Predicting breast reduction weight using the mass of breast ptosis

BACKGROUND:

The preoperative prediction of therapeutic breast reduction weights, to achieve both relief of breast weight symptoms and yet achieve excellent breast shape, remains a challenge.

OBJECTIVES:

To design a simple clinical method to preoperatively predict and quantify therapeutic breast reduction weights.

METHODS:

In 31 women who underwent therapeutic bilateral reduction mammaplasty, the mass of the hypertrophic breast hanging below the inframammary fold was preoperatively weighed and then compared with the mass of the reduction specimen. Thirty patients underwent breast reduction using a superomedial nipple-areolar pedicle. Postoperative breast weight-related symptoms and breast shape findings were then noted. Statistical analysis relied on mean, SD, sample size, Mann-Whitney test for medians, Levene’s test for variances and regression analysis.

RESULTS:

The average clinical follow-up was 160 days, with all patients achieving satisfactory breast size and shape from both the patient and surgeon’s perspectives. All patients reported improvement of back pain, shoulder pain and lower neck pain. Two breasts developed delayed healing of the lateral skin flap, necessitating debridement and reclosure, followed by uneventful ongoing healing. There was no significant difference in preoperative ptotic breast mass and resectional breast mass (all P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

Simple preoperative weighing of the ptotic portion of the hypertrophic breast can serve as a goal for the reduction weight, while creating pleasing breast proportions and improving breast weight-related symptoms. Preoperative quantification of the ptotic breast mass may guide the reduction technique and assist insurance precertification efforts.     

A geometric method for nipple localization

BACKGROUND:

An important part of preoperative assessment in breast reduction surgery is to locate the site of the nipple-areola complex for the newly structured breast. Inappropriate location is difficult to correct secondarily. Traditional methods of nipple localization taught and practiced suggest the nipple to be located anterior to the inframammary fold. Trying to project this point on the anterior surface of the breast requires either large calipers or feeling the posteriorly placed finger on the anterior surface of a large breast. This certainly introduces some subjectivity to the calculation.

OBJECTIVES:

To introduce an easy and accurate method of nipple localization to reduce the learning curve for trainee surgeons.

METHODS:

Aesthetic placement of the nipples is at the lower angles of an equilateral or a short isosceles triangle on the chest with its apex at the sternal angle. This triangle can be thought of as two right-angled triangles with their Y-axis on the median plane. The base and vertical limb are measured, and the hypotenuse is calculated. The location of the lower angle is marked on the anterior surface of the breast and represents the new position of the nipple.

RESULTS:

Forty patients had nipple localization performed in the above-described manner, with satisfactory placement of the nipple-areola complex.

CONCLUSIONS:

The above technique introduces some objective measurements to the localization of the nipple in breast reduction surgery. It is easy to practice, and infuses confidence in trainees marking their initial breast reductions.     

Intraoperative pulmonary function dynamics in adolescents undergoing reduction mammoplasty: A prospective case series

BACKGROUND:

Improvement of lung function following reduction mammoplasty has been previously reported among adult populations in the medical literature.

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the intraoperative dynamics of pulmonary function in adolescents undergoing reduction mammoplasty.

METHODS:

The present study is a prospective case series of female patients 13 to 18 years of age who underwent inferior pedicle reduction mammoplasty between November 20, 2006 and April 4, 2011. Documented variables included patient baseline characteristics, operation duration, muscle relaxant use and total breast tissue removed. Intraoperative pulmonary function data documented included: tidal volume, respiratory rate, peak inspiratory pressure, positive end-expiratory pressure, oxygen saturation percentage and pulmonary compliance. Differences in pulmonary function data were calculated as ratio between final and initial intraoperative values.

RESULTS:

Twenty-six patients were included in the analysis. Mean (± SD) age was 16.9±1.1 years and mean body mass index was 28.9±6.1 kg/m². Mean operation time was 218±52 min, with average total bilateral breast tissue removal of 1810±1065 g. Improvement in lung compliance was observed in 24 patients (92.3%; P<0.0001). Mean intraoperative lung compliance improvement was 23.92% (95% CI 8.3% to 37%; P=0.001).

CONCLUSION:

Intraoperative improvement in lung compliance was observed in adolescent patients undergoing reduction mammoplasty.     

The effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on refractory neuropathic pain in spinal cord injury

Objective

To investigate the analgesic effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on intractable neuropathic pain in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Design

A single center, prospective, randomized, double-blinded, controlled study.

Setting

SCI rehabilitation unit of university rehabilitation center.

Participants

Seventeen patients with SCI and chronic neuropathic pain who met the inclusion criteria recruited between April 2010 and January 2012.

Interventions

Ten daily treatment sessions of real or sham rTMS (30 trains of 10-Hz stimuli for a duration of 5 seconds; a total of 1500 pulses at intensity equal to 110% of the resting motor threshold) was applied over vertex using a figure-of-8-shaped coil.

Outcome measures

Pain was assessed with visual analog scale (VAS) at baseline and 10 days, 6 weeks and 6 months after the treatment. Patients’ satisfactions obtained using a 5-point Likert scale at 6 months.

Results

Both real and sham rTMS provided a significant reduction in the VAS scores (real rTMS group, P = 0.004; sham rTMS group, P = 0.020). Post hoc analysis revealed the significant difference was at 10 days and 6 weeks compared to baseline in the real rTMS group and only at 10 days compared to baseline in the sham rTMS group. Comparison of VAS scores and patient satisfaction did not show any significant difference at each assessment point (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated analgesic effect of rTMS on intractable neuropathic pain in SCI was not superior to placebo. However, middle-term (over 6 weeks) pain relief by rTMS is encouraging and suggests the need for future studies with a larger sample size.     

A single institution experience with skin sparing mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction

INTRODUCTION

Skin sparing mastectomies (SSMs) represent a surgical approach that preserves the natural skin envelope of the breast and, when combined with immediate reconstruction, offers a good cosmetic outcome. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the risk of local recurrence (LR) in this series with the known rate of recurrence following a conventional mastectomy.

METHODS

A total of 108 patients with breast cancer who underwent an SSM and immediate breast reconstruction over a 6-year period were reviewed.

RESULTS

A follow-up of more than eight years showed that three patients (2.78%) had developed LR.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of LR is low with SSMs and is comparable to that seen with conventional mastectomies.     

The expanded inframammary fold triangle: Improved results in large volume breast reductions

Context:

The inferior pedicle, Wise-pattern reduction mammaplasty is the most popular technique for breast reduction because of its reproducible results and reliability. However, complication rates in super obese patients or patients receiving large volume reductions are high, ranging from 35 to 78%. These complications include delayed healing, infection, seroma, nipple-areolar complex necrosis, fat necrosis and development of hypertrophic scars.

Aims:

This study aimed to determine whether a modification to the standard Wise-pattern reduction technique, an expanded inframammary fold skin triangle, produces improved outcomes in high-risk large volume breast reduction patients. We report that this modification leads to improved outcomes by decreasing wound complications and improving aesthetic appearance.

Settings and Design:

Twenty-two patients received the inferior pedicle Wise-pattern reduction mammaplasty, which was modified to include an 8 cm wide inferior pedicle. This pedicle was de-epithelialized and an 8 × 3 cm² triangle of skin was preserved at the inferior base to reduce tension at the triple point, inverted T-closure.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective review was performed on all patients who underwent reduction mammaplasty with the expanded inframammary fold (eIMF) technique as well as all patients who received the standard wise pattern technique.

Statistical Analysis Used:

A student t-test was performed for both reduction populations using SPSS software package. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05.

Results:

The average patient age was 32.25 years old (range 18-59), average BMI was 35.0, and average tissue mass removed per breast was 1378.39 g. The modified technique was found to produce a statistically significant (P < 0.05) increase in the amount of breast tissue removed (693.96 g increase in the left and 571.21 g in the right) as well as a statistically significant (P < 0.05) reduction in dehiscence (75% reduction) and post-operative infection (44.10%).

