"Age is just a number": Deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps are safe across different age groups.

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women, with increasing incidence with age. However, surgeons are often hesitant to offer complex surgical reconstruction to the older patient population due to concerns about safety. A query of 6201 patients identified on PearlDiver, a national insurance claims-based database, revealed that despite older patients (>65) having a higher comorbidity profile, they had a lower likelihood of 90-day readmission compared to the younger age groups (18-44 and 45-65 years old), and no statistically significant differences in likelihood of hematoma, seroma, takebacks, flap failure, and revisions across age groups. These findings suggest that age alone should not be considered a contraindication to autologous breast reconstruction, and that decisions should instead be guided by comprehensive assessment of each patient's overall health status and desires.