Complications in DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy for Breast Cancer: A Prospective Cohort Study Comparing Unilateral and Bilateral Reconstructions

How to increase the success rate in microsurgical free and pedicled flap reconstructions with intraoperative multistep ICG imaging: A case series with 400 consecutive cases

BACKGROUND

Over the last decade, microsurgical soft-tissue transfer became the gold standard for various reconstructions throughout the body. Continuous improvement of instruments and surgical techniques, such as intraoperative indocyanine green angiography (ICG-A), allowed for a very high success rate. This study aimed to assess and validate the role of a standard intraoperative ICG-A in free and pedicled flap surgery to improve overall outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From April 2018 to April 2023, 400 consecutive patients who underwent reconstruction using free and pedicled flaps were enrolled. ICG-A was always performed in a free flap after flap elevation, after microsurgical anastomosis, immediately after the flap inset, and after wound closure. In the pedicled flap, the sequential procedure was performed after flap elevation, flap inset, and wound closure.

RESULTS

All 400 patients who underwent flap reconstruction using intraoperative ICG-A had an extremely low incidence of necrosis (0.75% partial necrosis among free and pedicled flaps) and reoperation for perfusion-related complications (0.75% due to acute ischemia and 0.50% due to flap congestion). Minor complications, such as hematoma, seroma, wound dehiscence, and wound infections, were managed with a second operation. No flaps were lost, and all patients were successfully treated.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed how systematic multistep ICG-A for intraoperative assessment of free and pedicled flap perfusion can significantly reduce the complication rate, including flap loss and re-exploration surgeries, in a time- and cost-effective manner.

Outcomes of Implant Exchange and Latissimus Dorsi Flap Replacement After Breast Implant Complications

BACKGROUND

Immediate action is required to address some complications of implant-based reconstruction after mastectomy to prevent reconstruction failure. Implant exchange may be simple but poses the risk of further complications while autologous flap reconstruction seems more complex but may pose less subsequent risk. Which of these is preferable remains unclear.

METHODS

We reviewed thirty-two female breast cancer patients who had serious complications with their breast implants after post-mastectomy reconstruction. Latissimus dorsi flap (LDF) patients underwent explantation and immediate reconstruction with an LDF, while implant exchange (IE) patients underwent immediate implant removal and exchange with an expander followed by delayed reconstruction with silicon or immediately with a smaller size silicone implant.

RESULTS

LDF patients underwent a single operation with an average duration of care of 31 days compared to an average 1.8 procedures (p= 0.005) with an average duration of care of 129.9 days (p < 0.001) among IE patients. Seven IE (50%) had serious complications that required subsequent revision while no LDF patients required additional procedures. Patient overall satisfaction and esthetics results were also superior in the LDF group at six months.

CONCLUSION

In patients who want to reconstructively rescue and salvage their severely infected or exposed breast implant, the LDF offers an entirely autologous solution. LDF reconstruction in this setting allows patients to avoid an extended duration of care, reduces their risk of complications, and preserves the reconstructive process.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

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Comparison of Pain Management Strategies to Reduce Opioid Use Postoperatively in Free Flap Breast Reconstruction: Pain Catheter versus Nerve Block in Addition to Refinements in the Oral Pain Management Regime

Background  Perioperative management in autologous breast reconstruction has gained focus in recent years. This study compares two pain management protocols in patients undergoing abdominal-based free flap breast reconstruction: a past protocol (PP) and a current protocol (CP)-both intended to reduce opioid consumption postoperatively. The PP entails use of a pain catheter in the abdominal wound and the CP consists of an intraoperative nerve block in addition to refinements in the oral pain management. We hypothesize that the CP reduces opioid consumption compared to PP. Methods  From December 2017 to January 2020, 102 patients underwent breast reconstruction with an abdominal-based free flap. Two postoperative pain management strategies were used during the period; from December 2017 to September 2018, the PP was used which entailed the use of a pain catheter with ropivacaine applied in the abdominal wound with continuous distribution postoperatively in addition to paracetamol orally and oxycodone orally pro re nata (PRN). From October 2018 to January 2020, the CP was used. This protocol included a combination of intraoperative subfascial nerve block and a postoperative oral pain management regime that consisted of paracetamol, celecoxib, and gabapentin as well as oxycodone PRN. Results  The CP group ( n  = 63) had lower opioid consumption compared to the PP group ( n  = 39) when examining all aspects of opioid consumption, including daily opioid usage in morphine milligram equivalents and total opioid usage during the stay ( p  < 0.001). The CP group had shorter length of hospital stay (LOS). Conclusion  Introduction of the CP reduced opioid use and LOS was shorter.

Free-style technique versus computed tomographic angiography-guided perforator selection in deep inferior epigastric perforator flap harvest: A prospective clinical study

BACKGROUND

Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) is the preferred diagnostic tool in preoperative deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap assessment, though some surgeons prefer approaching perforator selection with intraoperative findings alone.

