Incidence of Complications for Different Approaches in Gynecomastia Correction: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Effects of Gynecomastia Surgery on Readiness and Return to Duty in an Active Duty Military Population

INTRODUCTION

Simple mastectomies are routinely performed in the military health care system as gynecomastia can cause significant pain and discomfort when wearing body armor. Postoperative recovery negatively impacts personnel readiness. In this study, we sought to study time to return to duty in active duty service members who undergo surgery for gynecomastia.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We conducted a single-center retrospective review of active duty patients undergoing a surgical operation for gynecomastia from July 2020-June 2022. A total of 96 patients were included. Our primary outcome of interest was time from surgery to return to duty. A multivariate analysis was performed to assess for factors independently associated with surgical complications including patient demographics and operative techniques.

RESULTS

The median number of days to return to duty after surgery was 28 days (IQR 13-37). The median loss of duty days because of gynecomastia without surgery was 19 days (IQR 10-21), which was different on the Mann-Whitney U test. Surgical complications were observed in 19 patients (19.7%) with the most common complications being seroma (11), hematoma (4), nipple-areolar complex necrosis (2), and infection (2). Patients with a complication have significantly more time to return to duty (28 vs. 49 days, P < .001). Risk factors associated with an increased risk of complication include ranks E1-E4, behavioral health diagnosis, "open" vs. "combined" technique with liposuction, length of operation greater than 58 minutes, and excised breast mass greater than 17.9 g.

CONCLUSIONS

Gynecomastia surgery is associated with a detriment to personnel readiness. Surgery should be reserved for patients with severe symptoms that prevent the performance of daily duties. Furthermore, factors associated with an increased risk for complications include ranks E1-E5, behavioral health diagnosis, length of operation >58 minutes, and excised breast mass >17.9 g. The operating surgeon should be mindful of these factors.

The GLAND-IQ Technique for Surgical Correction of Moderate to Severe Gynecomastia

Surgical correction of gynecomastia currently ranks in the top five cosmetic procedures performed in men in the United States. Although removal of excess gland is relatively straightforward, the combination of glandular/fatty excess, significant skin redundancy, nipple ptosis, and nipple-areolar complex hypertrophy poses a significant challenge in the male patient desiring inconspicuous scars. The latter renders any form of skin and nipple reduction/elevation using traditional mastopexy patterns or breast amputation with free nipple grafting less favorable due to the surgical stigmata and scars produced with these techniques. To that end, we present our experience treating cases of moderate to severe gynecomastia involving significant skin excess (defined as Simon grade IIb and III) with a technique focused on avoiding visible extra-areolar scars, called the glandular excision, liposuction-assisted, areolar mastopexy for nipple repositioning and skin reduction with internal quilting sutures.

Gynecomastia Surgery in 4996 Male Patients Over 14 Years: A Retrospective Analysis of Surgical Trends, Predictive Risk Factors, and Short-Term Outcomes

BACKGROUND

The high prevalence of benign male breast tissue enlargement (gynecomastia) has resulted in a marked increase of gynecomastia cases. While about one third of male adults experience some form of gynecomastia, gynecomastia surgery (GS) outcome research is limited to small study populations and single-center/-surgeon databases. In this study, we aimed to access the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database to identify preoperative risk factors for complications and investigate postoperative outcomes of GS.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we queried the ACS-NSQIP database from 2008 to 2021 to identify male adult patients who underwent GS. Postoperative outcomes involved the occurrence of any, surgical and medical complications, as well as reoperation, readmission, and mortality within a 30-day postoperative time period. Univariable and multivariable assessment were performed to identify risk factors for complications while adjusting for possible confounders.

