Ask an Expert is a free question-and-answer service about breast cancer and breast health that is available on weekends. If you'd like to ask a question or comment, please visit us again on Saturday or Sunday. In the meantime, please search the existing topics using the search tool at the top of the page. It's quite possible that one of our many existing topics already addresses your question.
If you would like a consultation with a breast specialist at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center, call 443-778-2778. It is possible to get an appointment for a second opinion within a few days of contacting us.
We hope you find the information helpful!
| Forum | Questions | Ask a Question | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Mastectomy with Flap Reconstruction Questions about Mastectomy with Flap Reconstruction. |
1,010 |  |
| Asked | Publicly Submitted Question | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 6/7/2012 | I have researched the web for hours reading about DIEP procedure. What I am finding out is the level of skill and time it takes to perform this surgery. I have read that it is best if there are two surgeons performing the surgery together given that it is a long surgery and one that requires little room for error. My question is this. If I choose to go to John Hopkins for this surgery will there be two surgeons performing the surgery and will there be any fellows or residents as part of the team? Have these surgeons performed 500 or more DIEP surgeries a year? I am 59 years old and my husband and I live in Raleigh,NC.Is there a place to recover after leaving the hospital that is close to the hospital that I could stay at least until the surgeon releases me to return home. I have DCIS with all high risk factors including a mom that died in her 40's from breast cancer. Thanks so much! | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 6/8/2012 | Our breast plastic reconstuctive surgeins perfom DIEP flap reconstructions routinely. The first part of the surgery, the mastectomy(s) is performed by one of our breast surgical oncologist, follwed by the reconstructive surgery. There is only one plastic reconstructive surgeon performing, with the aid of the experienced reconstructive surgical team. Please check out our web site for further detail on this. Yes, we have patients that travel around the world to come here to Hopkins for this procedure, and there are many facilities to stay. Our Guest and Housing Services Department can aid you with this. Please call 443-287-BRST (2778) for an appointment. We would love to have you here with us. | ||
Please note: This service is not intended to provide primary medical advice concerning specific medical care or treatment. Ask an Expert is a free service operated by health care professionals at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center. Due to the volume of questions and their complexity, there are times when medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists or oncology nurses are consulted for their input. These individuals volunteer their time for this service and will respond as soon as they are able. Please do not post or send the same question to us in multiple locations or categories.