Objective evaluation of two differently-shaped permanent expander prostheses used for breast reconstruction.

When a breast is being reconstructed with an implant, a capsule of connective tissue always forms around the implant and a capsular contracture can develop. Radiotherapy increases the incidence of capsular contracture. To evaluate the results after breast reconstruction with differently-shaped textured implants, and the effect of radiotherapy on the softness of the reconstruction, 140 patients given permanent breast expander prostheses between 1994 and 2000 were studied. In 99 patients a round implant and in 41 an anatomically-shaped implant was used. Radiotherapy was given to 24 patients. For objective assessment, applanation tonometry was recorded when the desired breast volume was achieved, and 6 and 12 months later. This study showed that, regardless of the shape of the implant, the softness of the breast reconstruction was similar, as shown by the contact area of the applanation tonometry disc. Radiotherapy transiently reduced the softness of the breast.     

Fluid retention in Bioplasty Misti Gold II breast prostheses with development of capsular contracture.

We compared the incidence of capsular contracture in an implant (Bioplasty Misti Gold II) which has a textured surface and is filled with polyvinyl-pirrolidone (PVP)-hydrogel, with that in saline-filled implants with textured surfaces when the implants are placed subcutaneously during immediate reconstruction after subcutaneous mastectomy. In 41 patients, mean age 55 years (range 30-81), with breast cancer that was not suitable for breast conservation, 20 patients had 22 Misti Gold II prostheses inserted (two patients bilaterally) and 21 patients had saline-filled prostheses (one patient bilaterally). The development of capsular contracture was assessed using Baker's classification and applanation tonometry. Fourteen patients with Misti Gold II implants were classified one year postoperatively as Baker 2 and 3 compared with five with saline-filled implants (p = 0.01). On applanation tonometry 16 of the Misti Gold II group had an operative:postoperative ratio of < or = 0.75, compared with 50% in the saline-filled group (p = 0.096). In the 12 Misti Gold II prostheses that were removed because of capsular contracture between 13-40 months postoperatively, the volume in the prostheses had increased by 48%. The poor results obtained with the Misti Gold II prosthesis can be explained by the volume that they gained after implantation as a result of osmosis.     

FLUID RETENTION IN BIOPLASTY MISTI GOLD II BREAST PROSTHESES WITH DEVELOPMENT OF CAPSULAR CONTRACTURE

We compared the incidence of capsular contracture in an implant (Bioplasty Misti® Gold II) which has a textured surface and is filled with polyvinyl-pirrolidone (PVP)-hydrogel, with that in saline-filled implants with textured surfaces when the implants are placed subcutaneously during immediate reconstruction after subcutaneous mastectomy. In 41 patients, mean age 55 years (range 30-81), with breast cancer that was not suitable for breast conservation, 20 patients had 22 Misti Gold II prostheses inserted (two patients bilaterally) and 21 patients had saline-filled prostheses (one patient bilaterally). The development of capsular contracture was assessed using Baker's classification and applanation tonometry. Fourteen patients with Misti Gold II implants were classified one year postoperatively as Baker 2 and 3 compared with five with saline-filled implants (p     

Clinical follow up of the lateral thoracodorsal flap in breast reconstruction: comparative evaluation from two plastic surgical centres.

A follow up study that compared the results from two plastic surgical centres comprised 95 patients after breast reconstruction with the lateral thoracodorsal (LTD) flap combined with either a smooth or textured saline-filled implant. It was conducted a median of 39 months (range 15-67) after the reconstruction. We investigated the size of the reconstructed breast and LTD flap, symmetry of the breasts, orientation of the mastectomy scar, and the rate of capsular contracture, which were similar in the two centres. However, according to the modified Baker classification and applanation tonometry reconstructions with smooth-surfaced implants and drainage of the implant pocket resulted in softer breasts (p = 0.03). The LTD flap technique in breast reconstruction was a good choice, particularly for women who required a minor breast reconstruction, and the technique can be recommended for suitable patients.     

