Immediate breast reconstruction using autologous free dermal fat grafts provides better cosmetic results for patients with upper inner cancerous lesions

Purpose

Although breast-conserving therapy (BCT) is the standard form of treatment for early-stage breast cancer, in patients with small breasts cosmetic results can be poor, especially when the lesion is located on the inner upper quadrant area. This study analyzes our use of autologous free dermal fat grafts (FDFGs) for immediate breast reconstruction.

Methods

A total of 23 patients who received a partial mastectomy for an inner upper quadrant lesion from 1992 to 2006 at Kagoshima University Hospital were retrospectively divided into three groups according to the reconstructive procedure that was used for the defect after partial mastectomy: immediate reconstruction using an autologous FDFG from the lower abdomen (group FDFG); patients receiving only rotation and fixation of the parenchymal adipose tissue or gland to repair the defect (group GL); and a third group who underwent immediate reconstruction using a miniflap of the latissimus dorsi (group LD).

Results

The total duration of surgery in group FDFG was significantly shorter than in group LD (P < 0.01). The mean volume of blood lost in group FDFG was significantly lower than in group LD (P < 0.01). The breast retraction assessment (BRA) of group FDFG was significantly better than for the patients in groups GL and LD (P < 0.01). The total score using the ABNSW system for cosmetic assessment was significantly better in group FDFG than in group GL (P < 0.01). Similarly, the total score in group FDFG using the assessment by the Japanese Breast Cancer Society was significantly higher than that in group GL (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Immediate breast reconstruction for a defect after a partial mastectomy of an upper inner quadrant malignant lesion using FDFG can be especially useful for patients with small breasts.     

Immediate reconstruction using a modified inframammary adipofascial flap after partial mastectomy

Breast conservative therapy (BCT) as treatment for early breast cancer usually ensures local control and acceptable cosmetic results. We describe a new technique of using an inframammary adipofascial flap to reconstruct defects caused by lower-pole partial mastectomy, which achieved excellent results (Kijima et al. in Am J Surg 193:789–91 (1); Sakai et al. in Ann Plast Surg 29(2):173–7, 2; Ogawa Am J Surg 193:514–8, 3). We developed this procedure as an oncoplastic technique for a Japanese woman with a similar defect without ptosis. After partial mastectomy, the superior half of the flap is harvested via an initial incision along the inframammary line, and the inferior half is harvested via an additional incision along the caudal edge of the flap, to produce a crescent of de-epithelialized skin. A tongue-shaped flap containing the crescent of de-epithelialized skin, subcutaneous fat, and the fascia of the vertical rectus abdominis muscle is then rotated upwards, gathered, and inserted into the breast defect.     

Pedicled deltoid hatchet flap for treatment of pressure sore at the shoulder

Whereas decubitus ulcer in the back or hip region is a common entity in plegic or elderly patients, the occurrence in the lateral shoulder region is seldom seen. However, resulting from continuous lateral decubitus positioning or limited compliance by the patient, pressure sores may occur in almost any region of the body, but predominately, they arise in acral zones with underlying bone prominences. The deltoid area is such an anatomically critical region, especially if the underlying deltoid muscle is paralyzed. The transposition of a pedicled deltoid flap, slightly modified as a hatchet flap, is described for cover of a decubitus ulcer in the deltoid region in a paraplegic male. Although utilization of the deltoid flap as a free flap is an established procedure for selected indications [Russell et al. (1985) Extremity reconstruction using the free deltoid flap. Plast Reconstr Surg 76:586–595, Serafin D (1996) The deltoid flap. In: Serafin D (ed) Atlas of microsurgical composite tissue transplantation, chapter 19. Saunders, Philadelphia, PA, pp 153–159, Wang et al. (2003) The free deltoid flap: microscopic anatomy studies and clinical application to oral cavity reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg 112:404–411], transposition as a pedicled flap, to the best of our knowledge, has not been previously described in the available literature.     

