Two-stage implant-based breast reconstruction compared with immediate one-stage implant-based breast reconstruction augmented with an acellular dermal matrix: an open-label, phase 4, multicentre, randomised, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The evidence justifying the use of acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) in implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) is limited. We did a prospective randomised trial to compare the safety of IBBR with an ADM immediately after mastectomy with that of two-stage IBBR.

METHODS

We did an open-label, randomised, controlled trial in eight hospitals in the Netherlands. Eligible women were older than 18 years with breast carcinoma or a gene mutation linked with breast cancer who intended to undergo skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate IBBR. Randomisation was done electronically, stratified per centre and in blocks of ten to achieve roughly balanced groups. Women were assigned to undergo one-stage IBBR with ADM (Strattice, LifeCell, Branchburg, NJ, USA) or two-stage IBBR. The primary endpoint was quality of life and safety was assessed by the occurrence of adverse outcomes. Analyses were done per protocol with logistic regression and generalised estimating equations. This study is registered at Nederlands Trial Register, number NTR5446.

FINDINGS

142 women were enrolled between April 14, 2013, and May 29, 2015, of whom 59 (91 breasts) in the one-stage IBBR with ADM group and 62 (92 breasts) in the two-stage IBBR group were included in analyses. One-stage IBBR with ADM was associated with significantly higher risk per breast of surgical complications (crude odds ratio 3·81, 95% CI 2·67-5·43, p<0·001), reoperation (3·38, 2·10-5·45, p<0·001), and removal of implant, ADM, or both (8·80, 8·24-9·40, p<0·001) than two-stage IBBR. Severe (grade 3) adverse events occurred in 26 (29%) of 91 breasts in the one-stage IBBR with ADM group and in five (5%) of 92 in the two-stage IBBR group. The frequency of mild to moderate adverse events was similar in the two groups.

INTERPRETATION

Immediate one-stage IBBR with ADM was associated with adverse events and should be considered very carefully. Understanding of selection of patients, risk factors, and surgical and postsurgical procedures needs to be improved.

FUNDING

Pink Ribbon, Nuts-Ohra, and LifeCell.

Sensation of the autologous reconstructed breast improves quality of life: a pilot study

Purpose

The number of breast cancer survivors continues to grow. Due to refinements in operating techniques, autologous breast reconstruction has become part of standard care. Impaired sensation remains a debilitating side effect with a significant impact on the quality of life. Microsurgical nerve coaptation of a sensory nerve has the potential to improve sensation of the reconstructed breast. This study investigates the effect of improved sensation of the reconstructed breast on the quality of life in breast cancer survivors.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed in the Maastricht University Medical Center. Patients undergoing a DIEP flap breast reconstruction between January 2015 and January 2016 were included. The primary outcome was quality of life (BREAST-Q domain ‘physical well-being of the chest’). The Semmes–Weinstein monofilaments were used for objective sensation measurement of the reconstructed breast(s).

Results

Eighteen patients with and 14 patients without nerve coaptation responded. Nipple reconstruction was the only characteristic that differed statistically significant between both groups (p = 0.04). The BREAST-Q score for the domain physical well-being of the chest was 77.89 ± 18.89 on average in patients with nerve coaptation and 66.21 ± 18.26 in patients without nerve coaptation (p = 0.09). Linear regression showed a statistically significant relation between objectively measured sensation and BREAST-Q score for the domain physical well-being of the chest with a regression coefficient of − 13.17 ± 3.61 (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Improved sensation in the autologous reconstructed breast, with the addition of microsurgical nerve coaptation, has a statistical significant positive impact on the quality of life in breast cancer survivors according to the BREAST-Q.

Lateral circumflex femoral arterial system and perforators of the anterolateral thigh flap: an anatomic study

The authors performed an anatomic study on 16 thighs of 11 fresh white cadavers at the Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munchen, Germany. They analyzed the anatomic pattern and caliber of both the lateral circumflex femoral arterial system and the perforators nourishing the anterolateral thigh flap. They found regularly a majority of musculocutaneous perforators, mainly in the central third of the thigh, arising from the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery. Despite the small number of cadavers, they identified several differences in the anatomy of the lateral circumflex femoral arterial system. These variabilities, especially regarding the descending branch and its perforators, could have clinical importance. They also suggest new dissection studies by comparing white and oriental anatomy. Their aim is to establish whether any difference in the variability of the lateral circumflex femoral arterial system could increase the popularity, currently greater in Eastern Europe, of the anterolateral thigh flap.

