Treatment of the severe or recurrent inverted nipple by interposition of a resorbable polydioxanone sheet

Central Tunnel Technique and Fat Grafting for Surgical Correction of Inverted Nipples and Introduction of a Treatment Algorithm

BACKGROUND

Inverted nipples are prevalent in 3% to 10% of women and can often cause functional, psychological, and aesthetic problems.

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to treat inverted nipples and restore the aesthetic appearance of the nipple while minimizing ductal disruption, preserving the ability to breast-feed, and reducing recurrence rates.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on a total of 161 inverted nipples in 86 consecutive patients who underwent correction of inverted nipples at Oslo Plastic Surgery Clinic. Mean age at operation was 28.7 years and mean follow-up period was 14 months. A novel technique with central tunnelization of the retracted fibers/ducts was employed in 39 patients (45%); partial incision of the center of the inversion through a tunnel in 31 patients (36%); and total cut of the lactiferous ducts in 16 patients (19%). Fat grafting was utilized as support in 14 patients (26 nipples). Postoperatively, nipples were suspended for 4 weeks with a manually constructed device.

RESULTS

Most patients had moderate (grade 2, 40 patients) or severe (grade 3, 52 patients) nipple inversion. Infection occurred in 4 patients and 2 patients had local irritation. Recurrence was seen in 32 patients (55 nipples) after the first operation, in 6 patients (6 nipples) after the second operation, and in 1 patient (1 nipple) after the third operation.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors propose a treatment algorithm that addresses important therapeutic goals when treating inverted nipples. Clinical examination is crucial to determine the method to be employed. The new central tunnel method and fat grafting to support the nipple are promising, although additional follow-up is necessary.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Inverted Nipple Treatment and Poliglecaprone Spacer

INTRODUCTION

Nipple inversion is defined as a non-projectile nipple. It is a frequent pathologic condition, in which the whole nipple, or a portion of its, is buried inward towards the lactiferous duct and lies below the plane of the areola. Numerous strategies have been described to correct nipple inversion. All the procedures have the purpose to give a good shape to the nipple, preserving its function and sensitivity, when it is possible. To avoid recurrences and to obtain good aesthetic results, we present a modified percutaneous technique.

METHOD

We performed a retrospective study between 2011 and 2016 and included all the cases of inverted nipples treated in our department. Our modified percutaneous technique consists of a minimal incision supported by a percutaneous suture as a temporary spacer to fill the defect caused by releasing the fibro-ductal bands.

RESULTS

A total of 41 cases of inverted nipples were corrected in 32 patients. After 1 year of follow-up, no recurrence was observed and all nipples maintained complete eversion. There was only one case of partial unilateral necrosis in a patient who underwent tumorectomy and radiotherapy. All patients were satisfied with the aesthetic outcomes.

CONCLUSION

This is a simple, safe and cheap technique that should be considered as a reliable method for long-term correction of nipple inversion.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

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Reconstruction of large-size abdominal wall defect using biodegradable poly-p-dioxanone mesh: an experimental canine study

BACKGROUND

Reconstruction of large-size abdominal wall defect (AWDs) is a huge challenge faced in current surgical practice. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of biodegradable poly-p-dioxanone (PDO) mesh for reconstructing large-size AWDs in an experimental canine model.

METHODS

Eighteen experimental canines were randomly and equally divided into three groups, namely, a PDO group, a Marlex group and a control group (n = 6 each). Following the creation of a 6 cm × 5.5 cm AWD, PDO mesh and Marlex mesh were used to reconstruct the defect in the PDO and Marlex groups, respectively. The defect was closed using relaxation sutures alone in the control group. Animals were killed 24 weeks after surgery, and reconstruction outcomes were evaluated using radiography, histology and biomechanical testing.

RESULTS

All animals except those in the control group survived the experiment. The PDO group showed no wound dehiscence, herniation or infection, whereas the animals in the Marlex group exhibited marked foreign body reactions. The PDO group had less intraabdominal adhesion than the Marlex group. As shown by radiography, histology and biomechanical testing, PDO mesh exhibited complete degradation and favorable biochemical strength at 24 weeks postsurgery.

CONCLUSIONS

PDO mesh implantation is an effective, safe treatment modality for reconstructing large-size AWDs.

Nipple Retractor to Correct Inverted Nipples

BACKGROUND: Inverted nipples are a common problem and a challenging clinical condition to repair. Multiple methods have been reported to correct inverted nipples, most of which will destroy breastfeeding function. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We have designed a simple nipple retractor to correct inverted nipples. A total of 53 patients with 95 inverted nipples underwent an operation in which the nipples were retracted into a normal position and fixated with the nipple retractor and wires under local anesthesia. Nipple retractors were to be worn for 6 months. Postoperatively, the patients were invited to follow-up on the 1st day, the 7th day, after 1 month, 3 months and 6 months, and yearly thereafter. Wire adjustments were performed as needed. Mean follow-up was 11.9 months (range 8-18 months). RESULTS: Improvement occurred in all patients and was sustained in all cases throughout the follow-up period. The total complication rate was 5.26% (5/95). The main complications included depigmentation (2.11%, 2/95), areolar ulcer (2.11%, 2/95), and wire dislocation (1.05%, 1/95). CONCLUSION: The nipple retractor is a simple tool with which severely inverted nipples can be successfully corrected with a low complication rate. Close follow-up and careful postoperative care are important to avoid complications.