Things are getting worse daily. What can be done? Could the damage be from the DIEP TT?

Question

I had a DIEP in 2012 as a result of breast cancer. I have had increasing loss of sensation in my lower abdomen, upper thighs and bladder and bowel incontinence. I am experiencing sexual (clitoral lack of feeling). When I urinate cannot feel the urine exit. NOW, hip (both but especially the LEFT hip) that is horrible. Physical Therapy twice a week for week hip and leg muscles after xrays confirmed my hips looked normal. I am realizing it could be damage from the DIEP (abdominoplasty.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  The symptoms of bowel, bladder incontinence, and lack of clitoral sensation would be difficult to attribute to the DIEP as this procedure only involves the skin and fat of the abdomen and not the deeper structures of the body.  The hip disomfort and altered sensation my be possible but would need an in-person examination to fully diagnose.  Talk to your surgeon further about your results, they can get you to the best specialists for help.  Hope this helps.

Arch Miller, MD · Answer

the issues you are describing are not normally listed as complications from a DIEP flap. I would recommend you consult a general surgeon and urologist to ascertain the etiology of your problems. There are many underlying conditions that could be contributing to your problems, and you will need to talk to some other specialists.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

None of your symptoms are related to the Diep flap as it does not require dissection anywhere near the nerves that relate to clitoral sensuality or urinary tolerance. Please follow up with your primary physician.

Melih Erogul, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum.
The DIEP flap breast reconstruction is carried out by harvesting a segment of skin and fat based upon the distribution of the deep inferior epigastric perforating blood vessels from the lower abdomen. It allows preservation of the underlying muscle at the donor site and should not affect hip function. The abdominal segment does not enter the abdomen itself as it is limited to superficial tissues, and therefore should not be responsible for the symptoms you are experiencing. There may be a degree of sensory alteration in the areas surrounding the surgery only.
In order to determine the nature of this problem, I recommend reevaluation by your plastic surgeon as well as your primary care physician. 
Best wishes...

Things are getting worse daily. What can be done? Could the damage be from the DIEP TT?

Answers (4)

Answer: Numbness, incontinence, hip problems after DIEP breast reconstruction

Answer: Numbness, incontinence, hip problems after DIEP breast reconstruction

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Things are getting worse daily. What can be done? Could the damage be from the DIEP TT?

Answers (4)

Answer: Numbness, incontinence, hip problems after DIEP breast reconstruction

Answer: Numbness, incontinence, hip problems after DIEP breast reconstruction

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.