Direct-to-implant breast reconstruction after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: A safe option?

INTRODUCTION

Immediate reconstruction (IBR) after mastectomy in patients who have received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) remains controversial. The aim of this study is to analyze and compare oncological results as well as complication and reoperation rates in patients undergoing NACT and a control group.

METHODS

Retrospective observational case-control study of patients with breast cancer who underwent bilateral mastectomy and direct-to-implant IBR (BMIBR) from 2000-2016. The group that received NACT was matched 1:5 to patients without NACT (Control group). We evaluated differences between groups using the χ² or Fisher test (qualitative variables), Mann-Whitney U or Student's t-test (quantitative variables). The survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank test (SPSS 22.0).

RESULTS

The study included a total of 171 patients with BMIBR: 62 patients (36.3%) after NACT and 109 patients (63.7%) in the control group without NACT. Median follow-up was 52.0 (IQR: 23.0-94.0) months. In both groups, the indication for BMIBR was patient choice (32.7%). There were no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of complication rate (24.2% in the NACT group and 19.3% in the control group [P=.44]), but differences in oncological results were found. Patients in the NACT Group had three times more risk of recurrence at a given time than patients in the control group (3.009 [1.349-6.713]) according to the univariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Direct-to-implant IBR after skin-sparing mastectomy is a viable option for breast cancer patients undergoing NACT.

Influence of radiotherapy on immediate breast reconstruction after skin-sparing mastectomy. Before or after: Does it matter?

INTRODUCTION

The use of bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction is increasing. Radiotherapy increases complications; however, its uses have been extended. We evaluate the profile of the complications and long-term failure of reconstruction through a comparative analysis with a cohort without radiotherapy.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of patients with breast cancer who underwent mastectomy with immediate reconstruction during 2000-2016. Three groups were evaluated: 1) patients who received radiotherapy and posterior breast reconstruction; 2) patients with bilateral mastectomy and immediate reconstruction following adjuvant radiotherapy; 3) patients who did not receive radiotherapy at all. Demographic variables, surgical techniques and postoperative morbidity were assessed. Outcomes and complications were compared between cohorts. Analysis was done with SPSS Statistics.

RESULTS

296 bilateral mastectomies with immediate reconstruction. Mean age 48.4 ± 9. No differences in comorbidity in the different groups. Group 1: 125 patients. Radiotherapy given 21.69 months before, on average. Complication rate: 20%. Failure of reconstruction rate: 20%. Reoperation rate: 33.6%. Group 2: 71 patients. Radiotherapy after reconstruction: mean 134.2 days. Complication rate: 36.7%. Failure of reconstruction rate: 21.1%. Reoperation rate: 16.9%. Group 3: 100 patients. Complication rate: 25%. Failure of reconstruction rate: 21%. Reoperation rate: 20%. Morbidity published in patients after radiotherapy before or after reconstruction is higher than complications in patients who did not receive radiotherapy. Even so, in our series they were similar. We found a higher sequelae rate in group 1, with almost double the rate of reoperation.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who underwent radiotherapy before reconstruction had a higher risk of developing failure of reconstruction and needing reoperation than those patients who received radiotherapy after breast reconstruction or did not receive radiotherapy at all.