RESULTS

The study included 4,996 GS patients with a mean age of 33.7 ± 15 years and BMI of 28.2 ± 5.1 kg/m2. White patients constituted 54% (n = 2713) of the cohort, and 27% (n = 1346) were obese. Except for 2020, there was a steady increase in GS cases over the study period. Outpatient surgeries were most common at 95% (n = 4730), while general surgeons performed the majority of GS (n = 3580; 72%). Postoperatively, 91% (n = 4538) of patients were discharged home; 4.4% (n = 222) experienced any complications. Multivariable analysis identified inpatient setting (p < 0.001), BMI (p = 0.023), prior sepsis (p = 0.018), and bleeding disorders (p = 0.047) as independent risk factors for complications.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we analyzed 4996 male adult GS patients from the ACS-NSQIP database, revealing an increased caseload and significant general surgeon involvement. Risk factors like bleeding disorders, inpatient status, and prior sepsis were linked to postoperative complications, while BMI was crucial for predicting adverse events. Overall, our findings may aid in enhancing patient care through advanced preoperative screening and closer perioperative management.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Subcutaneous mastectomy in female-to-male transsexuals is associated with higher risk of postoperative bleeding complications

Introduction

Chest contouring or subcutaneous mastectomy (SCM) in female-to-male (FtM) transgender individuals is the primary surgery in the gender reassignment process. Many authors report high rates of postoperative bleeding in these patients and discuss a possible influence of preoperative hormone therapy. However, there is a lack of data on the analysis between different surgical techniques and postoperative bleeding risk.

Materials and Methods

In this retrospective study, we included 22 FtM transgender individuals who underwent bilateral SCM using 4 different techniques (44 breasts) between June 2014 and September 2023. Postoperative complications regarding surgical techniques and patient demographics were collected and analyzed.

Results

SCM with free nipple grafting was the most commonly used technique (n = 12, 54.5%). The mean operative time was 163.4 ± 49.2 minutes. There were no significant differences in operative time between the surgical techniques (p ≥ 0.20 in all cases). The rate of acute postoperative bleeding was 20.5% (n = 9). Acute postoperative bleeding occurred most frequently in patients who received a semi-circular incision for SCM. There was no significant difference in the rate of acute postoperative bleeding between the different surgical techniques. BMI, breast weight, and duration of surgery were not associated with the rate of acute complications (p > 0.17 in all cases).

Conclusions

Less invasive SCM techniques in FtM transgender individuals are associated with higher postoperative bleeding risk.

Comparative analysis of surgical modalities for the gynecomastia treatment: efficiency and aesthetic outcomes

This retrospective study rigorously compares the clinical efficacy of three surgical methodologies for treating gynecomastia while providing guidance for future surgical modality selection. We analyzed records of 77 gynecomastia patients treated between January 2015 and October 2022. Patients were categorized into three groups: Group A (subcutaneous gland resection via areola incision), Group B (liposuction combined with single-hole endoscopic gland resection), and Group C (liposuction combined with three-hole endoscopic gland resection). Parameters assessed included patient demographics, intraoperative bleeding, surgical duration, hospitalization duration, costs, postoperative drainage, complications, and patient satisfaction. Group A had significantly shorter operation time and lower cost than Groups B and C (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in postoperative drainage (P > 0.05). Group A had a higher incidence of subcutaneous fluid complications. All groups achieved 100% overall postoperative efficiency. Group B demonstrated superior outcomes for scarring and patient satisfaction. All three surgical modalities effectively treat gynecomastia. Circumareolar incision subcutaneous gland resection is optimal for mild to moderate cases due to reduced operation time and cost. Liposuction with single-hole endoscopic gland resection and three-hole endoscopic gland resection offers fewer complications and discreet incisions. Notably, the liposuction and single-hole endoscopic approach yielded superior postoperative patient satisfaction, aligning with minimally invasive principles and warranting broad clinical application.

Single Axillary Incision Reverse Sequence Endoscopic Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy in the Management of Gynecomastia: Short-Term Cosmetic Outcomes, Surgical Safety, and Learning Curve of the Preliminary 156 Consecutive Procedures from a Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Currently, a standard, optimal surgical procedure is still lacking for gynecomastia. Despite the development of a variety of surgical interventions, these techniques were often limited to patients with Simon I and II. The present study aimed to introduce a novel technique for all types and grades of gynecomastia, and reported the preliminary results.

