Kettering Health surgeons completed the first laparoscopic-assisted breast reconstruction in the Dayton area that uses a patient’s own tissue from the lower abdomen to reconstruct breast tissue lost to cancer.  

Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Nickolay Markov with the assistance of Dr.  Riyadh Tayim successfully performed a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap procedure at Kettering Health Main Campus, using minimally invasive techniques to collect tissue for breast reconstruction.

This approach removes excess skin, fat, and blood vessels from the abdomen with minimal damage. The tissue is then used to reconstruct the breast post-mastectomy.  

“In select patients, using a laparoscopic approach allows us to isolate the blood vessels with minimal incisions to the abdominal fascia which may result in a significant decrease in post-operative complications,” said Dr. Markov.

The board-certified plastic surgeon added, “This addition to microsurgical breast reconstruction not only allows for a natural reconstruction but may also decrease recovery time and will result in fewer long-term complications.”

Successful completion of the first laparoscopic-assisted breast reconstruction highlights the skills and abilities of Kettering Health’s reconstructive team and opens the door for additional minimally invasive and robotically assisted surgeries.