The Medial Sural Artery Perforators

We performed an anatomic study on 20 fresh lower limbs. Resin was injected in the popliteal artery. Medial sural artery perforator flaps were sculptured according to anatomic markings. On average, length of flaps was 12.9 cm, width was 7.9 cm; all 38 perforators were musculocutaneous: 1 perforator was always found (on average, 1.9 per flap). All perforators gathered between 7 and 18 cm from the popliteal crease; 34.2% of perforators arose on the midline of the medial head of gastrocnemius muscle; before entering the fascia, the perforator artery diameter was on average 0.5 mm. Two configurations of the intramuscular course of perforators were found. Sixty-six percent of perforators originated from the lateral branch of the medial sural artery, 34% from the medial one. These results improve the anatomic knowledge of the medial posterior calf region and allow us to describe a convenient plan to make flap sculpturing easier.

A new treatment of hypertrophic and keloid scars with combined triamcinolone and verapamil: a retrospective study

Background

Since the management of keloid and hypertrophic scars still remains a difficult clinical problem, there is need for adequate, effective therapy. In this study, we explored for the first time the efficacy and the potential synergetic effect of combined triamcinolone and verapamil for the treatment of hypertrophic and keloid scars. The objective was to assess the efficacy of combined intralesional triamcinolone and verapamil therapy for hypertrophic and keloid scars.

Methods

Fifty-eight patients with hypertrophic scars (n = 31) and keloid scars (n = 27) were included. A specific injection therapy scheme was applied. Five follow-up moments were chosen, with a maximum follow-up of nearly 2 years. The effects of combination therapy on scar pliability, thickness, relief, vascularization, surface area, pain, and pruritus were examined by means of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS).

Results

Our results reveal a fast and abiding improvement of both keloid and hypertrophic scars after treatment with the combination therapy. All POSAS components showed a reduction in scar score, while scar relief, pain, itchiness, and surface area improved significantly (P < 0.05) in keloids. Significant improvement in hypertrophic scars was found in scar pigmentation, vascularization, pliability, thickness, pain, and surface area. Overall POSAS scores revealed statistically significant decreases between baseline and 3–4 months, 4–6 months, and >12 months after start of therapy in both keloids and hypertrophic scars.

Conclusions

This study reveals that combined therapy of triamcinolone and verapamil results in overall significant scar improvement with a long-term stable result.

Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.

Evaluation of the efficacy of polydeoxyribonucleotides in the healing process of autologous skin graft donor sites: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

The article presents the results of a pilot study performed to evaluate the efficacy of polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRNs) in shortening the healing times of autologous skin graft donor sites. RESEARCH DESIGN, METHODS: Two groups of patients were studied, the PDRN group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). In the control group dressings were performed with non-adherent gauzes and bulky gauzes with cloramine solution, whereas in the PDRN group a PDRN ointment was spread under the same medication as the controls.

RESULTS

In the PDRN group, dressing procedures were not painful (whereas in the controls they often were), re-epithelialisation occurred earlier (12.5 vs 24.45 days) and there were no infections (9 in the controls).

CONCLUSIONS

Results are encouraging for the use of PDRNs in shortening the healing times of autologous skin graft donor sites, although further studies are necessary to obtain clinically relevant results.

A case of life-threatening sepsis after breast augmentation by fat injection

A case is presented in which an aesthetic breast augmentation by fat injection led a young woman to a life-threatening sepsis due to bilateral mammary abscesses. Immediate and late complications of this procedure are considered; infection is the frightful complication that can lead to septic shock, affecting survival, aesthetic outcome, and reconstruction possibilities of the patient's breasts.

