What does this research mean for the field?

While the profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap is a reliable alternative to the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap for breast reconstruction with similar survival rates, significant evidence gaps remain regarding its optimal reconstructive timing and long-term oncologic safety. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.SYNTHESIS. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

This review aims to compare the effectiveness of PAP and DIEP flap breast reconstructions, focusing on oncologic safety and timing of reconstruction.

June 10, 2026Medical SciencesOpen Access

PAP Versus DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction: Current Evidence and the Unresolved Question of Timing and Oncologic Safety – A Narrative Review

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Authors

MMMaximilian Vlad MunteanIuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy RIRadu Alexandru IlieșIuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy VGVlad Alexandru GâtaIuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy

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Implication

Narrative review compares PAP and DIEP flap reconstruction outcomes, highlighting knowledge gaps in timing and safety.

Key Points

This review aims to compare the effectiveness of PAP and DIEP flap breast reconstructions, focusing on oncologic safety and timing of reconstruction.
A narrative review was conducted using PubMed to gather literature on PAP and DIEP flap breast reconstruction.
Studies included assessed outcomes such as surgical results, patient satisfaction, reconstructive timing, and oncologic safety.
Twenty studies were synthesized, encompassing comparative studies, cohort studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses.
Flap survival rates were similar for both methods, with nearly 98-100% success rates reported.
PAP reconstruction showed a higher incidence of donor-site wound complications and fat necrosis compared to DIEP.
Immediate DIEP reconstruction did not increase risk of complications or recurrence relative to delayed reconstruction, possibly improving recovery and patient-reported outcomes.

Cite This Study

Muntean et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a28ffc76f82f25be989c937 https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci14020295

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PAP Versus DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction: Current Evidence and the Unresolved Question of Timing and Oncologic Safety – A Narrative Review

Discussion

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Key Points

Cite This Study

PAP Versus DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction: Current Evidence and the Unresolved Question of Timing and Oncologic Safety – A Narrative Review

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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