Episode 89: A Holistic Approach to Breast Reconstruction
DiepCJourney Podcast
What does it mean to truly heal after breast cancer? In this episode of the , we sit down with of Tucson Plastic Surgery to explore a holistic approach to breast reconstruction—one that goes beyond surgical technique to embrace emotional well-being, shared decision-making, and compassionate care. From honoring each patient’s story to integrating wellness into recovery, Dr. Kurtovic offers insights that empower survivors to reclaim their bodies and their confidence with grace. Dr. Silvia Kurtovic is part of the team of surgeons at . She works with performing a number of...
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Episode 88: PRMA's TruSense® in Breast Reconstruction for Sensate Breasts
DiepCJourney Podcast
This interview was conducted at the practice in San Antonio during Breast Reconstruction Awareness week. discusses PRMA’s and sensation to the breasts. With extensive background training and twenty-five years of experience with the , Dr. Nastala is particularly interested in the sensation of the breast, nerve repair, and optimizing outcomes for their breast reconstruction patients. They achieve this through ongoing research and improvement in surgical techniques at PRMA. He discusses the nerve anatomy of the breasts and some of the limitations of the body’s own ability to...
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Episode 87: The Other 50%: Marcylle Combs on Career, Cancer, And Courage
DiepCJourney Podcast
In the world of podcasting, you meet folks you feel like you’ve known for a while because of your connections, and you’ve only seen them through the lens of your laptop camera. This is the case for my guest on this episode of the , host of the podcast ! Marcylle Combs, MS, RN is an Entrepreneur, Leadership Expert, , Author, and Podcast Host committed to leveraging her experience in empowering individuals to realize their highest potential. She spent over 30 years leading a large healthcare organization, which she owned, operated, and grew from a small home health agency to a...
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Episode 86: Journavx: Expert Insights on New Non-opioid Pain Relief after Breast Reconstruction
DiepCJourney Podcast
In this powerful episode, and , renowned experts in breast reconstruction and pain management join forces to explore the groundbreaking potential of , a new non-opioid oral pain medication designed to address acute post-surgical pain. With a shared commitment to improving patient outcomes and reducing reliance on opioids, this is the first FDA approved non-opioid oral pain medication for acute pain approved by the FDA in twenty years. They unpack the science behind Journavx, its clinical applications, and what it means for the future of recovery after breast reconstruction. Listeners will...
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Episode 85: Behind a Robotic DIEP Flap: Patient & Surgeons Unite
DiepCJourney Podcast
This is for patients considering their options for breast reconstruction surgery as well as residence, trainees, and practicing surgeons. Our topic is robotic DIEP flap breast reconstruction. This interview will contain information you may have questions or comments about. Please let us know in the comment section of the podcast after listening and we will do our best to answer any questions. You can watch the full video interview that includes a slide presentation on the . I am speaking to three guests today that include the patient, Gillian and the two board certified...
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Episode 84: FEEL Project: Focus on Educating Everyone about Sensation Loss and Pain
DiepCJourney Podcast
We are discussing a topic today that is very important in the breast cancer community, breast sensation. It is important for me as Founder and Director of to learn about and understand the latest innovations to improve patient outcomes and quality of life after a breast cancer diagnosis and surgery. This will be available to watch on the DiepCFoundation YouTube channel. This interview is for patients and surgeons. Please let us know in the comment section of the podcast and video if you have any questions that arise from the interview. I am speaking with who specializes in . She is an...
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Episode 83: Traveling to The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction
DiepCJourney Podcast
For patients exploring their options for breast reconstruction and learning they must travel, the very thought of a long car trip or airline travel can seem like an overwhelming task. It is important at DiepCFoundation then that we provide those practices who support patients who will be traveling for their breast reconstruction surgery. On this episode of the , I talk to and his team to learn how they support patients who travel to their practice at in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. Please go over to the and look for this episode soon! If you have questions after you listen to the interview...