Complications in unilateral versus bilateral deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap breast reconstructions: A multicentre study

BACKGROUND

The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is the first choice for autologous breast reconstruction. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to analyse the recipient- and donor-site complications and compare them between unilateral and bilateral DIEP flap breast reconstructions.

METHODS

Between January 2010 and December 2014, 530 DIEP flap reconstructions were performed in 426 consecutive patients in three Dutch hospitals. Major and minor complications were categorised into recipient- and donor-site complications. Post-operative flap re-explorations were recorded.

RESULTS

Of the total 530 DIEP flap reconstructions performed (322 unilateral, 104 bilateral), recipient-site complications were major in 9.8% and minor in 20.2%. The patients developed fat necrosis (unilateral 14.0% vs. bilateral 7.7%; OR 1.950; 95% CI 1.071-3.550; p = 0.027) and infection (unilateral 5.6% vs. bilateral 1.9%; OR 3.020; 95% CI 1.007-9.052; p = 0.039) at the recipient site significantly more frequently in the unilateral DIEP flap reconstructions. The donor-site complications were major in 0.9% and minor in 19.5% of the cases. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly associated with complications (donor site: OR 1.137; 95% CI 1.075-1.201; p < 0.001, recipient site: OR 1.073; 95% CI 1.009-1.142; p = 0.026). Flap re-explorations were performed in 5.7% (n = 30) of the cases. Total flap loss occurred in 3.0% (n = 16) of the cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Bilateral DIEP flap breast reconstructions can be performed with the same percentage of complications and re-explorations as unilateral reconstructions and even result in less fat necrosis and infection at the recipient site. Higher BMIs are significantly associated with recipient- and donor-site complications.

Short-term cost-effectiveness of one-stage implant-based breast reconstruction with an acellular dermal matrix versus two-stage expander-implant reconstruction from a multicentre randomized clinical trial

Background

Implant‐based breast reconstruction (IBBR) is the most commonly performed reconstructive procedure and its economic impact is significant. This study aimed to analyse whether a direct one‐stage IBBR with use of an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is more cost‐effective than two‐stage (expander‐implant) breast reconstruction.

Methods

The BRIOS (Breast Reconstruction In One Stage) study was an open‐label multicentre RCT in which women scheduled for skin‐sparing mastectomy and immediate IBBR were randomized between one‐stage IBBR with ADM or two‐stage IBBR. Duration of surgery and hospital stay, and visits for the primary surgery, unplanned and cosmetic procedures were recorded. Costs were estimated at an institutional level. Health status was assessed by means of the EuroQol Five Dimensions 5L questionnaire.

Results

Fifty‐nine patients (91 breasts) underwent one‐stage IBBR with ADM and 62 patients (92 breasts) two‐stage IBBR. The mean(s.d.) duration of surgery in the one‐stage group was significantly longer than that for two‐stage IBBR for unilateral (2·52(0·55) versus 2·02(0·35) h; P < 0·001) and bilateral (4·03(1·00) versus 3·25(0·58) h; P = 0·017) reconstructions. Costs were higher for one‐stage compared with two‐stage IBBR for both unilateral (€12 448 (95 per cent c.i. 10 722 to 14 387) versus €9871 (9373 to 10 445) respectively; P = 0·025) and bilateral (€16 939 (14 887 to 19 360) versus €13 383 (12 414 to 14 669); P = 0·002) reconstructions. This was partly related to the use of relatively expensive ADM. There was no difference in postoperative health status between the groups.

Conclusion

One‐stage IBBR with ADM was associated with higher costs, but similar health status, compared with conventional two‐stage IBBR. Registration number: NTR5446 ( http://www.trialregister.nl).

No increase of local recurrence rate in breast cancer patients treated with skin-sparing mastectomy followed by immediate breast reconstruction

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of local recurrence after SSM with IBR and to determine whether complications lead to postponement of adjuvant therapy.

METHOD

Patients that underwent IBR after SSM between 2004 and 2011 were included.

RESULTS

A total of 157 reconstruction procedures were performed in 147 patients for invasive breast cancer (n = 117) and ductal carcinoma in situ (n = 40). The median follow-up was 39 months [range 6-97]. Estimated 5-year local recurrence rate was 2.9% (95% CI 0.1-5.7). The median time to start adjuvant therapy was 27.5 days [range 19-92] in 18 patients with complications, and 23.5 days [range 8-54] in 46 patients without complications (p = 0.025).

