Reducing implant loss rates in immediate breast reconstructions

UK best practice guidelines for oncoplastic breast reconstruction were published in 2012. Implant-based reconstruction quality indicator (QI) targets for readmission, return to theatre and implant loss rates were set at 5% by 3 months, along with guidance to achieve these targets. The aims of this study were to quantify complication rates following implant-based reconstruction before and after the implementation of the guidelines. A retrospective audit of 86 patients with 106 implants in the 12 months to June 2013 was performed, C1. Following institutional changes including reducing antibiotic usage, a prospective audit was performed on 89 patients with 105 implants to June 2014, C2. Extended follow-up of salvaged implants was also performed. Demographics were not significantly different between the two cohorts apart from smoking. Implant loss rates fell from 7.5%(C1) to 1.9%(C2), p = 0.054 but at the cost of an increase in the return to theatre rate (14.2%–18%, p > 0.05). The implant salvage rate increased from 47% in C1 to 89.5% in C2, however, 3 of the implants that were salvaged were lost in the long term giving an overall salvage rate of 82.4% in C2. While an implant loss rate of <5% at 3 months appears achievable with less antibiotic use, this was made possible by the institution of an aggressive readmission and salvage policy. We would question the QI standards for readmission and return to theatre for immediate implant-based breast reconstruction, given that our implant loss rate of 1.9% was achieved with a return to theatre rate of 18%.     

The influence of radiotherapy on capsule formation and aesthetic outcome after immediate breast reconstruction using biodimensional anatomical expander implants.

BACKGROUND: Capsular contracture occurs more frequently when immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) is associated with radiotherapy (RT) in a post-mastectomy field. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of RT on surgical outcome after IBR using a single implant type. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-six breast reconstructions were studied in 114 patients: 62 reconstructions were performed using submuscular implants alone and 74 had an implant-assisted latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap using a McGhan 150 biodimensional permanent expander implant. Data were prospectively collected on capsule contracture, geometric measurements, photographic assessments and pain scores. The median follow-up was 4 (range, 2-5) years. RESULTS: The mean age of the 114 patients studied was 45 (range, 20-77) years. Forty-four reconstructed breasts received RT. Capsule formation was detected in 13/92 (14.1%) reconstructed breasts with no RT and in 17/44 (38.6%) reconstructed breasts with RT. On univariate analysis, RT was the only variable related to capsule formation (p<0.001). Significant differences in geometric measurements of symmetry were identified in patients with capsules compared with those without capsules. Photographic assessments were worse in the capsule group: mean photo score 8 (95% CI 8, 8.5) compared with the no capsule group 6.5 (95% CI 5, 7.5), p<0.001. Persistent pain two years or more after surgery was present in 8/30 patients with capsules and 1/106 with no capsule group, p<0.01. Capsule formation is three times more likely to occur after IBR in association with an RT field. However, as more than 60% of patients do not get capsules despite RT at four years, implant-assisted tissue expansion techniques using a biodimensional device is a viable breast reconstructive option in selected cases.     

可扩张乳房假体加背阔肌肌皮瓣的乳房再造术

目的：报告应用带蒂背阔肌肌皮瓣转移术及可扩张的乳房假体（BECKER）置入,修复乳腺癌根治术后的胸壁畸形,同时再造乳房的手术方法。方法：根据乳腺癌病灶清除术后患者胸部的畸形状况,设计患侧带蒂背阔肌肌皮瓣的肌瓣长度、体积以及皮瓣的面积和形状,切取肌皮瓣后经腋部皮下隧道转移至胸前。用肌瓣修复胸前软组织缺损,皮瓣则用于弥补胸部皮肤的不足。肌瓣与胸壁间置入可扩张的乳房假体。术后经注射壶注水,逐步扩张至额定值。6个月后,可抽除注射壶并重建乳头,完成治疗。结果：自1999年以来,对各种乳腺癌术后患者行乳房再造术共26例,获得了满意效果。结论：应用带蒂背阔肌肌皮瓣转移术及可扩张的乳房假体置入,不仅可修复乳腺癌病灶清除术后的胸部软组织的缺损、锁骨下的凹陷畸形而且可重建乳房。该法具有创伤小、恢复快、再造乳房的外形及质感逼真等特点。     

One-stage breast reconstruction using McGhan Style 150 biodimensional expanders: a review of 107 implants with six years experience.

