A Consensus Statement of the German-Speaking Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (GSRM): Closure of the DIEP/ms-TRAM Flap Donor-Site Defect Ein Konsensus der Deutschsprachigen Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Mikrochirurgie (DAM): Der Verschluss des DIEP-/ms TRAM- Entnahmedefektes
Klinger A, Arkudas A, Bach AD, Momeni A, Djedovic G, Hirche C, Kremer T, Rieger U, Winsauer S, Musmann RJ, Hagouan M (2026)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2026
Journal
DOI: 10.1055/a-2781-1782
Abstract
Objectives Harvesting DIEP or msTRAM flaps for autologous breast reconstruction may lead to complications such as hernia formation and abdominal bulging at the donor site. This consensus statement aims to identify and recommend strategies to minimize donor-site morbidity. During the consensus workshop at the 45th Annual Meeting of the German-speaking Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (GSRM) in Aachen, the following key questions were addressed: Which dissection strategies minimize complications? When is prophylactic mesh placement indicated? What postoperative measures are advisable? Methods An expert consensus was developed through a systematic literature review and in-depth discussion of current evidence among workshop participants. Results The panel reached consensus on the following recommendations: Atraumatic dissection techniques should be used to reduce the risk of bulging. Selective mesh placement is recommended depending on the presence of a fascial defect. Postoperative activity restriction (avoidance of heavy lifting for 6 weeks) is advised for hernia prevention. The panel emphasized the importance of individualized treatment strategies and highlighted the need for further scientific investigation in this area.
Authors with CRIS profile
Involved external institutions
St.-Antonius-Hospital Eschweiler
Germany (DE)
Stanford University
United States (USA) (US)
Landeskrankenhaus Feldkirch
Austria (AT)
Sana Kliniken AG
Germany (DE)
Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik (BGU) Frankfurt am Main
Germany (DE)
Klinikum St. Georg
Germany (DE)
Agaplesion Markus Krankenhaus
Germany (DE)
HOCH Health Ostschweiz
Switzerland (CH)
Germany (DE)
Stanford University
United States (USA) (US)
Landeskrankenhaus Feldkirch
Austria (AT)
Sana Kliniken AG
Germany (DE)
Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik (BGU) Frankfurt am Main
Germany (DE)
Klinikum St. Georg
Germany (DE)
Agaplesion Markus Krankenhaus
Germany (DE)
HOCH Health Ostschweiz
Switzerland (CH)
How to cite
APA:
Klinger, A., Arkudas, A., Bach, A.D., Momeni, A., Djedovic, G., Hirche, C.,... Hagouan, M. (2026). A Consensus Statement of the German-Speaking Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (GSRM): Closure of the DIEP/ms-TRAM Flap Donor-Site Defect Ein Konsensus der Deutschsprachigen Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Mikrochirurgie (DAM): Der Verschluss des DIEP-/ms TRAM- Entnahmedefektes. Handchirurgie, Mikrochirurgie, Plastische Chirurgie. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2781-1782
MLA:
Klinger, Arlena, et al. "A Consensus Statement of the German-Speaking Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (GSRM): Closure of the DIEP/ms-TRAM Flap Donor-Site Defect Ein Konsensus der Deutschsprachigen Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Mikrochirurgie (DAM): Der Verschluss des DIEP-/ms TRAM- Entnahmedefektes." Handchirurgie, Mikrochirurgie, Plastische Chirurgie (2026).
BibTeX: Download