The Macrotextured Implant Recall: Breast Implant-Associated-Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Risk Aversion in Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Practices

BACKGROUND

The recall of Allergan Biocell (Irvine, CA) devices due to the association between anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) and macrotextured breast implants means that plastic surgeons are faced with the challenge of caring for patients with these implants in situ. Cosmetic and reconstructive surgeons have been contacting affected patients to encourage them to follow up and discuss the most appropriate risk-reduction strategies.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate patient concerns about the risk of breast implant-associated ALCL (BIA-ALCL) and to compare management differences between cosmetic and reconstructive patients.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of 432 patients with macrotextured implants who presented to clinic after being contacted (121 reconstructive and 311 cosmetic). These records were analyzed for their presenting concerns, surgery wait times, and management plans. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the cohorts, and odds ratios (ORs) were computed to determine the association between patient concerns and their choice of management.

RESULTS

After consultation, 59.5% of the reconstructive cohort and 49.5% of the cosmetic cohort scheduled implant removal or exchange. The reconstructive population had a higher rate of ALCL concern (62.7%); however, both cohorts had a significant OR, demonstrating an expressed fear of ALCL likely contributed to their subsequent clinical management (OR cosmetic, 1.66; OR reconstructive, 2.17).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the risk of ALCL appears to be more concerning to the reconstructive population, both cohorts were equally motivated to have their implants removed. Informing patients about their ALCL risk is crucial to ensure a patient-supported risk reduction plan.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2

2022 Practice Recommendation Updates From the World Consensus Conference on BIA-ALCL

BACKGROUND

Laboratory and clinical research on breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is rapidly evolving. Changes in standard of care and insights into best practice were recently presented at the 3rd World Consensus Conference on BIA-ALCL.

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to provide practice recommendations from a consensus of experts, supplemented with a literature review regarding epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, socio-psychological aspects, and international authority guidance.

METHODS

A literature search of all manuscripts between 1997 and August 2021 for the above areas of BIA-ALCL was conducted with the PubMed database. Manuscripts in different languages, on non-human subjects, and/or discussing conditions separate from BIA-ALCL were excluded. The study was conducted employing the Delphi process, gathering 18 experts panelists and utilizing email-based questionnaires to record the level of agreement with each statement by applying a 5-point Likert Scale. Median response, interquartile range, and comments were employed to accept, reject, or revise each statement.

RESULTS

The literature search initially yielded 764 manuscripts, of which 405 were discarded. From the remaining 359, only 218 were included in the review and utilized to prepare 36 statements subdivided into 5 sections. After 1 round, panelists agreed on all criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

BIA-ALCL is uncommon and still largely underreported. Mandatory implant registries and actions by regulatory authorities are needed to better understand disease epidemiology and address initial lymphomagenesis and progression. Deviation from current diagnosis and treatment protocols can lead to disease recurrence, and research on breast implant risk factors provide insight to etiology.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Do plastic surgery division heads and program directors have the necessary tools to provide effective leadership?

BACKGROUND

Effective leadership is imperative in a changing health care landscape driven by increasing expectations in a setting of rising fiscal pressures. Because evidence suggests that leadership abilities are not simply innate but, rather, effective leadership can be learned, it is prudent for plastic surgeons to evaluate the training and challenges of their leaders because there may be opportunities for further growth and support.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the practice profiles, education/training, responsibilities and challenges of leaders within academic plastic surgery.

METHODS

Following research ethics board approval, an anonymous online survey was sent to division heads and program directors from all university-affiliated plastic surgery divisions in Canada. Survey themes included demographics, education/training, job responsibilities and challenges.

RESULTS

A response rate of 74% was achieved. The majority of respondents were male (94%), promoted to their current position at a mean age of 48 years, did not have a leadership-focused degree (88%), directly manage 30 people (14 staff, 16 faculty) and were not provided with a job description (65%). Respondents worked an average of 65 h per week, of which 18% was devoted to their leadership role, 59% clinically and the remainder on teaching and research. A discrepancy existed between time spent on their leadership role (18%) and related compensation (10%). Time management (47%) and managing conflict (24%) were described as the greatest leadership challenges by respondents.

