Effects of Prophylactic Lipofilling After Radiotherapy Compared to Non-Fat Injected Breasts: A Randomized, Objective Study

Pain-relieving Effects of Autologous Fat Grafting in Breast Cancer Surgery: A Scoping Review

Background

Chronic pain is relatively common after breast cancer surgery, including breast reconstruction. Autologous fat grafting (AFG) has gained attention as a novel method for breast reconstruction, and recent clinical studies have also shown effects of AFG on alleviation of chronic pain after breast cancer surgery. Our objective was to conduct a scoping review of studies that have examined these effects with clearly defined clinical outcomes.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using three databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar, following PRISMA guidelines and the Arkesy and O'Malley framework. The search focused on clinical studies of the effects of AFG on chronic pain after breast cancer surgery. All studies reporting functional outcomes, return to work, and secondary surgery in a repeat operation were identified.

Results

Of the 148 studies identified in the search, 11 studies with a total of 684 patients were included in the review. The average volume of fat grafted was approximately 128 mL over an average of 1.6 sessions. The most common time point for assessment was 1 year post-AFG. In all studies with an evidence level of 3 or lower, AFG showed positive results in alleviating pain after breast cancer surgery. However, one of the three randomized controlled trials did not show clinically significant effects.

Conclusions

Most of the studies examined in this review suggested pain-relieving effects of AFG. However, there was one randomized controlled trial in which these effects were not confirmed, indicating a need for further accumulation of cases and performance of new, well-designed randomized controlled trials.

A systematic review of randomised controlled trials in breast reconstruction

BACKGROUND

For preference sensitive treatments, such as breast reconstructions, there are barriers to conducting randomised controlled trials (RCTs). The primary aims of this systematic review were to investigate what type of research questions are explored by RCTs in breast reconstruction, where have they been performed and where have they been published, and to thematise the research questions and thus create an overview of the state of the research field.

METHODS

Randomised controlled trials investigating any aspect of breast reconstructions were included. The PubMed database was searched with a pre-defined search string. Inclusion and data abstraction was performed in a pre-defined standardised fashion. For the purpose of this study, we defined key issues as comparison of categories of breast reconstruction and comparison of immediate and delayed breast reconstruction, when the thematisation was done.

RESULTS

A total of 419 abstracts were retrieved from the search. Of the 419, 310 were excluded as they were not RCTs concerning some aspect of breast reconstruction, which left us with 110 abstracts to be included in the study. The research questions of the included studies could more or less be divided into seven different themes inclusive of 2 key issues: Other issues - comparison of different categories of breast reconstruction, comparison of immediate and delayed breast reconstruction, surgical details within a category of breast reconstruction, surgical details valid for several categories of breast reconstruction, donor site management, anaesthetics, and non-surgical details. Only five studies compared key issues, and they all illustrate the challenges with RCTs in breast reconstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

A total of 110 publications based on RCTs in breast reconstruction have been published. Seven themes of research questions could be identified. Only five studies have explored the key issues. Better scientific evidence is needed for the key issues in breast reconstruction, for example by implementing a new study design in the field.

[Breast Reconstruction Strategies in Case of Planned Radiotherapy]

INTRODUCTION

The ideal technical and chronological approach of breast reconstruction in case of planned radiotherapy after mastectomy (post-mastectomy radiotherapy, PMRT) continues to be controversially discussed.

METHODS

The authors analysed the MEDLINE Database PubMed for relevant studies concerning PMRT and breast reconstruction. The main theses from these publications were extracted and summarised.

RESULTS

An implant-based approach is the least invasive technique for immediate breast-mound formation in a PMRT setting. Reconstruction in a PMRT setting with a two-stage expander-implant technique or expander-implant-autologous procedure can provide good to excellent cosmetic outcomes. In contrast to the implant-based approach, autologous reconstruction methods provide an improved quality of life as well as haptic and sensory advantages and are usually associated with lower complication rates. PMRT after autologous reconstruction can have a negative impact on the autologous tissue. A delayed autologous approach can be advantageous and should be generally favoured in high-risk patients.

CONCLUSION

Factors influencing a meticulous planning of breast reconstruction including PMRT are surgical, aesthetic and patient characteristics, quality of life, preference and expectation. Ideally, PMRT is completed before autologous reconstruction to avoid radiation-associated side-effects on the final reconstructive result. If PMRT is likely, but potentially not necessary, an immediate-delayed procedure may be of advantage.

Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy, from the Subpectoral to the Prepectoral Approach: An Evidence-Based Change of Mind?

Over the last years, prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction has undergone a renaissance due to several technical advancements regarding mastectomy techniques and surgical approaches for the placement and soft tissue coverage of silicone implants. Initially abandoned due to the high incidence of complications, such as capsular contraction, implant extrusion, and poor aesthetic outcome, the effective prevention of these types of complications led to the prepectoral technique coming back in style for the ease of implant placement and the conservation of the pectoralis muscle function. Additional advantages such as a decrease of postoperative pain, animation deformity, and operative time contribute to the steady gain in popularity. This review aims to summarize the factors influencing the trend towards prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction and to discuss the challenges and prospects related to this operative approach.