CLINICAL FOLLOW UP OF THE LATERAL THORACODORSAL FLAP IN BREAST RECONSTRUCTION: COMPARATIVE EVALUATION FROM TWO PLASTIC SURGICAL CENTRES

A follow up study that compared the results from two plastic surgical centres comprised 95 patients after breast reconstruction with the lateral thoracodorsal (LTD) flap combined with either a smooth or textured saline-filled implant. It was conducted a median of 39 months (range 15-67) after the reconstruction. We investigated the size of the reconstructed breast and LTD flap, symmetry of the breasts, orientation of the mastectomy scar, and the rate of capsular contracture, which were similar in the two centres. However, according to the modified Baker classification and applanation tonometry reconstructions with smooth-surfaced implants and drainage of the implant pocket resulted in softer breasts (p = 0.03). The LTD flap technique in breast reconstruction was a good choice, particularly for women who required a minor breast reconstruction, and the technique can be recommended for suitable patients.     

Capsular contracture around saline-filled and textured subcutaneously-placed implants in irradiated and non-irradiated breast cancer patients: five years of monitoring of a prospective trial.

One hundred and seven breast cancer patients underwent subcutaneous mastectomy and immediate reconstruction with a subcutaneously-placed, round, saline-filled prosthesis with a textured surface. The primary aim of this prospective study was to determine the frequency of capsular contracture in both irradiated and non-irradiated breasts after this operation. Two different types of round implants with different pore sizes on their textured surfaces, Siltex and Microcell, were randomly chosen. Twenty-four patients received radiotherapy within the first year following the operation. Capsular contracture was measured by the Baker/Palmer classification and by applanation tonometry at regular intervals for 5 years or as long as the patients lived (median 60 months). Twenty-two patients (20.6%) developed capsular contracture, defined as Baker three or four. Sixteen of those were reoperated, 15 with open capsulotomy with or without implant exchange, one with closed compression capsulotomy, and monitored thereafter for 5 years or until death (median 60 months). All 107 patients could be monitored for 2 years, while 87 reported for the 5-year follow-up. The rate of capsular contracture was significantly higher (p=0.01) for irradiated breasts than for non-irradiated ones, 41.7 and 14.5%, respectively. It was slightly higher (p<0.05) for large-pore implants than for those with smaller (and more numerous) pores. There was a good correlation between the two different methods for measuring capsular contracture. None of the 16 reoperated patients had a recurrence of capsular contracture within 5 years. The results indicate a high rate of capsular contracture after this operation, especially when followed by radiation. However, a fairly simple procedure to treat capsular contracture seems to give good long-term results.     

Colchicine and capsular contracture around breast prostheses

Capsular contracture around the prosthetically reconstructed, breast is a very common problem which often leads to an unacceptable result. Colchicine, a drug known to inhibit contracture activity, was studied in an animal model of capsular contracture. Twenty-four 130 cc silicone gel breast prostheses were implanted subcutaneously into twelve rabbits. Colchicine was given daily in oral doses to half of the animals; the other half were used as controls. The prostheses were maintained insitu for two months. The degree of capsular contracture, as measured by applanation tonometry, was significantly less in the colchicine treated groups. The difference was often visually apparent. This study appears to be the first to demonstrate a significant inhibition of capsular contracture in an animal model by colchicine, an oral medication commonly used in the treatment of gout.Hospital where the work was done: Providence Hospital Southfield, Michigan, USA Correspondence to: C.B. Kelly     

The lateral thoracodorsal flap in breast reconstruction: a long-term follow up study.

Fifty-four patients were studied a mean of five years after their breasts had been reconstructed between 1984 and 1990 using the lateral thoracodorsal (LTD) flap in combination with either a thin shell, non-low-bleed (n = 35) or a thick shell, low bleed (n = 19) silicone gel implant. The rate of capsular contracture (Baker III-IV) was 11% in the first group and 10% in the second according to a modified Baker classification. Open capsulotomy was common in both groups of patients (15/35 in the first group and 13/19 in the second). Investigation by applanation tonometry of the capsular contracture agreed with the modified Baker classification. The cosmetic results were evaluated clinically and from photographs. Best scores were recorded for scars and ptosis in both evaluations. There were no significant differences between the general cosmetic results in the two groups. The patients graded their estimations of the final outcome of their breast reconstruction on a 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS); the mean for the first group was 8.7 and for the second 9.2. None of the patients regretted her operation and they would all recommend the procedure to another patient.     