Partial reconstruction after conservative treatment for breast cancer: classification of sequelae and treatment options

Most patients presenting with breast cancer are treated by breast conserving treatment (BCT). Some of these patients present with poor cosmetic results and ask for partial breast reconstruction. These reconstructions following BCT are presenting more frequently to plastic surgeons as a difficult management problem. We have defined and published a classification of the different cosmetic sequelae (CS) after BCT into three types. This classification helps to analyse these complex deformities aggravated by radiotherapy. Furthermore, our classification helps to choose between the different surgical techniques and propose the optimal option for their surgical correction. Our initial publications reported 35 and 85 patients: we have currently operated more than 150 cases of CS after BCT. Type-1 CS are defined by an asymmetry between the two breasts, with no distortion or deformity of the radiated breast. Type-2 CS are those with an obvious breast deformity, that can be corrected with a partial reconstruction of the breast. Type-3 CS are those with such a deformity that only a mastectomy with total reconstruction of the breast can be performed. Most of the patients present with type-2 CS, but are reluctant to undergo what they feel is a major reconstructive procedure: in a initial prospective series of 85 patients operated for CS after BCT, 48 (56.5%) had type-1 CS, 33 patients (38.8%) type-2 CS and four patients (4.7%) type-3 CS. Type-1 patients should be managed essentially by contralateral symmetrizing procedures. One should limit any surgery on the radiated breast, as a mammoplasty or an augmentation is at high risk of complications. Type-2 is the most difficult to manage and requires all the surgical armamentarium of breast reconstructive surgery. The insetting of a myocutaneous flap is often necessary and autologous fat grafting is a promising tool in selected cases. Type-3 CS requires mastectomy and immediate reconstruction with a myocutaneous flap. The major development though in the past 10 years has been the development of oncoplastic techniques at the time of the original tumour removal, in order to avoid most of type 2 and type 3 deformities. This paper reaffirms the validity of the Cosmetic Sequelae classification as a simple, practical guide for breast reconstructive surgeons. It discusses the various choices of reconstructive procedures available, the importance of "preventing" these CS and defining the role of the plastic surgeon in the management of these patients.     

Mesh assisted direct closure of bilateral TRAM flap donor sites.

The pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap remains a popular choice for patients requesting breast reconstruction. Criticism of all techniques that harvest the rectus abdominis muscle centre on abdominal wall weakness.[Dulin WA, Avila RA, Verheyden CN, Grossman L. Evaluation of abdominal wall strength after TRAM flap surgery. Plast Reconstr Surg 2004; 113: 1662-1665] Primary fascial closure of the donor site has been shown to reduce abdominal wall weakness and the subsequent risk of hernia and bulge. [Mizgala CL, Hartrampf CR Jr, Bennett GK. Abdominal function after pedicled TRAM flap surgery. Clin Plast Surg 1994; 21: 255-272]2 Primary fascial closure of all uni-lateral and most bilateral muscle preserving TRAM flap donor sites is possible. In a series of 23 bilateral TRAM flaps, excessive abdominal tension prevented direct fascial closure of the donor site in seven. Using a technique that includes muscle preservation, muscle relaxation and mesh assistance; tensionfree, direct fascial closure was achieved in all. The mesh buttress supports the rectus sheath during closure and provides long term shape and stability.     

Immediate reconstruction using inframammary adipofascial flap of the anterior rectus sheath after partial mastectomy

Treatment of early breast cancer using breast conservative therapy (BCT) usually ensures local control and acceptable cosmetic results. To repair defects caused by partial mastectomy in the lower region of the breast, some reconstruction should be used. We developed a procedure involving the cranial based adipofascial (anterior rectus sheath) flap from immediately below the inframammary area for the reconstruction of defect due to partial mastectomy for patients with early breast cancer. In this procedure, a skin incision is made at the inframammary line, and the inframammary skin area is undermined. A tongue shaped flap composed of the subcutaneous fat and the anterior sheath of rectus abdominis muscle is pulled up and a C-shaped flap is rotated, gathered, and inserted to reconstruct the breast defect.     

Reconstruction of abdominal wall by whole thigh flap.

