Breast reduction in the irradiated breast: evidence for the role of breast reduction at the time of lumpectomy

Does Prior Breast Irradiation Increase Complications of Subsequent Reduction Surgery in Breast Cancer Patients? A systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Reduction mammoplasty and mastopexy are potentially complicated by prior breast irradiation as part of breast conserving therapy. Associated tissue changes with therapeutic irradiation have led to surgeons deciding the risks may outweigh potential benefit for those patients. A systematic review of the existing literature was performed to explore surgical outcomes of patients undergoing delayed bilateral reduction mammoplasty or mastopexy following unilateral breast irradiation as part of breast conserving therapy.

METHODS

Medline, PubMed and EMBASE were searched from 1990 to 2023 according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies were combined by the generic inverse variance method on the natural logarithms of rate ratios (RR) using a random effect model in Review manager 5.4.1.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies reported outcomes in 188 patients who underwent breast reduction (BR) following unilateral breast conserving surgery and radiotherapy. The median age at BR was 51.5 years (range 39-60), and median time since radiotherapy was 48 months (range 11.7-86). We compared outcomes for irradiated breast (IB) versus non-irradiated breast (NIB). Pooled results showed higher rate of major complications in the IB (RR 2.52, 95%CI 0.96-6.63, p=0.06), but not statistically significant. However, rate of minor complications was significantly higher in the IB (RR 3.97 95%CI 1.86-8.50, p<0.0004). Incidence of fat necrosis as a discrete complication was 2× higher in IB (RR 2.14 95%CI 0.85-5.35, p-value 0.10) compared to the NIB, but not significant.

CONCLUSION

We found breast reduction to be safe with acceptable risk of major complications. However, the overall complication rate remains higher in IB compared to NIB.

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 .

Combining Wise-pattern Volume Displacement and Autologous Volume Replacement to Facilitate Oncoplastic Breast Conservation

Background

Oncoplastic breast conservation has been classically divided into volume displacement (VD) or volume replacement (VR) techniques. There have been few descriptions of merging these two approaches. This report describes our experience combining Wise-pattern VD and autologous VR to repair extensive partial mastectomy defects in patients with ptosis.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who underwent combined Wise-pattern VD surgery and autologous VR by the author from June 2017 to June 2023, with at least 6 months follow-up. Patient demographics, oncological and intraoperative details, and complications were recorded.

Results

Forty patients underwent Wise-pattern VD surgery combined with a medial intercostal artery perforator flap (five patients), lateral thoracic artery perforator/lateral intercostal artery perforator flap (18 patients), anterior intercostal artery perforator flap (five patients), or muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi flap (12 patients). The average tumor size was 4.0 cm (range, 1.5-9.1 cm), and specimen weight was 152 g (range, 33-415 g). Six patients (15%) required re-operation for positive margins. There was delayed healing of three (7.5%) donor sites. There were no flap failures. Two (5%) patients had clinically apparent fat necrosis without requirement for surgical revision.

Conclusions

This report demonstrates the feasibility of combining Wise-pattern VD and autologous VR. We propose that oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery be no longer divided into two mutually exclusive approaches and that surgeons make liberal use of combining these approaches to address challenging cases of breast-conserving surgery.

Risk Factors and Complications in Reduction Mammaplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Reduction mammaplasty (RM) has become established as the standard effective method for treating macromastia, but reports on the risk factors that predispose to postoperative complications have been conflicting. This meta-analysis aimed to pool the available data to identify predictors of complications following RM.