Breast reconstruction: late cosmetic results of implant reconstruction

The long cosmetic outcome of breast implant reconstruction is unknown. The morbidity and cosmetic outcome of 360 patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction with various types of implant has been prospectively analysed over a 10-year period. 334 patients who completed their reconstruction were suitable for evaluation of their cosmetic outcome. The early complication rate (<2 months) was 9.1%, with an explantation rate of 1.6%. The late complication rate (>2 months) was 23%, with a pathological capsular contracture rate of 11% at two years and 15% at five years, and an implant removal rate of 7%. The revisional surgery rate was 30.2%. The cosmetic results were prospectively assessed using an objective five point global scale. Every patient was scored at each visit once surgery was completed. The overall cosmetic outcome deteriorates in a linear fashion from an initial acceptable result in 86% of patients two years after completion of their reconstruction to only 54% at five years. This fall off in the cosmetic outcome was not associated with the type of implant used, the volume of the implant, the age of the patient or the type of mastectomy incision employed. Radiotherapy was not a significant factor as only 28 patients were irradiated. However, on Cox model analysis pathological capsular contracture was the only factor which significantly contributed to a poor cosmetic outcome(P<0.0001 (relative risk 6.3). In spite of a high revisional surgery rate, deterioration still occurred, suggesting that other unaccounted for variables were responsible. On photographic retrospective review of those patients without a capsular contracture who demonstrated a deterioration in their cosmetic scores, it became clear that a possible reason for their poor result was late asymmetry produced by the failure of both breasts to undergo symmetrical ptosis as the patients aged.     

The Lateral Thoracodorsal Flap In Breast Reconstruction: A Long Term Follow Up Study

Fifty-four patients were studied a mean of five years after their breasts had been reconstructed between 1984 and 1990 using the lateral thoracodorsal (LTD) flap in combination with either a thin shell, non-low-bleed (n = 35) or a thick shell, low bleed (n = 19) silicone gel implant. The rate of capsular contracture (Baker III-IV) was 11% in the first group and 10% in the second according to a modified Baker classification. Open capsulotomy was common in both groups of patients (15/35 in the first group and 13/19 in the second). Investigation by applanation tonometry of the capsular contracture agreed with the modified Baker classification. The cosmetic results were evaluated clinically and from photographs. Best scores were recorded for scars and ptosis in both evaluations. There were no significant differences between the general cosmetic results in the two groups. The patients graded their estimations of the final outcome of their breast reconstruction on a 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS); the mean for the first group was 8.7 and for the second 9.2. None of the patients regretted her operation and they would all recommend the procedure to another patient.     

Capsular contracture after breast reconstruction with tissue expansion

Tissue expansion before placement of an implant for breast reconstruction is said to lessen the chance of capsular contracture. Forty-nine patients who had undergone post-mastectomy breast reconstruction using tissue expansion were reviewed. Capsular contracture was assessed using the Baker scale and compared with the speed of expansion, the degree of over-expansion and the interval between full expansion and placement of the definitive prosthesis. The overall incidence of capsular contracture (Baker III or worse) was 29%. Only one patient, however, has required capsulotomy for capsular contracture alone. Neither the speed of expansion nor the degree of over-expansion influenced the onset of contracture. Those patients with breasts assessed in Baker group I had a significantly longer interval between full expansion and reconstruction than those in Baker group III (p = 0.05). A modification of Baker's scale is suggested for the assessment of reconstructed breasts. Prospective studies are required to define the optimum timing for tissue expansion procedures.     

Latissimus dorsi reconstruction: a good option for patients with failed breast conservation therapy

The majority of patients with breast carcinoma are being treated with breast conservation therapy (BCT): lumpectomy and postoperative radiation. Local recurrence reported at 8% to 11% is often treated with salvage mastectomy. This has led to a growing group of patients requiring breast reconstruction after failed BCT. Reluctance to use the latissimus dorsi flap (LDF) has resulted from reports of high implant capsular contracture rates. We present a series of 12 patients who underwent LDF reconstruction after the development of recurrent breast cancer after BCT. All 12 patients had a satisfactory esthetic result. Despite previous radiation, the capsular contracture rate was 12.5% (median follow up, 50 months; range, 20-93 months). The most common complication was donor site seroma in 25% (3 of 12) of cases. The LDF yielded satisfactory esthetic results with a low capsular contracture rate. Despite prior radiation, LDF remains a good option for breast reconstruction after failure of BCT.     

