Dr. Ochoa Explains Why a Small Portion of Rib is Removed During the DIEP Flap
Submitted by Brandy Korman on
The reason why a small portion of the rib is removed (1-2 centimeters) where it meets the sternum is because we need to get access to the blood vessels that will be providing blood flow to the tissue that is moved over from the abdomen to the chest. Removing this small portion of rib allows good exposure to the blood vessels which are very small and very delicate. There are some surgeons that do this procedure by going between the ribs instead of removing a portion of the rib. ...read more about Dr. Ochoa Explains Why a Small Portion of Rib is Removed During the DIEP Flap