METHODS

This prospective observational study conducted between 2015 and 2020 assessed our intraoperative decision-making "free-style" technique for DIEP flap harvest. Any patient with indication for immediate or delayed breast reconstruction using abdominally based flaps and who received preoperative CTA was enrolled. Only unilateral cases performed by the same surgeon were considered. Allergy to iodine-based contrast media, renal impairment and claustrophobia were other exclusion criteria. Primary endpoint consisted in comparing operative times and complication rates between free-style technique and CTA-guided approach. Secondary endpoints included evaluation of agreement rate between intraoperative findings and CTA, and identification of variables affecting operative time and complication rate. Demographics, surgical information, agreement versus non-agreement and complications were collected.

RESULTS

Starting from 206 patients, 100 were enrolled. Fifty were assigned to Group A, receiving DIEP flap with free-style technique. The other 50 were assigned to Group B, receiving DIEP flap with CTA-guided perforators selection. Study groups' demographics were homogenous. Operative time was statistically lower (p = .036) in free-style group (252.4 ± 44.77 min vs. 265.6 ± 31.67 min). Complication rates were higher in CTA-guided group (10% vs. 2%) though this was not significant (p = .092). Overall agreement rate in dominant perforator selection between intraoperatively and CTA-based assessment was 81%. Multiple regression analysis showed no variable increased complication rate, though CTA-guided approach, BMI > 30 and harvesting more than one perforator were respectively associated with B-coefficient of 17.391 (2.430-32.351, 95% CI) [p = .023], 3.50 (0.640-6.379, 95% CI) [p = .017] and 18.887 (6.232-31.542, 95% CI) [p = .004], predicting increased operative time.

CONCLUSIONS

The free-style technique proved to be a useful tool for guiding DIEP flap harvest with good sensibility in detecting the dominant perforator suggested by CTA without statistically increasing surgery duration and complications.

Unilateral immediate deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap breast reconstruction following skin sparing mastectomy: A comparative study on revision surgeries to improve breast symmetry

BACKGROUND

The number of revision surgeries to improve breast asymmetry after deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction is still high worldwide with impact on both patients and healthcare systems. These procedures include fat grafting, contralateral breast symmetrization, scar revision, flap repositioning and remodeling. A previously published DIEP flap insetting algorithm has proven to be effective in selecting patient-tailored strategies to achieve excellent aesthetic outcomes. This study investigated whether this insetting algorithm was effective in reducing revision surgeries in patients undergoing SSM and immediate DIEP flap breast reconstruction to achieve the goal of a one-stage reconstruction.

METHODS

This retrospective case-control study included 60 patients (group A) treated without the DIEP flap standardized insetting algorithm and 60 patients (group B) treated with the standardized insetting algorithm, which considers among its variables the type of breast to be reconstructed, abdominal tissue thickness, rotation due to harvesting side. Demographic data, operative data, complications and number of revision surgeries were recorded.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty primary and 106 revision surgeries were performed. Groups were homogenous for age (p = .32), body mass index (p = .77), flap weight (p = .7), operative time (p = .87) and early complications (p = .78). When excluding isolated nipple reconstruction from the revision surgeries, one-stage reconstruction was successfully performed in 26 patients in group A (43.3%) and 39 patients (65.0%) in group B, with a statistically significant difference between the groups (p = .003).

CONCLUSIONS

The introduction of a standardized insetting algorithm for immediate unilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction can be effective in reducing the number of revision surgeries for breast asymmetry, making a one-stage reconstruction an achievable and reliable target.

Application of intraoperative indocyanine green angiography for detecting flap congestion in the use of free deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps for breast reconstruction

BACKGROUND

The use of intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) angiography has been well documented for confirmation of arterial perfusion in transferred free flaps. However, no previous report has yet focused on whether ICG angiography can be used to detect congestion in free flaps. The present report investigates the feasibility of ICG angiography for detecting flap congestion intraoperatively through illustrative cases.

METHODS

From September 2019 to September 2020, 65 consecutive female patients who underwent breast reconstructions using a free deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap were enrolled in this study. Forty-eight patients with 52 DIEP flaps were eligible for the study after application of the exclusion criteria. ICG angiography was performed after elevation of the flap, after completion of the anastomoses, and after inset of the flap.

RESULTS

In five cases (9.6%), an inadequate highlight was demonstrated with ICG angiography performed after flap elevation. All such cases were deemed congestive since robust bleeding was observed with the prick test. ICG angiography demonstrated sufficient highlight of the flap after removal of the clamp on the superficial inferior epigastric vein. In two cases (4.2%), kinking of the pedicle vein of the DIEP flap was found with ICG angiography performed after inset of the flap. In both cases, the pedicle and the flap were reinset. All flaps survived completely postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

ICG angiography can detect flap congestion, and the proposed 3-step protocol is useful for the prevention of postoperative complications.