METHODS

The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane databases were screened from inception to 1 Jan 2022, and studies were included based on predefined criteria. The perioperative risk factors BMI, smoking, age, diabetes, radiation therapy, and tissue resection weight were extracted and their correlation with complications assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 40 studies comprising of 5908 patients were included. BMI ≥ 30kg/m2 (OR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.35-2.02; p < 0.01) and ≥ 40 kg/m2 (OR = 1.97, 95% CI 1.26-3.08; p < 0.01), smoking (OR = 2.57, 95% CI 2.01-3.28; p < 0.01), diabetes (OR = 2.21, 95% CI 1.19-4.07; p < 0.05), a unilateral resection weight ≥ 1000 g (OR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.02-3.05; p < 0.05), and radiation therapy (OR = 11.11, 95% CI 2.01-3.28; p < 0.01) were associated with higher rates of postoperative complications. Obese patients (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) were more likely to experience fat necrosis (OR = 3.00, 95% CI 1.37-6.57; p < 0.01) and infection (OR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.15-2.40; p < 0.05). Smokers had a 2.03 times higher risk of infection (95% CI 1.24-3.31; p < 0.01) and 2.34 times higher risk of dehiscence (95% CI 1.38-3.98; p < 0.01). No association between complication occurrence and age 40 or 50 years or total tissue resection weight ≥ 1000 g was identified.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis provides evidence that obesity, smoking, diabetes, unilateral resection weight ≥ 1000 g, and preoperative radiation therapy predispose to complication occurrence in RM. This information can optimize the ability of surgeons to provide preoperative patient education, perioperative assessment, and postoperative care planning.

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 .

Central Mound Technique in Oncoplastic Surgery: A Valuable Technique to Save Your Bacon

INTRODUCTION

Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) is a valid method for the reconstruction of partial breast defects, however, there is a great variety of final aesthetic outcomes depending on the location of the tumor in the breast and also on the initial breast volume and the degree of ptosis. Specifically, defects affecting the upper inner/central quadrant represent a reconstructive challenge with not always satisfactory final results. For this purpose, the authors investigated the use of the central mound technique in breast-conserving surgery. The aim of the study was to apply the central mound as an oncoplastic technique and assess the satisfaction rate of the patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study that involved 40 patients (80 breast) underwent breast conserving surgery and contextual bilateral breast remodeling with central mound technique. A pre- and postoperative Breast-Q questionnaire (breast conserving therapy module) was given to all the patients before the surgery, 3 months and 9 months after. The statistical analysis with chi-square test was performed.

RESULTS

After 9 months the author found a major increase of all BREAST-Q parameters; the most valuable increments concerned the "Satisfaction with breast" and "Psychosocial well-being." None of the patients experienced a decreased in the quality of life related to the surgical procedure.

CONCLUSION

The authors believe that this technique has useful functional and aesthetic results particularly appreciated by patients with upper pole lesion who have a slightly or moderately breast ptosis and a small cup size.

Safety of Reduction Mammaplasty and Mastopexy After Breast Conservation Therapy and Radiation Therapy: A Case Series

BACKGROUND

Conservative surgery and radiotherapy (CS + RT) have become the standard of care for early-stage breast cancer as an alternative to mastectomy. With the increasing rate of obesity and incidence of macromastia, surgeons increasingly encounter patients with a history of breast radiation desiring breast reduction. However, elective breast surgery after irradiation remains to be controversial due to known adverse effects of radiation, especially on wound healing, and unknown effects of lumpectomy on traditional pedicle choices. Herein, we present our experiences and outcomes of reduction mammaplasties and mastopexies in patients with breast cancer previously treated with CS + RT.

METHODS

Between 2009 and 2020, 13 patients undergoing reduction mammaplasty or mastopexy, who have previously underwent CS + RT with or without axillary surgery, were included in this study. Surgical techniques and complications, including delayed wound healing, infection, fat necrosis, and nipple-areolar necrosis, were recorded and analyzed based on the irradiated versus nonirradiated sides.

RESULTS

Of the 13 patients, delayed wound healing occurred in 7% on the irradiated side and 15% on the nonirradiated sides (P > 0.05). No significant correlation was observed between the number of complications and time of elective breast surgery from the last radiation therapy. Complications between irradiated and nonirradiated breasts did not significantly differ in both the reduction mammaplasty and mastopexy groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduction mammaplasty and mastopexy in patients with a history of lumpectomy and breast irradiation can be safely performed and should be considered in those experiencing macromastia or asymmetry post-CS + RT.