Constant compression caliper for objective measurement of breast capsular contracture

The main problem with silicone implants in augmentation mammaplasty and breast reconstruction is the development of capsular contracture. The universal method for evaluating the degree of firmness of the breast is the subjective palpation technique and the classification according to Baker. Many objective methods using calipers for measurements of compression, different devices for indentation and discs for applanation tonometry have been described, but none of these have been widely accepted. In this paper a new measuring instrument is presented based on the principle of a constant compression force between two caliper jaws applied to the breast. The inverse value of the compressibility of the breast is read on a scale on the device. This objective method correlates acceptably with the palpation technique according to the Breast Augmentation Classification (BAC) (12), which is a modification of Baker's classification (1978), except for the first follow-up.     

Inferolateral AlloDerm hammock for implant coverage in breast reconstruction

PURPOSE: Implant reconstruction is commonly performed to reconstruct mastectomy defects or to correct breast hypoplasia. We have been using an inferolateral AlloDerm hammock as an inferior extension of the pectoralis major muscle to provide a mechanical barrier between the implant and skin and to control implant position. METHODS: The inferior border of the AlloDerm hammock is attached inferiorly to the rectus abdominis fascia and laterally to the serratus anterior fascia to create the borders of the implant pocket. The AlloDerm is then sewn to the pectoralis major muscle to enclose the implant. RESULTS: The AlloDerm hammock was used in 43 patients and 67 breasts for immediate expander-implant reconstruction (10), immediate silicone implant reconstruction (30), delayed expander-implant reconstruction (4), and revisional implant reconstruction for capsular contracture following capsulectomy (23). The AlloDerm hammock allowed complete coverage of the implant and symmetric positioning of the inframammary fold. In delayed reconstructions with existing skin redundancy at the mastectomy site, inferior epigastric tissue was recruited and tissue expanders filled over 75% of the desired volume, thus decreasing the need for subsequent filling. Patients were overall satisfied with their results and had few complications. No capsular contracture, hematoma, or seroma was observed in 6 months to 3 years of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Implant reconstruction with an inferolateral AlloDerm hammock facilitates positioning of the implant in immediate or revisional breast reconstruction and simplifies expander-implant reconstruction. This safe technique is easy to learn and should be considered a viable option for breast reconstruction.     

Capsular contracture – What are the risk factors? A 14 year series of 1400 consecutive augmentations

The modern era of breast augmentation and reconstruction began in 1963, with the introduction of silicone implants by Cronin and Gerow. To date, the demand for cosmetic augmentation continues to increase exponentially. However, whilst the surgical techniques and quality of mammary prosthesis have improved dramatically in recent years, patients are still confronted with significant potential complications. We performed a retrospective study of 1400 consecutive primary breast augmentations performed between March 1995 and March 2009 by a single surgeon. We specifically examined the incidence of capsular contracture and the possible causative factors. Follow up ranged from 1 to 16 years. The mean age at the time of surgery was 32.8 years and fill volume was between 195?ml and 800?ml. Our capsular contracture rate was in the order of 26.9%. BMI >30, fill volumes >350?ml, smoking and alcohol consumption did not significantly increase capsular contracture rate. Implant type, pregnancy, infection and delayed haematoma significantly increased the risk of capsular contracture. Our series has given us a unique insight into the frequency of capsular contracture and identified several risk factors. To our knowledge, this is the first report of pregnancy having a significant effect on capsular contracture. We now counsel patients thoroughly into the detrimental effects of pregnancy on the implant.     

Applanation tonometry for the evaluation of breast compressibility

Capsular contracture is the main problem following breast augmentation with silicone implants. Subjective assessment has been the predominant method for evaluating breast firmness hitherto, although several objective methods have been described. In this prospective study applanation tonometry was used on 76 women following augmentation mammaplasty. Breast firmness was measured five times during the first postoperative year. Approximation of the breast imprint area to an ellipse was shown to be accurate and to simplify the estimation of the applanation surface, which is proportional to breast compressibility. The results correlated well with the subjective assessments using the Breast Augmentation Classification (BAC). A classification based on applanation tonometry is presented.     

