Donor-site closure using absorbable dermal staple for deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps: its efficacy and cosmetic outcomes

Background: Surgeons tend to pay less attention to the donor site during breast reconstruction using deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps because attention is focused on microanastomosis and breast shaping. Therefore, donor site closure is typically performed by a secondary operator. We present consistently reduced operative times and improved scar quality using an absorbable dermal staple. Methods: Retrospective review was performed on 25 patients who were either standard suture controls (group I, n = 15) or received absorbable staples (group II, n = 10). Mean age, flap size, whole operative time, and length of hospital stay were collected. The donor site scar was evaluated by three plastic surgeons in a blinded manner using the modified Vancouver scar scale 6 months after surgery. Data were analyzed with the independent t test, and a p value ≤0.05 was considered significant. Results: No differences were detected between the groups for age, harvested flap size, or length of hospitalization. However, operative time was significantly longer in group I (1.07 ± 0.24 min/cm²) than that in group II (0.86 ± 0.16 min/cm², p = 0.015). The total scar assessment score was significantly lower in group II (3.8 3 ± 1.30) than that in group I (5.27 ± 1.83, p = 0.043). Conclusions: Absorbable dermal stapling reduced operative time, compared to that of traditional suturing. In addition, scar quality from absorbable dermal staples was superior to that resulting from traditional sutures. Level of evidence: II.