CONCLUSION

In our single-institution cohort, IBR after SSM carried an acceptable local recurrence rate. Complications caused a delay of adjuvant treatment but this was within guidelines and therefore not clinically relevant.

Predictors of complications after direct-to-implant breast reconstruction with an acellular dermal matrix from a multicentre randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

In the multicentre randomized trial BRIOS (Breast Reconstruction In One Stage), direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction with an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) was associated with a markedly higher postoperative complication rate compared with two-stage tissue expander/implant breast reconstruction. This study aimed to identify factors that contribute to the occurrence of complications after DTI ADM-assisted breast reconstruction.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the BRIOS study, including all patients treated with DTI ADM-assisted breast reconstruction. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors predictive of postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine patients (91 breasts) were included, of whom 27 (35 breasts) developed a surgical complication. Reoperations were performed in 29 breasts (32 per cent), with prosthesis removal in 22 (24 per cent). In multivariable analyses, mastectomy weight was associated with complications (odds ratio (OR) 1·94, 95 per cent c.i. 1·33 to 2·83), reoperations (OR 1·70, 1·12 to 2·59) and removal of the implant (OR 1·55, 1·11 to 2·17). Younger patients (OR 1·07, 1·01 to 1·13) and those who received adjuvant chemotherapy (OR 4·83, 1·15 to 20·24) more frequently required reoperation. In univariable analyses, adjuvant radiotherapy showed a trend towards more complications (OR 7·23, 0·75 to 69·95) and removal of the implant (OR 5·12, 0·76 to 34·44), without reaching statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Breast size appeared to be the most significant predictor of complications in DTI ADM-assisted breast reconstruction. The technique should preferably be performed in patients with small to moderate sized breasts. Registration number: NTR5446 ( http://www.trialregister.nl).

A placebo controlled clinical trial investigating the efficacy of a homeopathic after-bite gel in reducing mosquito bite induced erythema

A randomised, placebo controlled clinical trial was conducted to examine the efficacy of a homeopathic after-bite gel in the symptomatic relief of mosquito bites. Sixty eight healthy volunteers were bitten under laboratory conditions by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes at three spots, on the ventral aspect of the forearm. One bite was treated with the homeopathic after-bite gel, another bite with a placebo gel which was identical in appearance and smell to the homeopathic after-bite gel, and the third bite remained untreated. Immediately after the bites and 1, 3, 6, 26 and 31 hours post-bite, the length and width of the erythema were measured with a calliper, and photographs were taken of the bite sites from which the size of the erythema was subsequently determined. This was followed by assessment of the extent of itching with a verbal analogue scale, and finally treatment took place. For each spot the total erythema was calculated as the area under the plotted curve of the erythema at different time points (mm2*h) and the total sum of the itch scores was determined. For the bites treated with the homeopathic after-bite gel the median total erythema was 10.500 mm2*h. For the spots treated with the placebo gel and the untreated spots the median total erythema was 12.900 mm2*h and 13.300 mm2*h, respectively. The difference between the spots treated with the homeopathic after-bite gel and the untreated spots came close to significance (two-tailed P = 0.06), which was not the case for the difference between the spots treated with the homeopathic after-bite gel and the spots treated with placebo gel (P = 0.13). After pooling the data of a very similar previous pilot study and the present study (ntotal = 83), the homeopathic after-bite gel was significantly superior to no treatment (two-tailed P = 0.003) as well as to placebo gel (two-tailed P = 0.03). Comparing itching after the three treatments, no significant differences could be demonstrated. The extent of itching was positively correlated with the area of the erythema (r = 0.63). Treatment of mosquito bites with the homeopathic after-bite gel will reduce the erythema compared to no treatment. Comparison with the placebo gel suggests it is the plant extracts which are the active components of this gel.

