncology at Methodist Hospital. "The DIEP flap procedure is complex, and at Methodist Hospital we are able to offer the clinical expertise that surgeons and their patients need. Patients travel from throughout the country to have the procedure performed here."
"As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is important that we all appreciate how much treatment has advanced," said Keihne. "It is inspiring to see how many breast cancer patients and their families are celebrating life because this treatment option was available to them."
The DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) flap breast reconstruction procedure is the most advanced form of breast cancer reconstruction available today, and PRMA Plastic Surgery is the only practice performing it in this part of the country. DIEP flap uses the patient's own abdominal skin and fat to reconstruct a natural, warm, soft breast after mastectomy. The procedure preserves all the abdominal muscles. Patients experience less pain after surgery, enjoy a faster recovery and maintain their abdominal strength long-term.
"I couldn't be prouder of the entire team," said Mina Chrysopoulo, M.D., president, PRMA Plastic Surgery. "You can't do this on your own. The PRMA surgeons tend to get all the credit, but in reality, it takes an army to provide such a highly specialized service to so many people, week-in, week-out, and we've been doing it for 25 years! We are extremely thankful for the passion our team members bring daily to help our patients…we couldn't do this without our office staff, nurses, PAs, OR team and our partnership with Methodist Hospital. Most of all, we are humbled by our patient's journeys and the trust they have in PRMA, especially during such a difficult time in their lives."
The patient who will be the 8,500th to undergo the procedure commented: "I chose the DIEP flap because I wanted to use my own tissue. I have seen and talked to many women who had experienced complications with their implants, and I didn't want to go through that or to have further surgery down the road. I have complete confidence in my choice and in my surgical team. I have appreciated all of the continued support and I hope that by sharing my experience I can encourage others."
For more information on the DIEP flap procedure at Methodist Hospital, visit Methodist Healthcare.
Note to Media: Please contact us if you wish to do a story on this and we will coordinate interviews and provide b-roll footage.