Dressing wear time after breast reconstruction: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Comparative efficacy of silver alginate dressings versus standard gauze in enhancing wound healing post-mastectomy for triple-negative breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of silver alginate dressings (SAD) compared to standard gauze (SG) in enhancing wound healing and reducing scar formation post-mastectomy in patients with triple-negative breast cancer. From an initial pool of 1245 articles, five studies met the inclusion criteria. The analysis revealed that SAD significantly improve early wound healing 1 week post-mastectomy, as indicated by lower Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, and Approximation (REEDA) scales (I2 = 85%; Random: SMD: -7.08, 95% CI: -8.26 to -5.98, p < 0.01), compared to SG. Additionally, long-term scar outcomes measured by the Manchester Scar Scale (MSS) 5 months post-mastectomy showed a notable reduction in scar formation (I2 = 95%; Random: SMD: -12.97, 95% CI: -16.20 to -9.75, p < 0.01)) in the silver alginate group. The findings support the use of SAD in post-mastectomy care for triple-negative breast cancer patients but highlight the need for further research on long-term safety and cost-effectiveness.

Consensus Review of Optimal Perioperative Care in Breast Reconstruction: Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) Society Recommendations

BACKGROUND

Enhanced recovery following surgery can be achieved through the introduction of evidence-based perioperative maneuvers. This review aims to present a consensus for optimal perioperative management of patients undergoing breast reconstructive surgery and to provide evidence-based recommendations for an enhanced perioperative protocol.

METHODS

A systematic review of meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and large prospective cohorts was conducted for each protocol element. Smaller prospective cohorts and retrospective cohorts were considered only when higher level evidence was unavailable. The available literature was graded by an international panel of experts in breast reconstructive surgery and used to form consensus recommendations for each topic. Each recommendation was graded following a consensus discussion among the expert panel. Development of these recommendations was endorsed by the Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Society.

RESULTS

High-quality randomized controlled trial data in patients undergoing breast reconstruction informed some of the recommendations; however, for most items, data from lower level studies in the population of interest were considered along with extrapolated data from high-quality studies in non-breast reconstruction populations. Recommendations were developed for a total of 18 unique enhanced recovery after surgery items and are discussed in the article. Key recommendations support use of opioid-sparing perioperative medications, minimal preoperative fasting and early feeding, use of anesthetic techniques that decrease postoperative nausea and vomiting and pain, use of measures to prevent intraoperative hypothermia, and support of early mobilization after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Based on the best available evidence for each topic, a consensus review of optimal perioperative care for patients undergoing breast reconstruction is presented.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, V.

Dressing Wear Time after Breast Reconstruction: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background

The evidence to support dressing standards for breast surgery wounds is empiric and scarce.

Objective

This two-arm randomized clinical trial was designed to assess the effect of dressing wear time on surgical site infection (SSI) rates, skin colonization and patient perceptions.

Methods

A total of 200 breast cancer patients undergoing breast reconstruction were prospectively enrolled. Patients were randomly allocated to group I (dressing removed on the first postoperative day, n = 100) or group II (dressing removed on the sixth postoperative day, n = 100). SSIs were defined and classified according to criteria from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Samples collected before placing the dressing and after 1 day (group I) and 6 days (both groups) were cultured for skin colonization assessments. Patients preferences and perceptions with regard to safety, comfort and convenience were recorded and analyzed.

Results

A total of 186 patients completed the follow-up. The global SSI rate was 4.5%. Six patients in group I and three in group II had SSI (p = 0.497). Before dressing, the groups were similar with regard to skin colonization. At the sixth day, there was a higher colonization by coagulase-negative staphylococci in group I (p<0.0001). Patients preferred to keep dressing for six days (p<0.0001), and considered this a safer choice (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Despite group I had a higher skin colonization by coagulase-negative staphylococci on the sixth postoperative day, there was no difference in SSI rates. Patients preferred keeping dressing for six days and considered it a safer choice.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01148823