Inferior Pedicle Reduction Mammoplasty as Corrective Surgery after Breast Conserving Surgery and Radiation Therapy

Background/Aim—Twenty patients had corrective reconstruction surgery by means of a reduction mammaplasty or mastopexy after a previous BCS (Breast Conserving Surgery) and RT (Radiation Therapy); the risk factors and post-operative complications were reported in order to define a safe and effective technique for reduction mammaplasty in previously irradiated breast cancer patients. Materials and Methods—From June 2011 to December 2019, 20 pts. were operated on at the Breast Surgery Clinic of San Martino Policlinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy. Pre- and post-operative parameters included clinic-pathological features of the primary tumor; a lapse of time from primary radio-surgery; the extent of follow-up; the rate of post-operative wound infections; the persistence of breast asymmetry, and a post-operative patient satisfaction index by means of a BREAST-Q questionnaire. Results—Three patients (15%) developed minor complications in the irradiated breast, but no complication was observed into the non-irradiated breast. No statistically significant correlation was found between the post-operative complications and the risk factors. The statistical analysis of BREAST-Q questionnaire responses gave an average patient’s satisfaction index that was equal to 90.8/100 (range: 44 to 100). Conclusions—Inferior pedicle reduction mammoplasty is an effective reduction mammoplasty technique in regard to the extent of breast tissues that are to be removed both in irradiated and contralateral breast; moreover, the incidence of post-operative complications is clearly limited when a careful technique is adopted, and it can be reasonably applied also in patients with co-morbidity factors.

Delayed Mastopexy Following Breast-Conserving Surgery and Radiation Therapy: A Case-Control Study to Evaluate Safety and Versatility of the Central Mound Technique

INTRODUCTION

Breast remodeling following breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and radiation therapy (RT) is challenging and often burdened by complications due to irradiated tissue atrophy. The authors present a case-control study to compare the central mound mastopexy (CMM) to more conventional techniques, applying it to different patterns of skin excision.

METHODS

A variation of the original central mound technique is presented separately addressing glandular and cutaneous deformities. Between 2012 and 2018, 17 consecutive patients presenting defects following unilateral BCS and RT underwent breast remodeling with CMM technique. Immediate and long-term complications together with patient-reported outcomes were evaluated and compared to a matched control group of sixteen patients who underwent superior pedicle mammoplasty. Two independent plastic surgeons reviewed pre- and postoperative photographs and rated the cosmetic outcomes on a visual analog scale from 1 to 5.

RESULTS

In the study group, different patterns of skin excision, i.e., inverted-T pattern (41.2%), circumareolar (23.5%), skin-sparing type V (17.65%), omega (11.77%), and J (5.88%), were used to correct various breast deformities, and a decisional algorithm was developed. No major complications were registered. Retraction recurrence rate was higher in the control group (p = 0.037). Cosmetic results were considered more satisfying in the CMM group by both patients (4.18 vs 3.00, p<0.001) and surgeons (4.06 vs 2.69, p=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The CMM technique is an advanced approach that addresses breast remodeling after BCS-RT surgery yielding reliable results. Following our algorithm, several patterns of skin excision, tailored to pre-existing scars, can be considered and safely performed.

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 .

A Simple Technique to Correct Lumpectomy Deformities Using Free Nipple Grafting

BACKGROUND

Lumpectomy followed by radiation can lead to severe breast asymmetry. Many surgeons are hesitant to perform traditional mastopexies on irradiated breasts due to increased complication rates. An alternative approach to achieve breast symmetry is presented. This technique consists of free nipple-areola complex (NAC) grafting of the irradiated breast to a higher position and primary closure of the donor site, in an appropriate fashion without undermining, followed by a formal mastopexy of the nonradiated breast.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the outcomes of free NAC grafting, used as an alternative method to achieve breast symmetry, in patients who underwent lumpectomy with radiation.

METHODS

A case series of 5 patients who underwent breast revision using this technique, performed by a single surgeon from 2017 to 2019 (n = 5), is presented.

PATIENT DEMOGRAPHICS

All patients had history of lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy. The average age was 59.2 years, average BMI was 33.0. Three of 5 patients had a significant smoking history. The average time between radiation and surgery was 5.9 years.