Conclusions:

This method is an easily reproducible and reliable technique that produces a favourable cosmetic outcome with acceptable, sustainable results in high-risk reductions in obese patients.KEY WORDS: Inverted T-closure, breast reduction, Wise pattern mammaplasty     

Does preoperative heparin increase the postoperative bleeding risk in women undergoing prosthetic breast implant surgery? A review of the data from a single institution

BACKGROUND:

In 2008, the authors’ institution adopted a policy requiring that all patients, regardless of preoperative risk, receive both sequential compression devices and a single preoperative subcutaneous 5000 unit injection of heparin. A previously published 12-year review at this same institution before this policy demonstrated a 1.5% 30-day postoperative incidence of hematoma in primary augmentation or delayed tissue expander based breast reconstructions.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the incidence of postoperative bleeding complications associated with preoperative administration of 5000 units of subcutaneous heparin and compare that incidence with previously published data.

METHODS:

Patient data were collected prospectively and maintained in a secure database at a single institution with institutional review board approval. Current procedural terminology and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, coding was then used to identify all patients who received either primary breast augmentation or delayed tissue expander based breast reconstruction during a five-year period. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative bleeding complication. A bleeding complication was defined as any hemorrhagic event that required a return to the operating room.

RESULTS:

The overall incidence of significant postoperative bleeding was 1.47% (five of 340 [1.16% augmentation, 2.50% expander]). Comparing the current results with the previously published data, demonstrated an OR of 0.98 (95% CI 0.38 to 2.55).

CONCLUSION:

In women undergoing primary breast augmentation or delayed tissue expander breast reconstruction, heparin prophylaxis did not increase the risk for significant postoperative bleeding compared with historical controls.     

Meta-analysis of antibiotic prophylaxis in breast reduction surgery

BACKGROUND:

Breast reduction surgery is a very common procedure; however, there is still no consensus as to whether antibiotics should be used perioperatively.

OBJECTIVE:

To review the world literature and perform a meta-analysis of studies comparing wound infection rates with antibiotic use in breast reduction surgery.

METHODS:

A literature search was performed using the MEDLINE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Database of Clinical Trials, Embase and CINAHL databases. Subject headings and relevant subheadings for “Breast”, “Breast Reduction”, “Reduction Mammaplasty”, “Mammaplasty” were combined with “Antibiotics” and “Antibacterial Agents”. The list of titles was assessed by the study’s authors and abstracts were reviewed. All relevant articles were then independently reviewed by the two primary authors, and Jadad scoring was used to assess the quality of the included articles.

RESULTS:

From the original search, three randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis of preoperative antibiotics. The meta-analysis revealed a 75% reduction in wound infections with preoperative antibiotics (OR 0.25 [95% CI 0.09 to 0.72]). Because only one randomized controlled trial analyzed postoperative antibiotics, no meta-analysis could be performed.

CONCLUSIONS:

Preoperative antibiotics should routinely be used before breast reduction surgery. The use of postoperative antibiotics remains controversial. Additional randomized studies investigating postoperative antibiotics are needed.     

Oncoplastic reduction using the vertical scar superior-medial pedicle pattern technique for immediate partial breast reconstruction

Background

Oncoplastic breast reduction in women with medium to large breasts has reportedly benefitted them both oncologically and cosmetically. We present our experience with an oncoplastic breast reduction technique using a vertical scar superior-medial pedicle pattern for immediate partial breast reconstruction.

Methods

All patients with breast tumours who underwent vertical scar superior-medial pedicle reduction pattern oncoplastic surgery at our centre between September 2006 and June 2010 were retrospectively studied. Follow-up continued from 12 months to 6 years.

Results

Twenty women (age 28–72 yr) were enrolled: 16 with invasive carcinoma and 4 with benign tumours. They all had tumour-free surgical margins, and no further oncological operations were required. The patients expressed a high degree of satisfaction from the surgical outcome in terms of improved quality of life and a good cosmetic result.

Conclusion

The vertical scar superior-medial pedicle reduction pattern is a versatile oncoplastic technique that allows breast tissue rearrangement for various tumour locations. It is oncologically beneficial and is associated with high patient satisfaction.     

