Observational Study of Blood Markers and Recovery in Women Undergoing DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction After Breast Cancer Surgery

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to better understand ischemia-reperfusion IR injury, a common challenge in DIEP flap breast reconstruction surgery for breast cancer patients. IR injury occurs when blood flow to the flap is temporarily stopped and then restored, potentially causing inflammation, oxidative stress, fat necrosis, or partial flap loss. The study focuses on measuring markers of inflammation and oxidative stress during the surgery and early recovery period to map normal and abnormal healing patterns. Participants are women aged 18 to 70 undergoing immediate DIEP flap breast reconstruction after mastectomy. The study is observational, meaning no experimental drugs or devices are used. Blood samples will be collected before surgery and at 0, 6, 24, and 72 hours after surgery to measure various markers such as interleukin-6 IL-6 and others related to inflammation and oxidative stress. Researchers will also record clinical data including age, BMI, surgery details, flap outcomes, and any complications. During the hospital stay, participants will have five blood draws totaling about 50 mL. Their clinical information will be collected from medical records without changing their usual care. The primary outcomes include measuring the viable flap area at 7 days after surgery and plasma IL-6 concentration at 24 hours. Secondary outcomes involve other plasma markers and surgical site infections within 30 days. There is no additional follow-up after discharge, and participation involves no extra cost.

DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction: Perioperative Biomarkers and Outcomes