Closure of extensive abdominal wall defects can be a very challenging task as there are no known large local or free vascularized flaps available that could cover the entire abdomen. Tensor fascia latae (TFL) has been widely used for abdominal wall reconstruction [Hill HL, Nahai F, Vasocnez LO. The tensor fascia lata myocutaneous free flap. Plast Reconstr Surg 1978;61:517-22]. However, the dimensions of the standard TFL flap limit its use in cases of large full thickness abdominal wall defects. Therefore, we have used an ingenious technique of raising the entire thigh skin as a fasciocutaneous flap (whole thigh flap) based on the concept of fusion of angiosomal territories, to reconstruct such a defect following excision of a large abdominal wall tumour.     

Usefulness of breast-volume replacement using an inframammary adipofascial flap after breast-conservation therapy

In breast-conservative therapy (BCT), it is difficult to repair defects in the inferior portion of the breast. We performed an immediate reconstruction using an inframammary adipofascial flap after breast conservation in 4 patients with breast cancer in the inferior portion of their breasts and evaluated the usefulness of the procedure. A skin incision is made at the inframammary line. Immediately following BCT, a tongue-shaped flap of the fat and the anterior sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle are pulled up and inserted to reconstruct the breast mound. The cosmetic outcomes of all patients were good, and this surgical procedure can be easily performed by general surgeons without the need of assistance by plastic surgeons. We believe this to be a useful surgical modality for the reconstruction of BCT in the inferior portion breast cancer.     

Autologous breast reconstruction with the transverse myocutaneous gracilis flap: aesthetic improvements with tissue expansion before free flap transfer

The transverse myocutaneous gracilis (TMG) flap provides an alternative to commonly used free flaps from the lower abdomen and buttocks for breast reconstruction. Excellent aesthetic results can be achieved in primary breast reconstruction after subcutaneous and skin-sparing mastectomy. However, in delayed breast reconstruction after mastectomy, an obvious skin island and conspicuous scars often compromise the final appearance. A two-stage approach with tissue expansion of the skin followed by free deepithelialised TMG flap reconstruction avoids these disadvantages and leads to improved aesthetic results. We treated two patients who asked for an autologous breast reconstruction after mastectomy due to primary breast cancer. Reconstruction with lower abdominal tissue was not feasible in one patient because of a previous abdominoplasty and in the other because of insufficient lower abdominal tissue. Both patients declined an implant-based breast reconstruction as well as a procedure using a flap from the buttock, favouring reconstruction with autologous tissue from the superior inner thigh. In the first stage, a tissue expander was inserted endoscopically assisted via a transaxillary approach. The expander was gradually filled over a 3-month period and finally replaced by a free deepithelialised TMG flap. The postoperative period was uneventful in both patients. We achieved satisfying results in both patients with good breast symmetry and uniform colour of the breast skin. Disadvantages and limitations of traditional one-stage breast reconstructions by free TMG flaps can be avoided by this two-stage approach. This reconstructive procedure leads to inconspicuous scars and a matching skin colour of both breasts. Level of Evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.     

Capsular contracture in subfascial breast augmentation: recommendations and treatment

