Advancing DIEP Flap Monitoring with Optical Imaging Techniques: A Narrative Review.

Recent advancements in optical imaging techniques present valuable tools for monitoring the viability of DIEP flap reconstruction. NIRS, ICG fluorescence angiography, LSCI, HSI, DIRT, and SWIR offer a non- or minimal-invasive, real-time assessment of tissue perfusion and oxygenation, enabling accurate evaluation of flap viability. These modalities have the potential to enhance surgical outcomes by facilitating timely intervention in cases of compromised perfusion, thereby reducing the risk of flap complications. Incorporating optical imaging into clinical practice can provide surgeons with objective and quantitative data, assisting in informed decision-making for optimal patient care in DIEP flap reconstruction surgeries.