Episode 85: Behind a Robotic DIEP Flap: Patient & Surgeons Unite
Release Date: 09/21/2025
Episode 105: Breast Neurotization Using Nerve Tape® with Dr. Serletti
DiepCJourney Podcast
What role does breast neurotization play in restoring sensation after breast reconstruction, and how are advances in microsurgical nerve repair helping surgeons approach this important aspect of patient care? In Episode 105 of the , I am joined by , Chief of Plastic Surgery at the , to discuss his experience using , a suture-free solution for connecting nerves during microsurgical procedures. Dr. Serletti is a pioneer in free flap autologous breast reconstruction, using a patient’s own tissue to reconstruct the breast, and is internationally recognized for his work in reconstructive...
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Episode 104: Understanding Risk-Reducing Mastectomy & Reconstruction
DiepCJourney Podcast
In this episode of the , sits down with e of for an important and compassionate conversation about risk‑reducing mastectomy, genetic mutations, and the reconstructive options available to those navigating increased breast cancer risk. Dr. Craigie brings years of microsurgical expertise and a deeply patient‑centered approach to help listeners understand when and why risk‑reducing surgery may be considered, what the process looks like, and how women can make informed decisions that support long‑term survivorship. Episode Highlights • What BRCA Genetic Mutations Mean for Risk Dr....
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Episode 103: Hormone Replacement Therapy: A Conversation with Dr. Ann Chuang
DiepCJourney Podcast
In this episode of the , we welcome , a fellowship‑trained, board‑certified breast surgeon with the in Glen Rock and Westwood, New Jersey. Dr. Chuang specializes in oncoplastic breast surgery, skin‑sparing and nipple‑sparing mastectomies, and hidden‑scar approaches. She joins us to bring clarity to a topic that affects countless breast cancer patients: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). We revisit the landmark Women’s Health Initiative of 1991, explore how research has evolved, and discuss what patients and clinicians need to understand today about menopausal hormone...
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Episode 102: A Better Decsion Through Self-Advocacy
DiepCJourney Podcast
In this episode of the , , Founder and Director of , speaks with Frances, a young member of the DiepCFoundation community who reached out with a powerful purpose: to help others understand the importance of self‑advocacy after a breast cancer diagnosis. Frances shares how she navigated her diagnosis of DCIS, the emotional impact it had, and what she believes is missing for patients who receive this news. As she explains in the interview, “I look forward to sharing and helping someone else just like the women before me have helped me.” Her story highlights the determination it takes...
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Episode 101: Fertility Preservation, Legislative Advocacy, and Patient‑Centered Breast Cancer Care
DiepCJourney Podcast
In this episode, , Founder and Director of , sits down with , board‑certified breast surgeon with in New Jersey. Dr. Jadeja brings a powerful blend of clinical expertise, advocacy, and compassion to her work in this episode of the , and she shares why fertility preservation must be part of comprehensive cancer care for young patients. Episode Highlights Dr. Jadeja’s path to breast surgery She reflects on what drew her to the field and how joining Premier Surgical Network has strengthened her ability to deliver high‑quality, patient‑centered care. Why fertility preservation matters...
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Episode 100: Lymphatic Drainage Massage and Acupuncture
DiepCJourney Podcast
In this episode of the , we sit down with , a dual‑licensed acupuncturist and Certified Lymphedema Wound Care Therapist whose integrative approach is reshaping how patients understand and care for their lymphatic health. As noted in the interview outline, Tina brings “a high level of expertise in the field of non‑operative and post‑operative edema control,” blending Eastern medicine with modern lymphatic therapy to support patients recovering from surgery and cancer treatment. Tina shares her professional journey, what drew her to acupuncture, how she entered the world of lymphatic...
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Episode 99: Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Therapy
DiepCJourney Podcast
Part of my work as of is traveling to medical conferences. In April of this year, at the ARSA Summit, 2026, I met Alina and Carolyn who both work in cancer rehabilitation. Their booth at the conference intrigued me and we started a robust conversation on the value of their work especially as it relates to breast cancer and breast reconstruction surgery. This episode of the is on the topic of Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Therapy at ReVital Cancer Foundation. It will be available on the when published. Alina Hedaya, PT, DPT, OCS, Cert MDT is a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Her current focus...
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Episode 98: Am I Being Told All My Options for Breast Reconstruction?
DiepCJourney Podcast
How can you help today? After listening to this interview with a highly skilled microsurgeon, of , share it with someone who is newly diagnosed, has a genetic mutation putting them at high risk, and is facing a mastectomy but wants to reconstruct their breasts. Since opening in 2016, our intent has been to empower patients with information about all breast reconstruction options. There are three options: Implant-based reconstruction used a medical device surgically placed in the body after a mastectomy to replace the breast tissue that has been removed. A plastic surgeon can do...
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Episode 97: Exercise That Supports Healing
DiepCJourney Podcast
We know from evidence-based studies that exercise improves patient recovery before and after breast cancer treatment and surgery. It improves quality of life and strengthens physical function. In this episode of the we explore the benefits with Chris Fitzmaurice, a Clinical Exercise Physiologist at the University of Miami Health System. He is passionate about helping people achieve their health goals through evidence-based exercise programs and personalized guidance. He is a Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer (CET); and Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Health...
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Episode 96: Breast Sensibility: The Mind/Body Connection
DiepCJourney Podcast
On this episode of the my guest is Dr. Stefania Tuinder, a notable global expert in breast sensation for those undergoing mastectomy and breast reconstruction. Originally from Italy, she is now located in Maastricht in the south of the Netherlands and works at an academic hospital. Her main work there is microsurgery, not only breasts but for sure breasts is where she does the majority of her work. Dr. Tuinder does only autologous breast reconstruction using all kinds of flaps. She has an active research interest in breast sensibility. The word sensibility is often referred to as sensation in...
info_outlineThis DiepCJourney® podcast 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 DiepCFoundation YouTube Channel.
I am speaking to three guests today that include the patient, Gillian and the two board certified microsurgeons who performed Gillian’s recent robotic DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Dr. Daniel Murariu and Dr. Peter Deptula.
At age 33, Gillian was diagnosed with stage 3C triple negative & inflammatory breast cancer. Because of the treatment she received and her body proportions, her only reconstruction option was DIEP flap surgery. Drawn to the robotic approach for its ability to reduce pain and speed recovery, she spent months researching surgeons before choosing the right team with Dr. Daniel Murariu and Dr. Peter Deptula.
Gillian recently completed phase 1 of her DIEP flap reconstruction and is feeling more confident in her body. She’s looking forward to next year, when she will mark 3 years since her mastectomy and be cleared by her care team to start a family with her husband, Justin.
She shares her tips on traveling, recovery, and the research she did to find her surgeons and why she chose this team.
Dr. Murariu shares a presentation along with Dr. Peptula on the robotic techniques they successfully use in Hawaii. They share the following studies in the interview:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39191380/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39102843/
Although robotic DIEP flap is not readily available in the states at this time, it is growing in interest. There are surgeons in the U.S. and across the world performing robotic DIEP flap. Patients are asking about it so I hope this interview provides you with information you can ask about at your own breast reconstruction consult and as you consider your options and choices to make an informed decision.
Connect with Dr. Murariu on the following platforms:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thealohaplasticsurgeon/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-murariu-0ba2b7195/
Connect with Dr. Deptula on the following platform:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.petey/