Permanent expanders have revolutionised breast reconstructive surgery, allowing one-stage procedures and the development of increasingly sophisticated implants (textured, anatomically shaped) has played an important role in enhancing the aesthetic outcomes. It is important to evaluate the tolerability of the implant. The aim of this present study was to evaluate the survival curves for McGhan Style 150 permanent expanders, in a consecutive series of breast reconstructions. Complications rates were also examined. Between April 1997 and May 2003, 107 McGhan Style 150 expanders (either full height or short height depending on patients' requirements) were used in 97 consecutive patients for a variety of breast reconstructive procedures. Overall, 46 devices were used for immediate reconstruction, 15 for delayed reconstruction and 46 for implant exchange, respectively. The mean age at implantation was 48 years (min: 26; max: 71). The mean follow-up was 60 months (min: 12; max: 72). Explantation was considered the most objective outcome variable, therefore this parameter was carefully monitored and then analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method of survival analysis. Different curves were compared using the log-rank test. Long term complications were also recorded. Among complications the most frequent finding was Baker 3-4 capsular contracture, occurring in 26% of immediate reconstructions at six years. Explantations increased in an almost linear fashion, with an overall rate of 25%, with a statistically significant difference among immediate reconstruction group and the implant exchange group. The rate of explantations was high, if compared with other series, because the sample included patients undergoing strong adjuvant therapies, particularly in the immediate group (locally advanced disease). The overall rate of explantations and of capsular contracture was found to be significantly lower in the delayed and substitution groups, than the immediate group (p<0.05). In our hands, the McGhan Style 150 anatomically shaped permanent expanders were associated with acceptable results, especially when used as 'permanent prostheses' for second stage procedures.     

软组织扩张器在乳腺癌假体乳房重建术中的应用

目的总结软组织扩张器在乳腺癌假体乳房重建术中应用的临床经验。方法回顾分析我科2011年2月~2016年4月41例乳房切除术后采用软组织扩张器置入联合Ⅱ期假体置入的乳腺癌患者,年龄28~58岁,中位年龄42岁。病理类型:浸润性导管癌38例,导管原位癌伴浸润性导管癌3例。肿瘤直径1.0~4.5 cm,中位直径2.4 cm。Ⅰ期24例,ⅡA期9例,ⅡB期7例,ⅢA期1例。32例行传统改良根治术,9例行保留乳头乳晕复合体(NAC)的改良根治术。乳房切除术后即刻行软组织扩张器置入,按NCCN指南进行术后辅助治疗,待放疗结束后行II期假体乳房重建术。术后定期随访。结果成功重建38例。41例术后出现10例并发症,其中5例感染,1例皮肤破损,1例伤口裂开,1例皮瓣缺血,2例乳头乳晕复合体缺血。术后6个月评价美容效果,优19例,良15例,一般2例,差1例,优良率为92%。随访6~56个月,中位随访26个月,出现3例远处转移,无局部复发。结论乳腺癌患者乳房切除术后软组织扩张器置入加Ⅱ期假体乳房重建可获得良好的美容效果,而不增加复发风险,同时并发症较少。     

应用解剖型假体隆乳治疗轻中度乳房下垂

目的探讨应用解剖型假体隆乳术治疗小乳症伴轻中度乳房下垂的方法及效果。方法对15例患小乳症伴乳房轻中度下垂者应用解剖型ST-410假体行乳腺下隆乳术，根据术后患者满意度判断手术治疗效果。结果15例乳房轻中度下垂者通过此方法均获得很大改善，患者均感满意。结论应用解剖型假体行乳腺下隆乳术可明显改善轻中度乳腺下垂。     

脱细胞异体真皮辅助即刻乳房再造术的初步经验

目的 探索脱细胞异体真皮辅助即刻乳房重建手术的可行性,并对其早期临床效果作出评价.方法 回顾性分析2009年9月至2010年5月,北京协和医院整形外科10例施行脱细胞异体真皮辅助的乳房重建手术的乳腺癌患者的临床资料,其中2例接受假体植入手术,8例接受扩张器植入手术.脱细胞异体真皮覆盖假体或扩张器的下、外侧1/3部分,胸大肌覆盖剩余的2/3部分.结果 10例中虽有2例发生感染,2例伤口裂开,但无一例假体或扩张器因并发症取出.术后平均随访4个月,重建乳房外形比较满意.结论 脱细胞异体真皮辅助的即刻乳房再造术创伤较小,在严格把握适应证的前提下,可以取得较好的临床效果.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the feasibility and therapeutic effect of acellular cadaveric dermis(ACD)-assisted immediate breast reconstruction. Methods From Sep. 2009 to May 2010, 10 cases received ACD-assisted immediate breast reconstruction. During the operation, the ACD was used to cover inferior and lateral portion of the implants in 2 cases and expanders in 8 cases. Results The patients were followed up for an average period of 4 months with satisfactory breast appearance. The complications included infection in 2 cases and dehiscence in 2 cases. But no implant or expander was taken out. Conclusions The ACD-assisted immediate breast reconstruction is a technically simple procedure with minimal morbidity. Satisfactory clinical outcome can be achieved with appropriate candidates.     

Immediate nipple reconstruction in combination with implant reconstruction using dermal sling

The inferior de‐epithelialized dermal flap with implant is increasingly used for immediate breast reconstruction. We have adapted the technique to provide concurrent immediate nipple reconstruction by recruiting the triangle of skin above the excised nipple as a modified C‐V flap. The safety and efficacy of this technique has been assessed in 15 patients, of which eight were bilateral and seven were unilateral cases. We suggest that this is a safe, reliable, and original technique for immediate nipple reconstruction in patients undergoing immediate breast reconstruction with an inferior dermal sling and implant.     