Breast sensibility in bilateral autologous breast reconstruction with unilateral sensory nerve coaptation

BACKGROUND

Patient satisfaction after breast reconstruction is dependent on both esthetics and functional outcomes. In an attempt to improve breast sensibility, a sensory nerve coaptation can be performed. The aim of this study was to objectify the sensory recovery in patients who, by chance, underwent bilateral autologous breast reconstruction with one innervated and one non-innervated flap. It must be emphasized that the intention was to coaptate the sensory nerves on both sides.

METHODS

The cohort study was carried out in the Maastricht University Medical Center between August 2016 and August 2018. Patients were eligible if they underwent bilateral non-complex, autologous breast reconstruction with unilateral sensory nerve coaptation and underwent sensory measurements using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments at 12 months of follow-up. Sensory outcomes were compared using t tests.

RESULTS

A total of 15 patients were included, all contributing one innervated and one non-innervated flap. All patients had a follow-up of at least 12 months, but were measured at different follow-up points with a mean follow-up of 19 months. Sensory nerve coaptation was significantly associated with better sensation in the innervated breasts and showed better sensory recovery over time, compared to non-innervated breasts. Moreover, the protective sensation of the skin can be restored by sensory nerve coaptation.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrated that sensory nerve coaptation leads to better sensation in the autologous reconstructed breast in patients who underwent bilateral breast reconstruction and, by chance, received unilateral sensory nerve coaptation.

Complications following immediate compared to delayed deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap breast reconstructions

Purpose

As more breast cancer patients opt for immediate breast reconstruction, the incidence of complications should be evaluated. The aim of this study was to analyze the recipient-site complications and flap re-explorations of immediate compared to delayed deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstructions.

Methods

For this multicenter retrospective cohort study, the medical records of all patients who underwent DIEP flap breast reconstruction in three hospitals in the Netherlands between January 2010 and June 2017 were reviewed. Patient demographics, risk factors, timing of reconstruction, recipient-site complications, and flap re-explorations were recorded.

Results

A total of 910 DIEP flap breast reconstructions (n = 397 immediate and n = 513 delayed reconstructions) in 737 patients were included. There were no significant differences in major complications or flap re-explorations between immediate and delayed reconstructions. The total flap failure rate was 1.5 and 2.5% in the immediate and delayed group, respectively. Significantly more hematomas (OR 2.91; 95% CI 1.59–5.30; p = 0.001) and seromas (OR 3.60; 95% CI 1.14–11.4; p = 0.029) occurred in immediate reconstructions, whereas wound problems were more frequently observed in delayed reconstructions (OR 1.99; 95% CI 1.27–3.11; p = 0.003). Correction for potential confounders still showed significant differences for hematoma and seroma, but no longer for wound problems (p = 0.052).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated similar incidences of major recipient-site complications and flap re-explorations between immediate and delayed DIEP flap breast reconstructions. However, hematoma and seroma occurred significantly more often in immediate reconstructions, while wound problems were more frequently observed in delayed reconstructions.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s10549-018-4695-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Outcomes of vascularized versus non-vascularized lymph node transplant in animal models for lymphedema. Review of the literature

Lymph node transfer has been performed to treat lymphedema for several years. The goal of this procedure is to provide a bridge between the lymphatic system distal and proximal to the lymph node dissection. There is a lack of consensus about the necessity of an additional vascular anastomosis for the transplanted lymph nodes. A systematic literature search in Cochrane Library database CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE of animal studies using lymph node transplantation with and without additional vascularization was performed in March 2016. The strategy used for the search was: (("Models, Animal"[Mesh]) AND (("Lymphedema"[Mesh]) OR "Lymph Nodes"[Mesh]) OR "Lymph Node Excision"[Mesh])) AND ((vascularized lymph node transfer) OR ((non-vascularized lymph node transfer) OR lymph node graft)). The primary outcomes were: survival of transplanted lymph node and lymphatic vessel regeneration. Sixteen studies were included. Vascularization and the use of growth factors were significantly associated with lymph node survival. Lymphatic vessels regeneration was independent from vascularization. According to the results of the current study, additional vascular anastomosis might improve the transplanted lymph node survival. Further studies in both experimental and clinical setting are needed in order to support it. J. Surg. Oncol. 2017;115:32-36. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A novel therapeutic strategy for turban tumor: scalp excision and combined reconstruction with artificial dermis and split skin graft

