Long-term follow-up of changing practice patterns in breast reconstruction due to increased use of tissue expanders and perforator flaps

[Application of combined transverse upper gracilis flap and adductor magnus perforator flap in breast reconstruction]

Objective

To explore the clinical application of combined transverse upper gracilis flap and adductor magnus perforator flap in breast reconstruction of breast cancer patients after mastectomy.

Methods

Between August 2016 and February 2017, the combined transverse upper gracilis flap and adductor magnus perforator flap was used in 12 cases of breast cancer patients who received modified radical surgery for breast reconstruction. All patients were females with the age of 32 to 59 years (mean, 41.5 years). There were 7 cases in left side and 5 cases in right side. Eight cases were received breast reconstruction by one-stage operation and 4 cases by two-stage operation. In one-stage operation cases, pathological diagnosis includes invasive ductal carcinoma in 4 cases and invasive lobular carcinoma in 4 cases. The disease duration ranged from 2 to 9 months (mean, 4.5 months). In two-stage operation cases, the time interval between mastectomy and breast reconstruction ranged from 12 to 70 months (mean, 37.4 months). The length of flap was 20-28 cm, the width of flap was 5.5-7.5 cm, the thickness of flap was 2.5-4.5 cm. The length of gracilis flap pedicle was 6.5-9.2 cm, the length of adductor magnus perforator flap pedicle was 7.5-10.4 cm. The weight of flap was 295-615 g.

Results

The ischemia time of flap ranged from 95 to 230 minutes (mean, 135 minutes). All flaps were successfully survived. All incisions of recipient donor sites healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 7-14 months (mean, 9.5 months). The reconstructed breasts' shape, texture, and elasticity were good and no flap contracture deformation happened. Only linear scar left in the donor sites, but the function of thighs was not affected. No local recurrence happened during follow-up.

Conclusion

With appropriate patient selection and surgical technique, the combined transverse upper gracilis flap and adductor magnus perforator flap can be a valuable option as an alternative method for autologous breast reconstruction.

National and Regional Differences in 32,248 Postmastectomy Autologous Breast Reconstruction Using the Updated National Inpatient Survey

BACKGROUND

The incidence of breast cancer (BC) cases has increased significantly. The number of breast reconstruction (BR) procedures performed has mirrored this trend. Although implant-only procedures remain the most commonly used type of immediate BR, autologous techniques involving donor sites account for approximately 20%. The aim of this study was to assess national and regional trends in different types of autologous BR.

METHODS

Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database (2008 to 2012), data on BC and mastectomy rates, type of autologous BR, and sociodemographics were obtained and analyzed. Furthermore, national and regional trends over time for autologous BR were plotted and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 427,272 patients diagnosed with BC or at increased risk of BC were included in the study. A total of 343,163 (80.3%) patients underwent mastectomy and, within this group, 148,700 (43.3%) patients underwent immediate BR. Of these, 32,249 (21.7%) patients underwent an autologous BR (not solely implant based) and 118,258 (78.3%) implant-based BR. Most autologous BRs were performed in the Southern region (37.4%). When stratified into flap types, most pedicled transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM), free TRAM, and other flaps were performed in the Northeast region, whereas most deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) and latissimus dorsi (LD) flaps were performed in the Southern region. Subgroup analysis demonstrated a significant increasing trend for both LD and DIEP flaps, both nationally (P < 0.001) and regionally (P < 0.001). Pedicled TRAM and free TRAM reconstructions decreased significantly both on national and regional level.

CONCLUSIONS

Autologous BR demonstrated a significant positive trend over time in the Southern region (P < 0.001). The DIEP and LD flaps increased significantly over time, both nationally and regionally.

Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Novel Approaches to Breast Reconstruction: Their Suitability for Tissue Engineering and Oncological Safety

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are rapidly becoming the gold standard cell source for tissue engineering strategies and hold great potential for novel breast reconstruction strategies. However, their use in patients with breast cancer is controversial and their oncological safety, particularly in relation to local disease recurrence, has been questioned. In vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies using ADSCs report conflicting data on their suitability for adipose tissue regeneration in patients with cancer. This review aims to provide an overview of the potential role for ADSCs in breast reconstruction and to examine the evidence relating to the oncologic safety of their use in patients with breast cancer.

