Preparing the operating room for a breast reconstruction with a microvascular free flap, how many setups would there be?

For a breast reconstruction with a microvascular free flap, the typical preparation involves two distinct setups. The first setup is for the donor site, where the tissue is harvested, which requires a sterile environment tailored for the specific surgical techniques associated with harvesting the flap (such as those related to the abdomen in a DIEP flap procedure, for example).

The second setup is for the recipient site, where the flap is transferred and anastomosed. This involves creating a new space for the flap and ensuring that it is properly positioned and secured, as well as managing the microsurgical aspects, such as connecting blood vessels.

Having two separate setups allows for efficient workflow and minimizes the risk of contamination between the two sites. This approach also facilitates the different technical needs associated with each part of the procedure, ensuring that both the donor and recipient sites are optimally prepared for the needed surgical intervention.