Program Overview

Introduction to the Breast Reconstruction Program

The Breast Reconstruction Program at UT Southwestern is a leading program in its field, committed to providing the highest quality of breast reconstruction care for patients who undergo mastectomy surgery. Led by Drs. Sumeet S. Teotia and Nicholas T. Haddock, the program is distinguished by its volume and quality, with improved outcomes, lower length of stay following surgery, reduced dependency on opioids in recovery, and a 99% microsurgical flap success rate.

Program Overview

• The program has performed over 2,100 microsurgical reconstructions in the past 10 years.
• The program has invented innovative surgical approaches and created opportunities for patients who have been turned away from multiple other institutions.
• The approach focuses on the process, breaking down the components of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care and targeting ways to be more efficient and effective.

Achievements and Outcomes

• Complications after breast microvascular reconstruction surgery have decreased by 73%.
• The standard length of stay after flap-based surgery (DIEP flap) has dropped by 30%, with postoperative opioid use falling by 58%.
• The program has achieved numerous "firsts" in microsurgical reconstructive techniques and combination flap-based surgeries.

Surgical Techniques

• Drs. Teotia and Haddock are co-pioneers of the "efficient DIEP flap" surgery, which has reduced the average operative time for the procedure to just less than four hours when operating as a cohesive co-surgery team.
• The technique has reduced the average operative time for the procedure to just less than four hours, compared to nearly nine hours nationwide.

Impact and Recognition

• The program has enabled breast cancer patients who are ineligible for some procedures to have reconstruction with excellent outcomes.
• The program has been recognized for its commitment to providing excellence in reconstruction performed in an empathetic way for breast cancer patients.
• Program leaders have worked tirelessly to create a standout breast reconstruction program, with over 100 articles in peer-reviewed publications, more than 200 abstract presentations, and scores of regional, national, and international talks.

Mission and Philosophy

• The program's ultimate mission is to care for patients from all aspects of life and backgrounds.
• The program reflects refinements at all levels of clinical, educational, and research endeavors, with a team-based approach well-suited to offer safe, world-class reconstructive microsurgical options for patients.