CONCLUSIONS

Several gaps were identified among leaders in plastic surgery including predominance of male sex, limitations in formal leadership training and requisite skill set, as well as compensation and human resources management (emotional intelligence). Leadership and managerial skills are key core competencies, not only for trainees, but certainly for those in a position of leadership. The present study provides evidence that academic departments, universities and medical centres may benefit by re-evaluating how they train, promote and support their leaders in plastic surgery.

Do plastic surgery division heads and program directors have the necessary tools to provide effective leadership?

Background

Effective leadership is imperative in a changing health care landscape driven by increasing expectations in a setting of rising fiscal pressures. Because evidence suggests that leadership abilities are not simply innate but, rather, effective leadership can be learned, it is prudent for plastic surgeons to evaluate the training and challenges of their leaders because there may be opportunities for further growth and support.

Objective

To investigate the practice profiles, education/training, responsibilities and challenges of leaders within academic plastic surgery.

Methods

Following research ethics board approval, an anonymous online survey was sent to division heads and program directors from all university-affiliated plastic surgery divisions in Canada. Survey themes included demographics, education/training, job responsibilities and challenges.

Results

A response rate of 74% was achieved. The majority of respondents were male (94%), promoted to their current position at a mean age of 48 years, did not have a leadership-focused degree (88%), directly manage 30 people (14 staff, 16 faculty) and were not provided with a job description (65%). Respondents worked an average of 65 h per week, of which 18% was devoted to their leadership role, 59% clinically and the remainder on teaching and research. A discrepancy existed between time spent on their leadership role (18%) and related compensation (10%). Time management (47%) and managing conflict (24%) were described as the greatest leadership challenges by respondents.

Conclusions

Several gaps were identified among leaders in plastic surgery including predominance of male sex, limitations in formal leadership training and requisite skill set, as well as compensation and human resources management (emotional intelligence). Leadership and managerial skills are key core competencies, not only for trainees, but certainly for those in a position of leadership. The present study provides evidence that academic departments, universities and medical centres may benefit by re-evaluating how they train, promote and support their leaders in plastic surgery.

The Multi Centre Canadian Acellular Dermal Matrix Trial (MCCAT): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial in implant-based breast reconstruction

BACKGROUND

The two-stage tissue expander/implant (TE/I) reconstruction is currently the gold standard method of implant-based immediate breast reconstruction in North America. Recently, however, there have been numerous case series describing the use of one-stage direct to implant reconstruction with the aid of acellular dermal matrix (ADM). In order to rigorously investigate the novel application of ADM in one-stage implant reconstruction, we are currently conducting a multicentre randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to evaluate the impact on patient satisfaction and quality of life (QOL) compared to the two-stage TE/I technique.

METHODS/DESIGNS

The MCCAT study is a multicenter Canadian ADM trial designed as a two-arm parallel superiority trial that will compare ADM-facilitated one-stage implant reconstruction compared to two-stage TE/I reconstruction following skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) or nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) at 2 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months. The source population will be members of the mastectomy cohort with stage T0 to TII disease, proficient in English, over the age of 18 years, and planning to undergo SSM or NSM with immediate implant breast reconstruction. Stratified randomization will maintain a balanced distribution of important prognostic factors (study site and unilateral versus bilateral procedures). The primary outcome is patient satisfaction and QOL as measured by the validated and procedure-specific BREAST-Q. Secondary outcomes include short- and long-term complications, long-term aesthetic outcomes using five standardized photographs graded by three independent blinded observers, and a cost effectiveness analysis.

DISCUSSION

There is tremendous interest in using ADM in implant breast reconstruction, particularly in the setting of one-stage direct to implant reconstruction where it was previously not possible without the intermediary use of a temporary tissue expander (TE). This unique advantage has led many patients and surgeons alike to believe that one-stage ADM-assisted implant reconstruction should be the procedure of choice and should be offered to patients as the first-line treatment. We argue that it is crucial that this technique be scientifically evaluated in terms of patient selection, surgical technique, complications, aesthetic outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and most importantly patient-reported outcomes before it is promoted as the new gold standard in implant-based breast reconstruction.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00956384.