The influence of clinicopathological features on the predictive accuracy of conventional breast imaging in determining the extent of screen-detected high-grade pure ductal carcinoma in situ

INTRODUCTION

The extent of calcified ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) detected by screening mammography is a determinant for treatment with breast conserving surgery (BCS). However, DCIS may be uncalcified and almost a quarter of patients with DCIS treated initially by BCS either require a second operation or are found to have unexpected invasive disease following surgery. Identification of these cases might guide selective implementation of additional diagnostic procedures.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients with a preoperative diagnosis of pure high-grade DCIS at the Southampton and Salisbury Breast Screening Unit over a ten-year period was carried out. Mammograms were reviewed independently by a consultant radiologist and additional factors including the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS®) breast density score, DCIS extent and disease location within the breast recorded.

RESULTS

Unexpected invasive disease was found in 35 of 144 patients (24%). Within our unit the re-excision rate for all screen-detected DCIS is currently 23% but for patients included in this study with high-grade DCIS the re-excision rate was 39% (34/87). The extent of DCIS (p=0.008) and lack of expression of the oestrogen receptor (ER) predicted the requirement for re-excision in both univariate (p=0.004) and multivariate analysis (p=0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

High-grade DCIS may be focally uncalcified, leading to underestimation of disease extent, which might be related to ER status. Invasive foci associated with high-grade DCIS are often mammographically occult. Exploration of additional biomarkers and targeted use of further diagnostic techniques may improve the preoperative staging of DCIS.     

Mastopexy for breast ptosis: Utility outcomes of population preferences

BACKGROUND:

Breast ptosis can occur with aging, and after weight loss and breastfeeding. Mastopexy is a procedure used to modify the size, contour and elevation of sagging breasts without changing breast volume. To gain more knowledge on the health burden of living with breast ptosis requiring mastectomy, validated measures can be used to compare it with other health states.

OBJECTIVE:

To quantify the health state utility assessment of individuals living with breast ptosis who could benefit from a mastopexy procedure; and to determine whether utility scores vary according to participant demographics.

METHODS:

Utility assessments using a visual analogue scale (VAS), time trade-off (TTO) and standard gamble (SG) methods were used to obtain utility scores for breast ptosis, monocular blindness and binocular blindness from a sample of the general population and medical students. Linear regression and the Student’s t test were used for statistical analysis; P<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

RESULTS:

Mean (± SD) measures for breast ptosis in the 107 volunteers (VAS: 0.80±0.14; TTO: 0.87±0.18; SG: 0.90±0.14) were significantly different (P<0.0001) from the corresponding measures for monocular blindness and binocular blindness. When compared with a sample of the general population, having a medical education demonstrated a statistically significant difference in being less likely to trade years of life and less likely to gamble risk of a procedure such as a mastopexy. Race and sex were not statistically significant independent predictors of risk acceptance.

DISCUSSION:

For the first time, the burden of living with breast ptosis requiring surgical intervention was determined using validated metrics (ie, VAS, TTO and SG). The health burden of living with breast ptosis was found to be comparable with that of breast hypertrophy, unilateral mastectomy, bilateral mastectomy, and cleft lip and palate. Furthermore, breast ptosis was considered to be closer to ‘perfect health’ than monocular blindness, binocular blindness, facial disfigurement requiring face transplantation surgery, unilateral facial paralysis and severe lower extremity lymphedema.

CONCLUSIONS:

Quantifying the health burden of living with breast ptosis requiring mastopexy indicated that is comparable with other breast-related conditions (breast hypertrophy and bilateral mastectomy). Numerical values have been assigned to this health state (VAS: 0.80±0.14; TTO: 0.87±0.18; and SG: 0.90±0.14), which can be used to form comparisons with the health burden of living with other disease states.     

Patient satisfaction following nipple reconstruction incorporating autologous costal cartilage

BACKGROUND:

Nipple-areolar reconstruction completes post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Many techniques for nipple reconstruction have been described, and each has their advocates and critics. One of the frequent failings of most designs is loss of nipple projection with time.

OBJECTIVES:

To determine the effect of including autologous costal cartilage on patient satisfaction with their nipple reconstruction.

METHODS:

Sixty-eight patients were identified who had undergone fishtail flap nipple reconstruction following autologous free flap breast reconstruction between 1990 and 2004. Qualitative questionnaires, using Likert scales, were sent to each patient to specifically assess their satisfaction with their nipple reconstruction.