RESULTS

The average operating time was 141.8 minutes. The average follow-up period was 5.8 months. Two (40%) of the free NAC grafts were complicated by hypopigmentation of the reconstructed NAC. No major complications were reported, and no patients required return to the operating room. All patients had successful outcomes with improved breast symmetry.

CONCLUSIONS

Free NAC grafting of irradiated breasts and contralateral mastopexy may be a reliable alternative to achieve breast symmetry, with a less invasive approach, in patients who underwent lumpectomy and radiation.

No-Scar Breast Reduction Utilizing Power-Assisted Liposuction Mammaplasty, Loops, and Lipofilling

BACKGROUND

In continued interest to develop and refine minimally invasive procedures, recent publications reported a scarless approach in breast lifting.

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to describe a power-assisted lipomodeling technique combined with surgical loops to achieve breast reduction and reshaping with minimal scars.

METHODS

Between 2014 and 2018, 94 patients underwent breast reduction by combined liposuction and loops. Following infiltration of the breasts, liposuction of the outer quadrants and the lower pole was achieved to reduce the breast footprint and the lateral and inferior heaviness of the breast. After multiaxial multiplanar tunnelization, 3 types of loops were taken around the breast to suspend and elevate the breast skin envelope and parenchyma. Each loop was guided through a 3-mm, 3-hole cannula passed through skin stab incisions. The first loop was designed to reduce the breast footprint and enhance the breast projection, whereas the second loop was designed to achieve breast conus remodeling. The third loop was passed circumferentially around the areola and then cephalad along the breast axis and pulled until the desired nipple-areola complex elevation was reached. Each loop was pulled to achieve the desired breast projection and shape.

RESULTS

The authors achieved breast reduction with a mean nipple elevation of 7.3 cm, and 88% of patients were satisfied with their breast shape. The total complication rate was 1%, including mild cellulitis in 1 breast, treated efficiently with oral antibiotics.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed technique is a novel, simple, and safe alternative to achieve breast reduction and reshaping without a scar.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Reduction mammoplasty and mastopexy in the previously irradiated breast - a systematic review and meta-analysis

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women, and early stages are treated with lumpectomy and irradiation. Irradiation, however, leads to reduced vascularization and fibrosis, which may influence the cosmetic outcome unfavourably and increase complications after subsequent surgery on irradiated breasts. Patients with significant asymmetry after treatment may desire corrective reduction mammoplasty or mastopexy, but this may be associated with increased complication rates. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate postoperative complication rates after bilateral reduction mammoplasty or mastopexy in women who had undergone unilateral lumpectomy and irradiation. PubMed, Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched for eligible studies. After screening titles and abstracts, 14 full text studies were reviewed, and 7 of these were included in the analysis. The meta-analysis showed a significantly higher complication rate in the irradiated breast compared to the non-irradiated breast, rate ratio 4.82 (95% CI: 1.58, 14.70), p = 0.006. The complication rate was 54% in the irradiated breast (58/107) compared to 8% (9/107) in the non-irradiated breast (p = 0.034). This study suggests that reduction mammoplasty or mastopexy in the previously irradiated breast is associated with a significantly increased risk of complications. Careful patient selection and information are paramount in the treatment of this patient group.

Natural course of fat necrosis after breast reconstruction: a 10-year follow-up study

Background

Although fat necrosis is a minor postoperative complication after breast reconstruction, occasionally it mimics to tumor recurrence in patients with breast cancer. Therefore, the surgeon should distinguish between benign fat necrosis and true local recurrence. The authors evaluated the clinical characteristics of fat necrosis after breast reconstruction and investigated the natural course of fat necrosis.

Methods

Between 2007 and 2013, a total of 362 patients underwent breast reconstruction after partial or total mastectomy for breast cancer in Kyungpook National University Hospital. Clinicopathologic characteristics and the occurrence of fat necrosis were assessed during surveillance for 10 years of mean follow-up period.