Capsular contracture is the most common long-term complication of breast augmentation. In subfascial breast augmentation, there had been reports of 0% to 2% of capsular contracture (Serra-Renom et al., Plast Reconstr Surg 116:640–645; Ventura and Marcello, Aesthetic Plast Surg 29:379–383; Tijerina et al., Aesthetic Plast Surg 34:16–22; Graf et al., Plast Reconstr Surg 111(2):904–908). Graf et al. mentioned a 2.3% of capsular contracture grade II in 263 patients that underwent subfascial breast augmentation (Graf et al., Plast Reconstr Surg 111(2):904–908). There are several theories that can explain the presence of a capsular contracture, and the most described are: the microbiology theory and the contamination of the pocket due to a foreign body (Araco et al., Plast Reconstr Surg 124(6): 1808–1819; Schaub et al., Plast Reconstr Surg 126(6): 2140–2149). In 5?years, 35 patients with breast augmentation were considered for surgical treatment for capsular contracture. From 35 patients, only 4 patients were operated by us initially, the remaining 31 came to us as new patients with a capsular contracture. Each patient had different characteristics and was classified with the Baker scale. Depending on the grade (I–IV) and clinical characteristics of the patient, the surgical treatment was selected between a subcapsular pocket, total capsulectomy with or without implant, or radiation of the capsule. Thirty-five patients were considered for surgical treatment for a capsular contracture. All of our patients had great outcome at short and long term without any signs of complications. Twenty-seven patients were followed for 2?years postop, and 8 patients treated with a subcapsular pocket have less than 2?years of follow-up. In patients with less mammary gland tissue, a subcapsular pocket had reduced the risk of complications of a total capsulectomy due to close relationship between the skin and the capsule. There are several complications that could be present with a total capsulectomy, which are: tissue necrosis, breast irregularities, and/or damage to the skin. This technique had produced great results in patients with lo mammary tissue and a capsular contracture. Capsular contracture is the most common long-term complication in breast augmentation. There are several techniques that can be reproduced to have better outcomes and reduce the risk of complications. We recommend the use of these strategies to help in the treatment of capsular contracture.     

Inferior Dermal Flap in Immediate Breast Reconstruction

Background

The inferior dermal flap can be used in conjunction with implants or tissue expanders to avoid need for acellular dermal matrix in breast reconstruction and on occasion can serve as an alternative to an autologous flap by functioning as a reconstructed breast mound. Candidates for this procedure are women with high BMI or breast ptosis who desire a decrease in breast size at time of mastectomy with reconstruction. This procedure recruits the de-epithelialized excess skin inferiorly and laterally from a skin-sparing mastectomy and uses this to eliminate the need for acellular dermal matrix in a cost-conscious environment.

Methods

The skin-sparing mastectomy is performed, and the inferior skin flap is de-epithelialized to create the inferior dermal pedicle. A gel implant is placed retropectorally, and the inferior dermal flap is sutured to the inferior border of the pectoralis major muscle and laterally to a muscle-sparing serratus pedicle to provide support and coverage of the implant.

Results

We have performed this procedure in several patients and present a video outlining the technique of this procedure in a 54-year-old female diagnosed with left breast DCIS. Postoperative pictures taken at 6 weeks showed an excellent cosmetic result without complications.

Conclusions

The inferior dermal flap is a simple and reproducible procedure that can reduce cost by eliminating the use of acellular dermal matrix. It provides an excellent cosmetic outcome in women undergoing mastectomy with large BMI and breast ptosis seeking reduction in breast size.     

Laparoscopically harvested omental flap for immediate breast reconstruction

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer surgery and accompanying breast reconstruction have been diversified. We report our experience of immediate breast reconstruction using laparoscopically harvested omental flap (LHOF). METHODS: During a 44-month period, 44 immediate breast reconstructions with LHOF were performed. Patients were followed up for complications and cosmetic results. RESULTS: Forty cases of pedicled LHOF and 4 cases of free LHOF were performed after either nipple-sparing mastectomy (n = 21) or breast-conservation treatment (n = 23). Morbidity included 1 minor vascular injury (2.3%) of the LHOF, 4 wound and graft infections (9.1%), and 1 epigastric hernia (2.3%). Cosmetic results were mostly satisfactory, with a soft breast that was natural in appearance. Donor-site scars were minimal. However, in 5 patients (12.5%), omental flap size was found to be inadequate during the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Although there is a limit of volume, LHOF is an attractive autologous flap, which makes a natural soft breast and minimal deformity of the donor site.     

Maximizing aesthetic outcome in autologous breast reconstruction with implants and lipofilling

Background

Free flap breast reconstruction is an option widely sought in postmastectomy breast reconstruction. However, the volume of autologous tissue from the patient is often not sufficient for symmetrical reconstruction. In these cases, flaps can be used in combination with implants or autologous fat injections to augment volume and achieve shape, symmetry, and contour.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent postmastectomy free flap reconstruction with secondary augmentation using autologous fat grafting or implant from 2008 to 2011.