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Episode 82: Nerve Tape® Connecting Nerves in Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction
DiepCJourney Podcast
It’s great to be back at the microphone after a summer break from podcasting and focusing our efforts on the inaugural . We have a crisp, clean new look to our podcast cover with a few important changes! Thanks so much for joining us and remember this will also be available on the under our podcast and video tabs. We are going to be talking about surgical technology that is used to connect nerves, a suture-less device for nerve repair. At a medical conference I attended I passed by the table in the exhibit hall. After an invitation from the team at then vendor table I sat down to give it a...
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Episode 81: Delay Procedure, SIEA, and TDAP in Breast Reconstruction
DiepCJourney Podcast
There are many acronyms, terms, and procedures patients hear either in consultation with their plastic surgeon or online through various social media groups and platforms. Our guest on this edition of the is a board-certified microsurgeon who will help us sort out three of those terms today. The delay procedure, SIEA, and TDAP in breast reconstruction surgery. We appreciate everyone who is utilizing the resources. Be sure to for the video interview with my guest at the channel. I am joined by , who specializes and is trained in microsurgery. The primary focus at his practice at in Mt....
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Episode 80: Completion of DIEP Flap Surgery: Going Forth with Confidence
DiepCJourney Podcast
This is a follow up of who I spoke to after her phase one DIEP flap surgery at in San Antonio in January of 2024. I invited her back to the to share details of the completion of her breast reconstruction after phase two. She traveled back to San Antonio seven months after phase one for her phase two surgery. We talk about the following: · Communication and discussion with about your phase via a ZOOM call. · What did she pack for phase 2. · Who she traveled with for this...
info_outlineHow much do you know about robotic surgery for DIEP flap breast reconstruction?
What areas in the U.S. are performing these types of robotic surgery for those affected by breast cancer? What if I told you robotic DIEP flaps are being performed in Hawaii?
It is important to share with you surgeons I meet to provide access to care for those affected by breast cancer. Thank you for listening to the podcast to find out who these surgeons are. We are going to discuss robotic surgery and DIEP flap being performed in Hawaii with my guests on this edition of the DiepCJourney podcast. Be sure to watch our conversation on the DiepCFoundation YouTube channel when it is published, and you can sit with us and watch our conversation.
I first met Dr. Daniel Murariu at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in San Diego in September of 2024. What impressed me at our first meeting was his interest in the resources breast cancer patients provide. We talked about the resources provided by DiepCJourney Foundation, but we also discussed the many other breast cancer support groups helping patients navigate their decision through treatment, surgery, and recovery.
I was also impressed with the time he spent listening and I thought to myself, if I were a patient of Dr. Murariu, I think I would feel very much a part of my decision process with his thoughtful demeanor. He is a TEDx UC Davis speaker, Rotarian, speaks three languages, has published multiple papers, an impressive resume to be sure!!
Further, Dr. Murariu practices the co-surgeon model at his private practice office in Honolulu, Hawaii at Athena Clinic Plastic Surgery. He collaborates with his team member, Dr. Peter Deptula. We are going to learn more about the work of Dr. Deptula and his training in the interview.
They are both board-certified reconstructive surgeons who perform autologous breast reconstruction, lymphedema surgery, complex abdominal wall reconstruction, and complex microsurgery focusing on head and neck and breast reconstruction.
We wrap up our conversations with an announcement by Dr. Murariu. It is exciting to know that he and Dr. Deptula are organizing the RAMSES 2027 meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii. RAMSES stands for The Robotic Assisted & Microsurgical Endoscopic Society, “The group represents the ‘early adaptors’ of robotic technology in the field of microsurgery.” He graciously invites surgeons to visit them to observe their work and learn more about robotics in plastic surgery.
Connect with Dr. Murariu and Dr. Deptula across these platforms:
Instagram:
Dr. Murariu: https://www.instagram.com/p/DE9H3QrRhNI/
Dr. Deptula: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.petey/
LinkedIn:
Dr. Murariu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-murariu-0ba2b7195/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Athena-Clinic-Plastic-Surgery/100087242137827/