BACKGROUND

Brooke-Spiegler syndrome is a hereditary tumor predisposition disorder characterized by the development of cylindromas, trichoepitheliomas, and spiradenomas. Predilection sites of the disease are hair follicles and sweat glands of the head and neck. In some patients, the tumors can coalesce to so-called turban tumors, which then usually cause cosmetic, psychological, and functional impairment. A curative therapy is not yet available, and thus total scalp excision followed by split skin graft is evolving as a frequently applied therapy. However, this treatment can lead to the formation of a thin and vulnerable skin, which hampers wearing a wig. Therefore, a more robust and functional solution is preferable. Here, we report on a woman with a turban tumor who suffered enormously from the disease and had secluded herself from social life.

METHODS

We treated her with a total scalp excision down to the periosteum, followed by sequential combined reconstruction with an artificial dermal template and split skin grafts.

RESULTS

The treatment resulted in formation of a robust and flexible skin.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of turban tumor is a challenge considering the localization and extensiveness of the tumor masses. This novel therapy for turban tumor leads to a very good cosmetic and functional outcome.

Intercostal nerve block of the anterior cutaneous branches and the sensibility of the female breast

INTRODUCTION

Better sensation in the reconstructed breast improves the quality of life. Sensory nerve coaptation is a valuable addition to autologous breast reconstruction. There are few publications concerning the sensory nerves of the breast and the nipple-areola complex and reports are contradictory, so it is unknown which nerve is best suited as a recipient for coaptation. The current study serves as a proof of concept.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The areas innervated by the anterior cutaneous branches (ACBs) of the intercostal nerves (ICNs) were studied on two separate occasions in two healthy women. First, the ACBs of ICNs 2-5 were individually blocked using ultrasound. Next, the ACBs of all levels were blocked simultaneously. Sensation was measured using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments. The numbed areas corresponding to the ICNs were drawn in a raster of 2 × 2 cm.

RESULTS

The largest area was supplied by the ACB of the 4th ICN, located in the upper (UIQ) and the lower (LIQ) inner quadrants of the breast. The 2nd-largest area was supplied by the ACB of the 3rd ICN. Blockage of ACBs 2-5 affected sensation in the nipple and the areola.

CONCLUSIONS

Blockage of all levels 2-5 partially affected sensation in the nipple-areola complex, suggesting innervation by a nerve plexus consisting of both ACBs and lateral cutaneous branches (LCBs). ACB4 supplied the largest area of the breast in the UIQ and LIQ and could be best suited for sensory nerve coaptation to optimize sensation in the autologously reconstructed breast.

Idiopathic Circumscripta Calcinosis Cutis of the Knee

BACKGROUND

Calcinosis cutis, a disease characterized by the presence of calcium deposits in the skin, is classified into four types according to etiology: dystrophic, metastatic, iatrogenic and idiopathic. The dystrophic form is the most common while the idiopathic one is the rarest, but specific incidence and frequency data are not available in scientific literature.

OBJECTIVE

Calcinosis cutis circumscripta is a very rare form of idiopathic calcinosis cutis arising in the second half of life. It typically involves the extremities and is associated with prior trauma and scleroderma. We dealt with a very rare form of calcinosis cutis circumscripta in a healthy patient, for whom surgical excision revealed to be an effective and successful treatment.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We present the case of a 46-year-old woman affected by idiopathic circumscripta calcinosis cutis of the left knee, successfully treated by surgical removal.

DISCUSSION

Medical and surgical treatment are options to cure calcinosis cutis. Medical therapy is not very effective. Surgical excision has shown to be beneficial, as it can provide a symptomatic relief. However, since calcinosis cutis limits are not always well defined a recurrence of the lesions may occur.

Equilibrium-phase high spatial resolution contrast-enhanced MR angiography at 1.5T in preoperative imaging for perforator flap breast reconstruction

Objectives

The aim was (i) to evaluate the accuracy of equilibrium-phase high spatial resolution (EP) contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) at 1.5T using a blood pool contrast agent for the preoperative evaluation of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator branches (DIEP), and (ii) to compare image quality with conventional first-pass CE-MRA.