Optimizing Efficiency in Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

The process of harvesting and performing microsurgical anastomosis in a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap for breast reconstruction can be a lengthy procedure, which could affect outcomes and patient safety. We hypothesize that the implementation of a high volume center, preoperative planning, and the adaptation of key intraoperative components will optimize the efficiency of perforator flap surgery for breast reconstruction.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 68 consecutive patients who underwent 104 DIEP flaps for immediate or delayed breast reconstruction was performed. Standardized preoperative planning, including computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging angiogram, operating room setup, and operative technique, was followed. The times of flap harvest, internal mammary vessel harvest, microsurgical anastomosis, flap inset, wound closure, and total length of procedure were reviewed as well as patient outcomes.

RESULTS

The average length of surgery for a unilateral DIEP was 3 hours and 21 minutes and for a bilateral DIEP was 5 hours and 46 minutes. In bilateral DIEP flaps, a significantly longer operative time was noted in immediate (363 ± 14 minutes) compared to delayed (296 ± 17 minutes) (P < 0.05) reconstruction and between procedures performed by 1 surgeon (400 ± 29 minutes) versus 2 surgeons (326 ± 11 minutes) (P < 0.05). Interestingly, no significant difference in operative time was seen in DIEP flaps performed on patients with a body mass index (BMI) less than 30 (193 ± 7.6, 352 ± 17 minutes) versus a BMI greater than 30 (213 ± 11, 333 ± 14 minutes) in both unilateral and bilateral procedures, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Efficiency is optimized by preoperative planning with computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging angiogram, a dedicated operating room team, including 2 microsurgeons and a systematic approach for surgery. The BMI may not significantly affect the duration of surgery.

Mastectomy Weight and Tissue Expander Volume Predict Necrosis and Increased Costs Associated with Breast Reconstruction

Introduction:

Impaired vascular perfusion in tissue expander (TE) breast reconstruction leads to mastectomy skin necrosis. We investigated factors and costs associated with skin necrosis in postmastectomy breast reconstruction.

Methods:

Retrospective review of 169 women with immediate TE placement following mastectomy between May 1, 2009 and May 31, 2013 was performed. Patient demographics, comorbidities, intraoperative, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Logistic regression analysis on individual variables was performed to determine the effects of tissue expander fill volume and mastectomy specimen weight on skin necrosis. Billing data was obtained to determine the financial burden associated with necrosis.

Results:

This study included 253 breast reconstructions with immediate TE placement from 169 women. Skin necrosis occurred in 20 flaps for 15 patients (8.9%). Patients with hypertension had 8 times higher odds of skin necrosis [odd ratio (OR), 8.10, P < 0.001]. Patients with TE intraoperative fill volumes >300 cm³ had 10 times higher odds of skin necrosis (OR, 10.66, P =0.010). Volumes >400 cm³ had 15 times higher odds of skin necrosis (OR, 15.56, P = 0.002). Mastectomy specimen weight was correlated with skin necrosis. Specimens >500 g had 10 times higher odds of necrosis and specimens >1000 g had 18 times higher odds of necrosis (OR, 10.03 and OR, 18.43; P =0.003 and P <0.001, respectively). Mastectomy skin necrosis was associated with a 50% increased inpatient charge.

Conclusion:

Mastectomy flap necrosis is associated with HTN, larger TE volumes and mastectomy specimen weights, resulting in increased inpatient charges. Conservative TE volumes should be considered for patients with hypertension and larger mastectomy specimens.

Double transverse myocutaneous gracilis free flaps for unilateral breast reconstruction

BACKGROUND

In cases were the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP flap) is not available and unilateral transverse myocutaneous gracilis flap (TMG flap) is not sufficient for breast reconstruction, we perform double TMG flaps as a reconstructive method. In this report, we present our results of the use of double TMG free-flap-transfer for unilateral breast reconstruction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between August 2004 and June 2012 we performed 58 TMG flaps in 29 patients for unilateral breast reconstruction. Patient data were analyzed and operative outcome (operation time, complication rate and aesthetic results) were investigated. Aesthetic outcome was evaluated retrospectively via photo documentation by an independent plastic surgeon. The results were classified in;unsatisfactory, satisfactory, good and very good.

RESULTS

The average operating time was 6 hours 55 minutes (295 - 650 minutes). Of 58 TMG flaps, 57 (98.3%) were successful. Thrombosis occurred in seven (12%) cases (1 arterial, 6 venous). Flap salvage was successful in six cases and flap failure occurred in one (1.7%) case. The results of 25 patients were graded as good and very good. Three patients showed satisfying and one patient unsatisfying results.

CONCLUSION

Double TMG flaps in unilateral breast reconstruction could lead to good operative results. This method further expands the range of options with autologous tissue in reconstructive breast surgery. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:539-545, 2016.