METHODS

Patients who received single axillary incision reverse sequence endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy (R-E-NSM) from March 2021 to March 2023 were enrolled at a single institution. The data from 3-month follow-up cut-off were collected prospectively and analyzed to determine the short-term esthetic and safety results of this technique, as well as the learning curve.

RESULTS

A total of 159 single axillary incision reverse sequence endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy procedures were performed in 81 gynecomastia patients. Among these 81 patients, 7 patients (8.6%) were classified as Simon grade I, 29 patients (35.8%) as grade IIa, 24 patients (29.6%) as grade IIb, and 21 patients (25.9%) as grade III. In the patient-reported cosmetic results, the overall satisfaction score was 8.4 ± 1.4. A total of 74.1% of patients were highly satisfied, and 25.9% were satisfied. The overall complication rate was 10.1%, and only 1 patient had a major complication. According to the cumulative sum plot analysis, approximately 12 cases were needed for surgeon B and 11 cases for surgeon C to decrease their operation time significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

R-E-NSM is safe and effective for all Simon grade gynecomastia patients, with excellent cosmetic results and a short learning curve. However, a long-term follow-up assessment is still needed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Perioperative nursing care speed up recover of a male patient after bilateral endoscopic mastectomy: a case report

Background

Gynecomastia (GYN) is mainly caused by the benign proliferation of mammary glands and adipose tissue. Currently, up to 38% of adult males have GYN. GYN can be caused by systemic diseases, obesity, endocrine disorders (such as liver cirrhosis, which impairs estrogen inactivation), malignant tumors, and medications. Surgical intervention is required after 12 months pharmacological treatment of GYN was no response who have endocrine disorder, or due to psychological and physiological factors, young patients have a higher demand for surgical intervention. Recent advances in minimally invasive endoscopic surgery, with the advantage of rapid rehabilitation, have markedly improved the surgical management of GYN.

Case Description

In November 2021, we admitted a young patient with bilateral GYN whose problem began several years prior and for which he sought surgical intervention. After comprehensive evaluation and psychological consultation, he underwent surgical treatment. The present case report summarizes our experience in nursing this patient.

Conclusions

Perioperative nursing care is essential in the management of patients undergoing endoscopic surgical treatment for GYN. The nursing team must be knowledgeable about the procedure, assess and manage the patient's pain, monitor vital signs, prevent infections, and provide emotional support to the patient. With proper nursing care, patients can recover smoothly and quickly after endoscopic surgical treatment of GYN.

Liposuction and port site nipple sparing mastectomy: an alternative method for the operative treatment of gynecomastia at Alexandria main university hospital

BACKGROUND

Gynecomastia is characterized by unusually large masses that radiate concentrically from the base of the nipple and is caused by abnormal growth of the glandular tissue of the male breast. An alternative strategy for the surgical treatment of gynecomastia was used in this experimental study, which aims to use liposuction and port site nipple sparing mastectomy.

METHODS

The study was conducted in the surgical oncology unit at Alexandria Main University Hospital included 103 patients with a mean age of 27 and no medical history. 100 patients had bilateral gynecomastia, and three patients had unilateral gynecomastia,with two having it on the right side and one on the left.

RESULTS

Among the 103 participants, 83 had grade II gynecomastia and 20 had grade I. Only one of the three patients who participated in the study had an expanding hematoma on one side that needed to be surgically evacuated in the operating room. None of our patients experienced an infection or seroma following surgery. Furthermore, only three of our patients experienced nipple areolar complicated superficial epidermolysis, which need regular dressings until recovery. Of the 103 patients, 97 (94.17%) were pleased with the outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Liposuction and port site nipple sparing mastectomy are viable options for treating grade I to II gynecomastia, particularly if the patient prefers a more aesthetically pleasing chest contour; no scars equals better patient satisfaction.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

retrospectively registered.