Results

Twenty-four patients (39 breasts) received further augmentation of autologous tissue reconstruction during this period. Sixteen patients (26 breasts) had fat graft augmentation only, four patients (eight breasts) had implant augmentation only, and three patients (five breasts) had both procedures. Among patients who had fat grafting, operative intervention was required twice for fat necrosis. Contrastingly, of patients who received implants, one patient required operative intervention for implant malpositioning. These differences were not significant (P?=?0.57). The group with both fat grafting and implant augmentation had significantly higher aesthetic scores regarding overall appearance, contour, and volume, but not projection, than the group with fat grafting only and the group with implant only.

Conclusions

Autologous fat grafting offers several contouring aesthetic advantages, including selectively augmenting areas of hollowness to improve contour and maximize symmetry. However, implant augmentation generally allows for a larger increase in projection in a single procedure, with similar rates of postaugmentation complications. Use of both autologous fat grafting and implant augmentation may allow for superior aesthetic results. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.     

Feasibility of postmastectomy radiation therapy after TRAM flap breast reconstruction

Background: Postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) has been shown to decrease locoregional failure rates in high-risk breast cancer patients following modified radical mastectomy. However, there had not been a study evaluating the effect of PORT in patients after transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap breast reconstruction. Therefore, we evaluated flap viability, cosmetic results, and locoregional recurrence in patients who underwent TRAM flap reconstruction and PORT. Methods: The charts of patients who had undergone modified radical mastectomy with TRAM flap reconstruction and PORT at our institution were reviewed. Patients were examined in the clinic and interviewed by telephone to evaluate their perceptions of the cosmetic result. Results: PORT was delivered to 19 patients with TRAM flaps (3 pedicled and 16 free flaps) between 1988 and 1994. There were no TRAM flap losses as a result of either surgical or radiotherapy complications. Two patients developed fat necrosis, one with a pedicled and one with a free TRAM flap. Patients with pedicled TRAM flaps noted more volume loss in the breast after radiation therapy. Eighty-four percent of patients felt their overall cosmetic result was excellent or good; only one patient reported a poor cosmetic result. Local control was achieved in three of the four patients who received PORT for local recurrence. There was only one local recurrence among the 14 patients who received PORT because they were at high risk of local recurrence. Conclusions: These results suggest that PORT can be given safely to high-risk patients following TRAM flap breast reconstruction with excellent cosmetic results and good locoregional control.     

乳腺癌改良根治术同期乳房重建的安全性和患者满意度评价

目的观察乳腺癌改良根治术同期行背阔肌肌皮瓣乳房重建的临床效果,评价患者满意度。方法选择病理确诊的乳腺癌患者22例(重建组),行腺癌改良根治术并同期行背阔肌肌皮瓣乳房重建术;匹配同龄、同学历、同TNM肿瘤分期的非乳房重建患者22例作对照(对照组),以Harris标准评价重建乳房的美容效果。随访3年,观察癌组织局部复发转移情况;对患者术后6个月、12个月、24个月和36个月的满意度进行评价。结果两组3年均无肿瘤局部复发及远处转移。乳房重建组优、良、一般分别为14例、5例和3例,患者满意度高于对照组(P0.05),时间因素和分组因素无交互作用(P>0.05)。结论乳腺癌改良根治术同期行背阔肌肌皮瓣乳房重建,不但保证了肿瘤治疗的效果,而且患者的形体美,满意度高。     

应用下腹部横形腹直肌肌皮瓣再造乳房

应用下腹部横形腹直肌肌皮瓣进行４例乳房再造，其中２例为皮瓣带蒂转移，于乳癌根治切除术后即刻完成乳房再造；２例为血管吻合肌皮瓣游离移植，分别于根治术后２个月和５年进行乳房再造。术后游离皮瓣完全成活，带蒂皮瓣分别于术后２￣３周出现脂肪液化，经换药痊愈。４例乳房外形基本满意。随访１０个月￣１８个月，２例游离移植未见异常，１例带蒂转移二术后１年出现腹壁薄弱膨隆，另１例失访。     