Bilateral Simultaneous Breast Reconstruction with DIEP- and TMG Flaps: Head to Head Comparison, Risk and Complication Analysis

Background: A two center retrospective cohort study of simultaneous bilateral breast reconstructions using double deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps and double transverse myocutaneous/upper gracilis (TMG) flaps was conducted. The aim of this study was to compare surgical procedures, complications, and overall outcome. Patients and Methods: Two study groups, either receiving a simultaneous bilateral breast reconstruction, with double DIEP flaps (n = 152) in group 1, or double TMG flaps (n = 86) in group 2, were compared. A detailed risk and complication analysis was performed. Patient characteristics, operative time and the need for further operations were evaluated. Results: Double DIEP patients had donor site complications in 23.7% and double TMG patients in 16.3% (p = 0.9075, RR 1.45). Flap loss rates of 3.5% (double TMG) and 2.6% (double DIEP) were recorded (p = 0.7071, RR 1.33). The need for postoperative lipofilling was significantly higher in double TMG patients (65.1% vs. 38.2 %, p = 0.0047, RR 1.71). Conclusion: Complication analysis favors the double DIEP procedure. Donor site morbidity was lower and less severe in the double TMG group. Later fat grafting was more frequently needed after double TMG reconstructions. Further studies, preferably of prospective nature, are needed to evaluate the benefit of bilateral simultaneous breast reconstructions.

Preoperative breast volume evaluation of one-stage immediate breast reconstruction using three-dimensional surface imaging and a printed mold

BACKGROUND

Accurate assessment of breast volume is an essential component of preoperative planning in one-stage immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) for achieving breast symmetry and a satisfactory cosmetic outcome. In this study, we compared breast volume estimation using three-dimensional (3D) surface imaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the accuracy of breast volume measurements. Further, a 3D printing mold for facilitating autologous breast reconstruction intraoperatively is described.

METHODS

Patients scheduled to therapeutic or prophylactic mastectomy with one-stage IBR, either by autologous tissue transfer or direct implant, from 2016 to 2019, were enrolled in this study. 3D surface image and MRI were performed to evaluate breast volume and shape. The results were validated by the water displacement volume of the mastectomy specimen. Finally, a 3D printing mold was designed for breast reconstruction with autologous tissue.

RESULTS

Nineteen women who were scheduled to have 20 mastectomies (18 unilateral and one bilateral) were included. There was a strong linear association between breast volume measured using the two different methods and water displacement of mastectomy specimens when a Pearson correlation was used (3D surface image: r = 0.925, p < 0.001; MRI: r = 0.915, p < 0.001). Bland-Altman plots demonstrated no proportional bias between the assessment methods. The coefficient of variation was 52.7% for 3D surface imaging and 59.9% for MRI. The volume of six breasts was evaluated by both measurements and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.689 for 3D surface image (p = 0.043) and 0.743 for MRI (p = 0.028).

CONCLUSION

Using 3D surface image to evaluate breast shape and volume is a quick, effective, and convenient method. The accuracy, reproducibility, and reliability of 3D surface imaging were comparable with MRI in our study. In addition, 3D-printed molds can achieve better symmetry and aesthetic outcomes in immediate autologous breast reconstructions.

Perforator mapping reduces the operative time of DIEP flap breast reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of preoperative ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance angiography

BACKGROUND

Prior to DIEP flap breast reconstruction, mapping the perforators of the lower abdominal wall using ultrasound, computed tomography angiography (CTA) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) reduces the risk of flap failure. This review aimed to investigate the additional potential benefit of a reduction in operating time.

METHODS

We systematically searched the literature for studies concerning adult women undergoing DIEP flap breast reconstruction, which directly compared the operating times and adverse outcomes for those with and without preoperative perforator mapping by ultrasound, CTA or MRA. Outcomes were extracted, data meta-analysed and the quality of the evidence appraised.

RESULTS

Fourteen articles were included. Preoperative perforator mapping by CTA or MRA significantly reduced operating time (mean reduction of 54 minutes [95% CI 3, 105], p = 0.04), when directly compared to DIEP flap breast reconstruction with no perforator mapping. Further, perforator mapping by CTA was superior to ultrasound, as CTA saved more time in theatre (mean reduction of 58 minutes [95% CI 25, 91], p < 0.001) and was associated with a lower risk of partial flap failure (RR 0.15 [95% CI 0.04, 0.6], p = 0.007). All studies were at risk of methodological bias and the quality of the evidence was very low.

CONCLUSIONS

The quality of research regarding perforator mapping prior to DIEP flap breast reconstruction is poor and although preoperative angiography appears to save operative time, reduce morbidity and confer cost savings, higher quality research is needed.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO ID CRD42017065012.