Methods

Twenty-three consecutive patients were included. All patients underwent preoperative CE-MRA to determine quality and location of DIEP. First-pass imaging after a single bolus injection of 10 mL gadofosveset trisodium was followed by EP imaging. MRA data were compared to intra-operative findings, which served as the reference standard.

Results

There was 100% agreement between EP CE-MRA and surgical findings in identifying the single best perforator branch. All EP acquisitions were of diagnostic quality, whereas in 10 patients the quality of the first-pass acquisition was qualified as non-diagnostic. Both signal- and contrast-to-noise ratios were significantly higher for EP imaging in comparison with first-pass acquisitions (p<0.01).

Conclusions

EP CE-MRA of DIEP in the preoperative evaluation of patients undergoing a breast reconstruction procedure is highly accurate in identifying the single best perforator branch at 1.5Tesla (T). Besides accuracy, image quality of EP imaging proved superior to conventional first-pass CE-MRA.

What does a breast feel like? A qualitative study among healthy women

Background

Restoring the body as normal as possible increases quality of life. Aesthetically, almost perfect breast reconstructions can be created. However, these reconstructed breasts have almost no sensation. Our hypothesis is that if we succeed in restoring sensation, this will increase quality of life. So far, little is written about the phenomenon of breast sensation, which makes it difficult to evaluate whether the quality of life increases after restored sensation. Therefore, the primary goal of this study is to determine what the importance and meaning is of breast sensation among healthy women.

Methods

A qualitative, descriptive phenomenological study was performed in an academic hospital between October 2016 and March 2017. A total of 10 semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted in healthy women who did not undergo prior breast surgery. The sample size was based upon ‘saturation’. The interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded and analysed according to phenomenology keeping in mind the research question ‘what is the importance and meaning of sensation of the breast?’

Results

Seven interrelated themes on how sensation of the breast is experienced were found: the absent breast (1), the present breast (2), the well-functioning breast (2a), the feminine breast (2b), the sensual breast (2c), the alien breast (2d), the safe breast (2d).

Conclusions

The seven interrelated themes can form the basis to develop a quantitative research tool to evaluate quality of life after innervated breast reconstruction and can be implemented in counselling before breast reconstructive surgery in the form of shared treatment decisions.

Replacing an Implant-Based with a DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction: Breast Sensation and Quality of Life

BACKGROUND

In this cohort study, the authors compared breast sensation and quality of life (QoL) after replacement of an implant-based breast reconstruction with a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap reconstruction in a singular sample of women.

METHODS

Women with implant-based breast reconstruction before their DIEP flap were included. Women formed their own control. Breast sensation was measured using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments. QoL was evaluated using BREAST-Q questionnaires. Preoperative (T0) sensation and QoL were compared with postoperative values at 6 months (T1), at 12 months (T2), and at maximum follow-up (Tmax, sensation only). A linear mixed effects regression was used for Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments measurements; a paired samples t test was used for BREAST-Q scores. Most women chose replacement of their implant by a DIEP flap because of implant-related complaints.

RESULTS

Postoperative sensation decreased significantly compared with preoperative sensation after T1 (mean, 5.1 months), T2 (mean, 14.6 months), and Tmax (mean, 17.6 months) for the total breast but recovers to preoperative levels for the native skin after an average of 1.5 years. Nerve coaptation positively influenced recovery of sensation. BREAST-Q scores increased significantly after 6 and 12 months over the domains Satisfaction with Breasts, Psychosocial Well-Being, Physical Well-Being of the Chest, and Sexual Well-Being. Scores decreased significantly in Physical Well-Being of the Abdomen after 6 months.

CONCLUSION

Replacing an implant with a DIEP flap initially causes a decrease in overall breast sensation, gradually recovering to preoperative levels for native skin, and can significantly increase QoL with the right indication. Superior recovery of sensation and QoL may be obtained by accompanying the DIEP flap with nerve coaptation.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.