Nine-year experience with subpectoral breast reconstruction after subcutaneous mastectomy in 98 patients utilizing saline-inflatable prostheses

Over the past nine years, the saline-inflatable breast prosthesis has been used exclusively for submuscular reconstruction after subcutaneous mastectomy in 98 patients. Its expansion capability offers greater versatility in addressing various reconstructive situation. Acting as an immediate tissue expander, it accommodates a larger residual skin envelope or expands a smaller one for better cosmetic results. A low percentage of capsular contracture results in significant softness of the reconstructed breast. Indications, complications, technical considerations, and interesting findings are included for readers' consideration. The saline-inflatable breast prosthesis offers a unique alternative to the silicone and foam-covered prosthesis for subcutaneous mastectomy breast reconstruction.     

Perforator flap breast reconstruction after unsatisfactory implant reconstruction

In 2009, 86,424 breast reconstructions were performed in the United States, with 76% being implant-based procedures. Capsular contracture and infection are the 2 most cited indications for implant explantation, resulting in a reconstruction failure. However, several patients are dissatisfied with implant reconstruction even without the aforementioned complications. We hypothesize that microvascular autologous tissue transfer with perforator free-flap breast reconstruction provides an excellent salvage modality in the face of an unsatisfactory implant reconstruction, resulting in an improved cosmetic and functional outcome, with low risk of complications. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients in the senior author's practice who underwent perforator flap breast reconstruction between the years 1998 through 2008, and identified all patients who had prior implant reconstruction. Indications for implant explantation, medical history, operative procedure, and postoperative complications were reviewed. During the study period, 1846 perforator flaps were performed. We found 191 patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction after implant reconstruction with a total of 284 flaps (15.4%). The most frequent patient complaint was unnatural appearance and feel of the implants (Baker I or Baker II), and the majority of patients had not undergone radiation. Most patients were reconstructed using abdominal flaps with 164 deep inferior epigastric perforators, 50 superior gluteal artery perforators, 30 superficial inferior epigastric arteries, 35 inferior gluteal artery perforators, and 5 transverse upper gracilis. The total complication rate was 7.4%, with most complications related to wound healing at the donor site. There were 3 flap losses (1%), all of which were later successfully reconstructed with another perforator flap. Implant failures are traditionally thought to be in patients with Baker grade III/IV capsular contractures and in patients status post radiation therapy. However, in our study, the majority of patients seeking perforator flap reconstruction after implant reconstruction complained of an unnatural feel and appearance of their breasts, and did not have a severe capsular contracture deformity (Baker III/IV), nor had they undergone radiation. This suggests that implant reconstruction can lead to patient dissatisfaction severe enough to warrant removal even with Baker I/II results, and not in the setting of postradiation changes.     

Breast reconstruction with polyurethane implants: preliminary report

Today, immediate breast reconstruction is widely accepted in breast cancer surgery. There are many reconstruction procedures that combine cancer indications with patient's expectations. Improved techniques in the use of textured or polyurethane-coated implants and tissue expanders, associated with increasingly more conservative mastectomy procedures, may result in better cosmetic outcomes and less complications, even in patients that require postoperative radiotherapy. From June 2002 to December 2008, 166 unilateral breast reconstructions were performed immediately using definite prosthesis with polyurethane-coated (6) or textured (24) implants, or later, after implant of 136 tissue expanders, using polyurethane-coated (113) or textured (23) implants. Eighty-six two-stage breast reconstructions were irradiated where later 63 polyurethane-coated implants and 23 textured implants have been inserted. Results were analysed evaluating complications associated with temporary expanders and with the two definite implants, with or without RT, respectively. Excluding capsular contracture, total complication rate was 14.7% with expanders, 5.0% with polyurethane implants and 12.8% with textured implants. In this study, severe capsular contracture was reported in 21.7% of cases with textured prosthesis and in 6.3% of cases with polyurethane implants in patients receiving RT. This difference was statistically significant. As of today, no case of clinically noticeable capsular contracture was seen in non-irradiated patients receiving breast reconstruction with polyurethane-coated implants. These results allow us to establish RT, which is not a severe contraindication to breast reconstruction with implants. Polyurethane implants have provided encouraging results either in terms of lower complication rate and likelihood of capsular contracture.