Are Pfannenstiel scars a boon or a curse for DIEP flap breast reconstructions?
Pfannenstiel incisions result in undermining of the lower abdominal apron and, in most cases, division of the superficial epigastric vessels. This results in "ischemic preconditioning" of the flap, as has been evidenced by the increased dimensions of the perforators. Hence, flaps raised from these abdomens are not only safe but may even be better vascularized.CLINICAL QUESTION/
This study suggests that COX-2 may have a role in tumor metastasis via EMT.