RESULTS:

Of 26 respondents (mean ± SEM follow-up period 3.7±3.6 years), 13 had undergone nipple reconstruction incorporating costal cartilage banked at the time of initial breast reconstruction, and the other 13 had no cartilage in their nipple reconstructions. While both groups would opt for nipple reconstruction again, patients with cartilage grafts incorporated into their reconstructions had overall satisfaction ratings 1.92 grades higher on average (not significant, P=0.12) than those without. This difference increased to 3.2 grades when the satisfaction of the patient’s partner was taken into account (P<0.05). Improved satisfaction corresponded to higher scores for volume, consistency, texture, and particularly for projection and contour of the nipple (P<0.05). Although nipple morphology changed over time, there was a trend toward improved stability in the cartilage group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patient satisfaction with nipple reconstruction can be improved by incorporating costal cartilage beneath the skin flaps. Superior contour and projection are sustained over time.     

A new technique of internal suture mastopexy for mild to moderate breast ptosis

BACKGROUND:

Current mastopexy techniques rely on incisions on the breast to correct ptosis. Trading a ptotic breast for a visibly scarred breast can be a difficult choice.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS:

A technique of internal suture mastopexy that consists of plicating sutures placed in the superficial fascia of the breast from the deep surface is presented. The procedure leaves no scar on the breast and may be safer than other techniques when combining mastopexy with augmentation.

RESULTS:

The senior author has performed this procedure on over 120 patients, with a mean follow-up of two years. Patients and the surgeon have expressed satisfaction with the procedure.

CONCLUSION:

Based on this experience with over 120 patients, the authors believe that internal suture mastopexy is an effective alternative in selected patients.     

Practice profiles in breast reduction: A survey among Canadian plastic surgeons

BACKGROUND:

Breast reduction is an increasingly common procedure performed by Canadian plastic surgeons. Recent studies in the United States show that use of the inferior/central pedicle inverted T scar method is predominant. However, it is unknown what the practice preferences are among Canadian plastic surgeons.

OBJECTIVE:

The goal of the present study was to assess trends in breast reduction surgery among Canadian surgeons, including patient selection criteria, surgical techniques and outcomes.

METHOD:

Surveys were distributed to plastic surgeons at the Canadian Society for Plastic Surgery meetings in 2005 and 2006. Completed surveys were obtained from 140 respondents, and results were analyzed with Excel and SAS software.

RESULTS:

There was a 40% response rate. The majority of surgeons (66%) used more than one technique for breast reduction. Most commonly, surgeons use the inverted T scar technique (66%) followed by vertical scar techniques (26%). The most popular vertical scar techniques included the Hall-Findlay (14%) and Lejour (13%) methods. Most surgeons (55%) reported complication rates of less than 5% and the most common complication reported was wound dehiscence. There was no difference in overall complication rates between inverted T scar and vertical scar surgeries. The majority of surgeons (98%) carried out breast reduction either exclusively as day surgery or in combination with same-day admission. Breast reduction performed as day surgery resulted in cost savings of $873 per patient.

CONCLUSIONS:

Canadian plastic surgeons are performing more vertical scar breast reductions than American surgeons. However, both groups rely predominantly on inverted T scar techniques.     

Range of motion and strength after surgery for brachial plexus birth palsy

Background

There is little information about the range of motion (ROM) and strength of the affected upper limbs of patients with permanent brachial plexus birth palsy.

Patients and methods

107 patients who had brachial plexus surgery in Finland between 1971 and 1998 were investigated in this population-based, cross-sectional, 12-year follow-up study. During the follow-up, 59 patients underwent secondary procedures. ROM and isometric strength of the shoulders, elbows, wrists, and thumbs were measured. Ratios for ROM and strength between the affected and unaffected sides were calculated.

Results

61 patients (57%) had no active shoulder external rotation (median 0° (-75–90)). Median active abduction was 90° (1–170). Shoulder external rotation strength of the affected side was diminished (median ratio 28% (0–83)). Active elbow extension deficiency was recorded in 82 patients (median 25° (5–80)). Elbow flexion strength of the affected side was uniformly impaired (median ratio 43% (0–79)). Median active extension of the wrist was 55° (-70–90). The median ratio of grip strength for the affected side vs. the unaffected side was 68% (0–121). Patients with total injury had poorer ROM and strength than those with C5–6 injury. Incongruity of the radiohumeral joint and avulsion were associated with poor strength values.