Leadership in Canadian urology: what is the right stuff?

INTRODUCTION

There are little data characterizing leadership roles within Canadian Urology. The importance of these positions in urology underscores the need for further investigation to provide insight for recruitment, development, and success.

METHODS

All Canadian Urology Program Directors and Division/Department Heads were invited to complete an online leadership survey as part of a larger national cohort from 11 other surgical specialties.

RESULTS

Response rate was 62% (13/21), the majority of whom were Caucasian (77%) and male (92%). Only 8% of respondents in urology hold an advanced degree compared with 45% in other specialties. Additional leadership training was done by 54% of the respondents. Residency was completed in Canada by 92%, but 62% completed fellowships abroad. A majority reported no well-defined job description for their role (54%). The top responsibility reported by leaders was mentoring residents (67%), followed by advising staff (62%). Excellence in patient care and teaching were seen as the most important professional characteristics, whereas integrity was the personal quality felt most important. Leaders reported 17% of their income came from their leadership role, equivalent to the time required for position duties (19%). "Time management" was listed as the greatest challenge faced (54%). Leadership style was reported as "democratic" by 92%. Leaders in urology most often self-rated their leadership skills lower than leaders from other surgical specialties (7 vs 8/10).

CONCLUSION

Positions of leadership in urology are disproportionately represented by Caucasian males and comparatively few hold relevant advanced degrees. Excellence in the areas of teaching and patient care, and high personal integrity are felt to be the most important characteristics for success. Time management issues are viewed as the greatest challenge. These preliminary data may prove useful for the mentoring, recruitment, and success of future leaders in our specialty.

The efficacy of Artecoll injections for the augmentation of nipple projection in breast reconstruction

INTRODUCTION

Various techniques have been used in an attempt to achieve long-term nipple projection following nipple-areolar reconstruction. A common setback, however, is the diminution of projection overtime; this phenomenon is particularly evident following implant-based breast reconstruction. Artecoll may be suitable for injection into the nipple complex to maintain permanent, 3-dimensional projection. Artecoll is an injectable substance that is biocompatible and immunologically inert and resists degradation in vivo. The purpose of this study was thus to prospectively evaluate the efficacy of Artecoll (polymethylmethacrylate microspheres suspended in 3.5% denatured bovine collagen with 0.3% lidocaine) in obtaining and maintaining nipple projection following postmastectomy, nipple-areolar reconstruction.

METHODS

A prospective, clinical trial was performed. Consecutive patients deemed to have inadequate nipple projection at least 6 months following "C-V flap" or "modified-skate flap" reconstruction were identified. Only women who had postmastectomy reconstruction with tissue expanders and implants were considered eligible for participation. Artecoll was injected under the nipple at 2 time points: baseline and 3 months. Calipers were used to measure nipple projection preinjection and postinjection at baseline, 3, 6, and 9 months.

RESULTS

Thirty-three nipples were injected in 23 patients. There were no adverse events. Prior to injection, mean nipple projection was 1.33 +/- 1.0 mm. The mean increase in projection over the 9-month study period was both clinically and statistically significant (1.60 +/- 1.24 mm; P <.001). A history of prior irradiation was a significant negative predictor of final nipple projection (P = .012).

CONCLUSION

Artecoll injection is both feasible and effective in increasing and maintaining nipple projection in the setting of implant-based breast reconstruction.

Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Breast Implant Infections

BACKGROUND

For reasons that are unclear, the incidence of nontuberculous mycobacterial disease is increasing worldwide. Periprosthetic nontuberculous mycobacterial infections following augmentation mammaplasty and breast reconstruction have been reported previously in the form of case reports.

METHODS

This retrospective case series examines periprosthetic nontuberculous mycobacterial infections in two western Canadian cities (Edmonton, Alberta, and Vancouver, British Columbia) over a 10-year time period.

