London Robotic Breast Institute

Patient information on robotic-assisted breast reconstruction in the UK

Who robotic DIEP reconstruction may be for

Robotic DIEP harvest is a way of taking abdominal tissue, not a separate reconstruction. It is only relevant if DIEP reconstruction itself is already a fit. The UK team that reported the first case described it as a select group, not every DIEP patient.1

Who teams may consider

People already considering DIEP reconstruction: enough lower-abdominal tissue, blood vessels that look suitable on scans, and fitness for a longer microsurgical operation. Your own team decides that — not this page.

Who it may not be for

People who need or prefer implant reconstruction only, who cannot use abdominal tissue, or whose unit does not offer robotic or keyhole harvest. A robotic programme is not a reason to choose DIEP if another reconstruction fits you better.

UK oncoplastic guidance is written for conventional breast-conserving and reconstructive practice. It does not set robotic-DIEP criteria.2

This is not a screening tool

LRBI cannot say whether you are a candidate. Speak to your breast and reconstructive surgeons. This site does not offer appointments or a Breastory robotic service.

Questions patients often ask

If I am suitable for DIEP, am I suitable for the robot?

Not automatically. The reported UK programme treated robotic harvest as a select group. Vessel anatomy, previous abdominal surgery, and theatre capacity all matter. Only your surgical team can advise.

Can I ask for this at Breastory now?

No. Robotic reconstruction is not currently offered through Breastory. Breastory can still discuss standard reconstruction options.

Also on this site

Further reading on Breastory

Suitability sits inside a wider reconstruction discussion.

Sources & guidance

Numbers and claims on this page have a numbered source. Open a number in the text or below to read it.

  1. pressRoyal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. A UK first for robotic reconstruction surgery. 2026 royalfree.nhs.ukNote: Press: robotic harvest positioned as a select group, not all DIEP patients.
  2. guidanceAssociation of Breast Surgery (ABS). Oncoplastic breast surgery: a guide to good practice. ABS. 2021 associationofbreastsurgery.org.ukNote: UK oncoplastic context — no robotic-DIEP candidacy criteria.