Interpretation

ROM and strength of affected upper limbs of patients with surgically treated brachial plexus birth palsy were reduced. Patients with avulsion injuries and/or consequent joint deformities fared worst.Most brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) patients (66–92%) recover spontaneously (Michelow et al. 1994, Noetzel et al. 2001, Hoeksma et al. 2004, Pöyhiä et al. 2010). Indications for brachial plexus surgery vary (Kay 1998, Rust 2000, O''Brian et al. 2006). However, severe total injury or upper-middle plexus injury with no signs of spontaneous recovery within 3–6 months is widely accepted as an indication for early operative treatment (Gilbert et al. 1988, Clarke and Curtis 1995, Strömbeck et al. 2000, Smith et al. 2004).The severity of neural involvement in BPBP varies from transient neurapraxia to avulsion-type root injuries. Upper plexus (C5-6) injury affects shoulder and elbow function. Furthermore, wrist function is affected to varying degrees in more extensive injuries that involve the upper and middle plexus (C5-7). In total injuries (C5-T1), finger function is also compromised (Bager 1997, Sheburn et al. 1997).Muscle weakness and joint contractures of the affected upper limb are common in patients with permanent BPBP (Zancolli 1981, Waters et al. 1998, Hoeksma et al. 2003, Kirjavainen et al. 2007, Strömbeck et al. 2007). Muscle imbalance in BPBP patients can lead to soft tissue contractures and eventually to joint deformities (Pollock and Reed 1989, Waters et al. 1998, Nath et al. 2007). There is a negative correlation between degree of osseous deformity of the glenohumeral joint and shoulder range of motion (ROM) (Hoeksma et al. 2003, Kozin 2004).In this population-based, cross–sectional, long-term follow-up study, we assessed ROM and isometric maximal muscle strength of the upper limbs of surgically treated BPBP patients.     

Posterior Wall Gastric Leiomyoma: Endoscopic Tattooing Facilitates Laparoscopic Resection

Objective:

To demonstrate the application of tattooing for the intraoperative localization of posterior wall gastric leiomyoma during laparoscopic resection. The preoperative injection of Indian ink in the tumor-bearing area of the posterior gastric wall eliminates the need to perform anterior wall gastrostomy or intraoperative upper endoscopic tumor localization.

Methods:

A patient with posterior wall gastric leiomyoma was marked with Indian ink during preoperative upper endoscopy. The dye was visualized intraoperatively facilitating wedge resection of the tumor-bearing area with the Endo GIA.

Results:

The patient had an uneventful surgery and recovery. Complete excision of the tumor was accomplished.

Conclusion:

The preoperative endoscopic marking of gastric lesions, facilitates the intraoperative localization and resection of these lesions.     

Breast reduction surgery in Ontario: Changes in practice, 1992 to 2008

BACKGROUND:

Symptomatic mammary hypertrophy impacts physical function and patient quality of life. Breast reduction mammoplasty, a surgical procedure performed to reduce breast size, has been used for many years to reduce these symptoms.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate variations in the surgical practice of breast reduction mammoplasty among women ≥15 years of age (approximately 6.4 million population in 2008) over a 17-year period in Ontario.

METHOD:

A population-based, cross-sectional time series analysis was conducted to examine temporal trends in 87,049 breast reduction surgeries performed between January 1, 1992 and December 30, 2008.

RESULTS:

Breast reduction rates have been relatively stable over time, with 83 per 100,000 of the female population undergoing breast reduction surgery annually. However, a significant decrease in the rate of inpatient surgeries were observed over the study period (from 69.3 per 100,000 in 1992 to 25.7 per 100,000 in 2008). At the beginning of the study period, the highest annual rates of this procedure were observed among women 21 to 30 years of age (116.6 procedures per 100,000); however, by the end of the observation period, this shifted to women 31 to 50 years of age (109.9 procedures per 100,000). Furthermore, the annual procedure rate among women ≥51 years of age almost doubled, rising from 36.4 procedures per 100,000 in 1992 to 66.6 procedures per 100,000 in 2008. This was likely related to changing demographics and social factors.