The deep inferior epigastric perforator free flap for breast reconstruction

Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction is an improved method of autologous tissue breast reconstruction with minimal insult to the abdominal wall. This study summarizes the data collected on 148 consecutive DIEP flaps used for breast reconstruction in 109 patients. Of the patients, 90.7% had immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy, 6.5% had secondary reconstruction, and 2.8% had bilateral reconstruction after having had a mastectomy and having a new primary cancer diagnosed in the remaining breast. A total of 78.7% patients underwent unilateral reconstruction, 21.3% underwent bilateral reconstruction, and 15.7% needed two flaps to make a single larger breast. There was one flap failure. Incidence of fat necrosis was 6.8% and incidence of incisional hernia was 1.4%. The advantages of a free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap breast reconstruction are inherent in DIEP flap breast reconstruction. The increased technical effort for DIEP flap reconstruction is offset by the lesser insult to the abdominal wall with maintenance of the entire rectus abdominis muscle.     

Breast reconstruction using gluteal inferior free flaps. 34 cases in 30 patients

Recent evolution of breast reconstruction favorised autologous tissues, without prosthesis. 34 gluteal inferior free flaps have been performed in 30 patients aged from 33 to 72 years for immediate reconstruction (6) or secondary reconstruction (28), unilateral (26) or bilateral (8 flaps); after complete mastectomy (21 included a bilateral one), partial mastectomy (3), sub-cutaneous mastectomy with skin-sparing mastectomy (3 bilateral cases), radical mastectomy with radiolesion (2), non efficient reconstruction using prosthesis (2). The myocutaneous flap vascularized by gluteal inferior artery was anastomosed on thoracodorsal pedicle or on humeral vein. Added procedures have been symmetrizations (21), flap modifications (21), nipple reconstruction (20). Thirty three flaps presented good survey. Cosmetic results were excellent in five cases, good in 21 cases, middle in eight cases. Flap disadvantages were: possible failure of microsurgery with vessel thrombosis and flap necrosis, long operative time (average five hours), variable quality of the skin flap and hypoesthesia of the posterior area of buttock. Flap advantages were: the suffisant volume (300 to 500 g), the simple procedure to raise the flap (after specific training) and discrete scar of the donor site. This flap seems to be a excellent method for autologous mammary versus TRAM flap or latissimus dorsi added fat flap.     

Immediate breast reconstruction after salvage mastectomy: Case control outcome comparisons of DIEP flap and DTI reconstruction

BackgroundCancer recurrence after breast-conserving therapy is most often managed by salvage mastectomy. Successful breast reconstruction immediately after salvage mastectomy, however, remains challenging because the reconstruction is performed on previously irradiated breast tissue.MethodsRecords of patients who underwent breast reconstruction from June 2010 to June 2019 were reviewed, including their demographic characteristics, methods of breast reconstruction, and early and late outcomes. Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps and direct-to-implant (DTI) reconstructions following salvage mastectomies were compared with reconstructions following completion or primary mastectomies. Patients who underwent reconstruction followed by postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) and patients followed up for less than 6 months were excluded.ResultsDIEP flaps in 27 breasts that underwent salvage mastectomy were compared with DIEP flaps in 32 breasts that underwent completion and 564 that underwent primary mastectomy. Rates of early complications, including microsurgical revision and total flap loss, and of late complications (>6 months after surgery), including fat necrosis and flap volume loss, did not differ significantly. DTI reconstruction in 20 breasts that underwent salvage mastectomy was compared with DTI reconstruction in 12 breasts that underwent completion and 351 that underwent primary mastectomy. Wound healing problems, including wound dehiscence and delayed wound healing (15% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.0022), and capsular contracture (30% vs. 5.4%, P = 0.0000), were significantly more frequent in breasts that underwent salvage than primary mastectomy.ConclusionsDIEP flap is a successful reconstruction option after salvage mastectomy. DTI reconstruction is associated with higher rates of wound healing problems and capsular contracture after salvage than after primary mastectomy.