Results

There were 42 cases (11.6%) of fat necrosis after breast reconstruction with partial or total mastectomy which were confirmed by needle or excision biopsy. The fat necrosis was resolved after a mean period of 45.9 months (SD, ± 42.1) and 26 cases (61.9%) of fat necrosis were almost completely resolved (less than 5 mm) during 10-year follow-up period.

Conclusion

Based on the natural course of fat necrosis, the fat necrosis after breast reconstruction can be only monitored, if pathologic confirmation was done. More than half of the cases will be resolved within 2–3 years.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-07881-x.

Risk Factors for Complications after Reduction Mammoplasty: A Meta-Analysis

Background

Reduction mammoplasty (RM) is a proven method of treating macromastia, but the risk factors for postoperative complications have not been clearly identified. Through this meta-analysis, the authors aimed to identify the risk factors of RM complications.

Methods

An extensive search of the literature describing complications after RM was performed using the PubMed Central, Embase, and Cochrane databases. The following risk factors were extracted: age, body mass index (BMI), tissue resection weight per breast (TRW), smoking and radiation therapy. Odds ratios (OR) were pooled with 95% confidence intervals (CI) to evaluate the relationship between these risk factors and complications after RM.

Results

A total of 16 unique studies including 10 593 patients were included in the final analysis. It showed that there was a significant difference in complications in BMI ≥30 kg/m² (OR 0.73; 95% CI: 0.61–0.89, p = 0.001) and smoking (OR 1.56; 95% CI: 0.98–2.49, p = 0.06). Infection in those with BMI ≥30 kg/m² showed a significant difference (OR 0.68; 95% CI: 0.52–0.89, p = 0.004), as well as wound dehiscence in smokers (OR 2.73; 95% CI: 1.60–4.67, p = 0.0002) and infection in irradiated breasts (OR 20.38; 95% CI: 3.42–121.35, p = 0.0009). However, there was no significant difference in age ≥50 years (OR 0.96; 95% CI: 0.71–1.29, p = 0.78), combined TRW ≥1000 g (OR 1.04; 95% CI: 0.43–2.50, p = 0.93).

Conclusions

BMI ≥30 kg/m² and smoking increase the risk of complications. Persons who are obese or irradiated are more likely to develop infections, and smokers experienced a higher incidence of wound dehiscence than did nonsmokers. However, patients aged ≥50 years and TRW ≥1000 g are not associated with complications from RM.

Characterization and treatment of local recurrence following breast conservation for ductal carcinoma in situ

PURPOSE

The optimal treatment strategy for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) continues to evolve and should consider the consequences of initial treatment on the likelihood, type, and treatment of recurrences.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using two data sources of patients who experienced a recurrence (DCIS or invasive cancer) following breast-conserving surgery (BCS) for index DCIS: patients with an index DCIS diagnosed from 1997 to 2008 at the academic institutions of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN; N = 88) and patients with an index DCIS diagnosed from 1990 to 2001 at community-based integrated healthcare delivery sites of the Health Maintenance Organization Cancer Research Network (CRN) (N = 182).

RESULTS

Just under half of local recurrences in both cohorts were invasive cancer. While 40 % of patients in both cohorts underwent mastectomy alone at recurrence, treatment of the remaining patients varied. In the earlier CRN cohort, most other patients underwent repeat BCS (39 %) with only 18 % receiving mastectomy with reconstruction, whereas only 16 % had repeat BCS and 44 % had mastectomy with reconstruction in the NCCN cohort. Compared with patients not treated with radiation, those who received radiation for index DCIS were less likely to undergo repeat BCS (NCCN: 6.6 vs. 37 %, p = 0.001; CRN: 20 vs. 48 %, p = 0.0004) and more likely to experience surgical complications after treatment of recurrence (NCCN: 15 vs. 4 %, p = 0.17; CRN: 40 vs. 25 %, p = 0.09).

CONCLUSION

We found that treatment of recurrences after BCS and subsequent complications may be affected by the use of radiotherapy for the index DCIS. Initial treatment of DCIS may have long-term implications that should be considered.