Flap-Based Reconstruction in Patients with Autoimmune Disease: An Institutional Experience with the DIEP Flap and Review of the Literature.

 The literature suggests that flap reconstruction can likely be performed safely in patients with autoimmune conditions, which was also supported by our institutional experience. While there is likely minimal risk of microsurgical complications in the context of free tissue transfer, donor site morbidity and wound dehiscence remain major concerns for patients with a history of autoimmune disease. Limiting the use of immunosuppressive agents, especially corticosteroids, may potentially improve outcomes of flap reconstruction.