RESULTS

Ten patients were identified, four of whom had bilateral infections. The most common isolate was Mycobacterium fortuitum. Clinical features were similar to nonmycobacterial periprosthetic infections. The median time to onset of symptoms was 4.5 weeks and the median time to culture an organism was 5.4 weeks. The median duration of antibiotic therapy was 22 weeks. Patients required a mean of three additional operations after diagnosis. Nine patients underwent explantation of the involved implant(s). Reimplantation was performed in six patients a median of 11.5 months after explantation. All cases of reimplantation were successful.

CONCLUSIONS

Experience with this postoperative complication is limited, as nontuberculous mycobacteria represent a minority of the pathogens responsible for periprosthetic infections. In the absence of specific features with which to identify patients at risk, the surgeon must be aware of the possibility of this infection. To achieve earlier diagnosis, the clinician should have a high index of suspicion in a patient with delayed onset of symptoms, negative preliminary cultures, and a periprosthetic infection that fails to resolve following a course of conventional antimicrobial treatment. With appropriate treatment, nontuberculous mycobacterial periprosthetic infections can be managed successfully.

Use of Abdominal Quilting Sutures for Seroma Prevention in TRAM Flap Reconstruction:

This study is designed to evaluate the effect of abdominal quilting sutures on the incidence of abdominal seroma formation in patients undergoing pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap reconstruction. It is theorized that the use of such sutures during closure of abdominal flaps will collapse dead space, thus preventing abdominal seroma formation. A total of 71 consecutive patients undergoing pedicled TRAM flap breast reconstruction were randomly assigned to receive abdominal quilting sutures or to undergo a standard abdominal closure. Primary outcome measures included: daily drain output for the first 3 postoperative days, time to drain removal, and seroma formation. Drain output per day decreased with the use of abdominal quilting sutures; however, the time to drain removal was not significantly affected. Most importantly, there was no significant decrease in the incidence of seroma formation with the use of abdominal quilting sutures in this series.

The incidence of symptoms consistent with cerebellopontine angle lesions in a general ENT out-patient clinic

To quantify the potential burden for screening for cerebellopontine angle lesions, all adult new patients attending the ENT outpatient department of a district general hospital were documented to see if their presenting symptom(s) could be consistent with the presence of a cerebellopontine angle lesion. Of the patients, 19.7 per cent were found to be potential candidates for screening. A 15 decibel asymmetry at one frequency was found in 11.8 per cent of patients. The burden of screening with a variety of audiological and symptomatic protocols was quantified. Effective age limits to reduce the burden for screening were found to be either 65 or 75 years of age. With such a large potential pool of patients for further investigation, the results of this study could be used to suggest protocols which are likely to produce a load of cases, which matches local resources for screening.

CT screening for temporal bone abnormalities in idiopathic bilateral sensorineural hearing loss

Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by a variety of temporal bone abnormalities including primary cochlear otosclerosis, local and systemic bony diseases and some metabolic conditions. These may be identified using computerized tomography (CT), with attenuation recordings taken across the cochlear capsule (CT densitometry). Eighty patients with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss were screened over a period of six and a half years using this technique, and only three cases (3.8 per cent) of treatable disease were detected. Positive yields may be increased by screening selected cases with other clinical or biochemical stigmata of temporal bone disease.

Local anaesthesia in flexible nasendoscopy. A comparison between cocaine and co-phenylcaine

Flexible nasendoscopy is now an integral part of the diagnostic process in Otorhinolaryngology. Topical local anaesthesia is generally recommended and cocaine is usually the drug of choice in view of its concurrent vasoconstrictor action. However, it is expensive, a controlled drug and serious side effects have been reported. Co-phenylcaine forte is a new preparation which also has both local anaesthetic and vasoconstrictor properties. This study compares the efficacy of cocaine and Co-phenylcaine in flexible nasendoscopy and concludes that they provide similar local anaesthesia and vasoconstriction of the nasal mucosa. Co-phenylcaine forte can therefore be used as an alternative to cocaine in flexible nasendoscopy.