CONCLUSION:

These data suggest that breast reduction mammoplasty will continue to be requested, with an increased proportion of patients who are older and desire improved quality of life and physical function.     

Anterior decompression with single segmental spinal interbody fusion for Denis type B thoracolumbar burst fracture: a midterm follow-up study

Purpose

Our goal was to observe the midterm results of a case series of Denis type B thoracolumbar burst fracture treated with anterior decompression with single segmental spinal Interbody fusion.

Methods

Twenty patients with Denis type B thoracolumbar burst fractures underwent anterior decompression with single segmental spinal Interbody fusion. They underwent clinical and radiologic follow-up for at least three years after the surgery.

Results

The mean follow-up period lasted 57 months. To the last follow-up, there were no cases of internal fixation loosening, failure and other complications. Titanium mesh or interbody bone grafts were in good position. Spinal kyphosis was not observed. Interbody fusion was achieved for all cases. The average fusion time was 4.5 months. Based on visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores, percentage of vertebral body height loss and Cobb angle, the difference was statistically significant between the preoperative period and postoperative one year or final follow-up (P < 0.05). Results at postoperative one year and final follow-up were better than the preoperative period. However, the difference was not significant between postoperative one year and final follow-up (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Good midterm results on clinical and radiologic evaluation of anterior decompression with single segmental spinal Interbody fusion for suitable patients with Denis type B thoracolumbar burst fracture can be achieved. The incident rate of relative complications is low.     

Breast augmentation: A geographical comparison

OBJECTIVE

To describe and compare physical characteristics and implant details of women undergoing primary cosmetic breast augmentation in different geographical locations.

METHODS

Three cohorts of 100 consecutive breast augmentation cases in university settings were retrospectively reviewed for patient demographic and implant information in Kelowna (British Columbia), Loma Linda (California, USA) and Temple (Texas, USA). Statistical analysis was performed with a Kruskal-Wallis test without normality assumption (P<0.05 was considered to be significant). Pearson correlation coefficients were also determined for body mass index (BMI) versus implant volume at each of the sites.

RESULTS

The three group medians were significantly different for weight, BMI and implant volume. Kelowna’s average patient was 33 years of age, had a BMI of 20.8 kg/m² and an implant volume of 389 mL. Loma Linda’s average patient was 32 years of age, had a BMI of 21.6 kg/m² and an implant volume of 385 mL. Temple’s average patient was 36 years of age, had a BMI of 22.6 kg/m² and an implant volume of 335 mL. Pearson correlations for BMI versus implant volume were statistically significant in the Loma Linda and Temple groups.

CONCLUSION

Patients from different geographical locations undergoing breast augmentation were similar in age, height and parity, but varied in weight, BMI and implant volume. A positive linear correlation between BMI and implant volume was found in the American cohorts.     

Breast metastases from a Renal Cell Carcinoma. A case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Metastases to the breast from extra-mammary tumors are uncommon and few sporadic cases are reported in the international literature. An accurate differential diagnosis of secondary cancer is mandatory because both prognosis and treatment differ with respect to primary breast tumors.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We present the case of a 70-year-old woman with an isolated metastasis to the breast occuring 9 years after undergoing a nephrectomy for Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC).Clinical examination revealed a palpable and mobile mass in the right breast with an enlarged ipsilateral axillary lymph node. Mammographic findings showed a dense, well circumscribed solid mass and the breast ultrasonography findings were those of a hypoechoic homogeneous solid nodule with no posterior attenuation but with prominent peripheral vascularity. A tru-cut biopsy was conclusive for a metastatic deposit by RCC. A whole-body CT scan showed no evidence of further recurrences. The patient underwent metastasectomy and exeresis of the papable lymphnode.

DISCUSSION

In patients with former surgery for RCC, a diagnosis based on a preoperative biopsy allows to indicate the proper surgical treatment: in facts, as compared to primary breast tumors treatment, the rationale to pursue wide surgical margins is pointless in cases of metastases and, similarly, the biopsy of the sentinel lymphnode is void of sense due to the lack of its physiopathological prerequisite.

CONCLUSION

We suggest to consider a micro-histological biopsy of any new breast lesion appearing in a patient with a history of treatment for RCC. Prompt diagnosis is necessary to choose the right treatment.