2020 special issue: Twenty years of breast reconstruction: Past,present, and future

Breast reconstruction has evolved in the last 25 years to provide women with better autologous and implant‐based options. The general trends of breast reconstruction have shifted to skin and nipple‐areolar complex preservation, resulting in improved aesthetics and patient satisfaction. Autologous reconstruction has made a dramatic movement toward microsurgical reconstruction by free tissue transfer and has addressed lymphedema and breast sensation. Using the patient's own tissues, several aesthetic refinements have led to optimizing the cosmetic appearance of the reconstructed breast. Implant‐based reconstruction has improved with the invention of form‐stable silicone implants, acellular dermal matrix, and fat grafting. These positive trends will continue into the future. We hope that all women with a diagnosis of breast cancer will have the option of a consultation with a reconstructive plastic surgeon, ideally prior to undergoing resective surgery, to ensure they are aware of all reconstructive options to maximize their reconstructive result.     

超声自动乳腺全容积成像测量技术在乳房重建中的应用

目的:探讨应用超声自动乳腺全容积成像(Automated Breast Volume Scanning,ABVS)测量技术测量全乳及乳房假体体积的方法,及其在乳房整形中的应用前景。方法:将入选的30例病案随机分为AB两组。A组依据传统经验与简易测量手段进行乳房重建术前的设计工作;B组根据ABVS得到DICOM5.0的原始数据,导入mimics 10.01以及Magic RP软件进行两侧乳房体积差和假体体积的选择。手术后,定期进行回访与术后满意度及乳房相关径线的测量。最终将AB两组的术后效果进行统计学分析,得出结论。结果:B组在乳房对称性方面患者的满意率要高于A组,其余的并无统计学差异。结论:本方法可以准确测量双侧乳房体积差,提供较为准确的乳房整形术前信息,在测量乳房和乳房假体体积方面具有实际的应用价值。     

几种乳房再造术的临床应用体会

目的：探讨乳腺癌根治术后应用单纯假体植入、可扩张假体植入和带蒂腹部横形腹直肌肌皮瓣（TRAM）移植乳房再造的适应证、手术方法、手术效果。方法：本组共24例病例。14例乳腺癌患者行保留皮肤的乳腺癌根治术，Ⅰ期行假体植入乳房再造；6例采用改良乳腺癌根治可扩张假体植入Ⅰ期乳房再造；4例接受单蒂下腹部横形腹直肌肌皮瓣（TRAM）移植乳房再造手术，其中2例为Ⅰ期再造，另2例为Ⅱ期乳房再造。结果：手术效果较满意，2例出现轻微并发症，其中1例皮瓣局灶坏死，另1例出现乳头乳晕部分坏死。结论：单纯假体植入适用于乳房小，没有明显下垂的瘦小病人。优点是不增加额外瘢痕，术后恢复快；可扩张假体植入乳房再造适用于乳房大或改良乳腺癌根治术的患者，此法结合了单纯假体植入法和组织扩张的优点：TRAM皮瓣移植乳房再造的优点是自体组织移植，安全、手术效果好。     

乳腺瓣悬吊加假体置入矫正中重度乳房萎缩下垂

目的:介绍采用乳腺瓣悬吊,并在胸大肌后间隙置入硅凝胶假体矫正中重度乳房萎缩下垂的方法和经验。方法:经乳晕周缘"双环形"切口,去除内外环之间的表皮。在皮下脂肪组织与腺体之间广泛分离。在乳腺上部形成4～5cm宽的纵向乳腺瓣,横向切断乳腺瓣,上提缝合固定以悬吊乳房。胸大肌后间隙置入硅凝胶假体。将去表皮的真皮帽边缘与乳腺基部缝合,并固定在胸壁上,重塑乳房外形。结果:2005年1月～2009年6月采用该方法共治疗28例中重度乳房萎缩下垂的患者,无血肿、感染、乳头乳晕坏死等并发症发生。术后随访1～4年,乳房丰满挺拔,萎缩下垂得到矫正,切口瘢痕呈环线状,乳头乳晕感觉功能正常。结论:该术式在增大乳房体积的同时提升下垂的乳房,对中重度乳房萎缩下垂患者可作为一种理想的整形方法。     

Improving postoperative pain management in subpectoral tissue expander implant reconstruction of the breast using an elastomeric pump

IntroductionPostoperative pain after breast surgery is one of the major factors contributing to delay in mobilisation and prolonged hospital stay. A retrospective analysis was performed of patients undergoing skin sparing mastectomy and insertion of a subpectoral implant. The aim was to determine whether the use of an elastomeric local anaesthetic pump improved pain control and length of stay.MethodsTwenty-five consecutive patients undergoing the above procedure were sited with an elastomeric local anaesthetic infusion pump intraoperatively, in addition to standard regular and pro re nata analgesia. The control group comprised 25 patients undergoing the same procedure in the same year who received standard analgesia alone. Visual analogue scale scores were recorded for the duration of inpatient stay, as was any further analgesic requirement.ResultsThe median age was 51 years (range: 26–75 years) in the intervention group and 50 years (range: 28–70 years) in the control group. The mean visual analogue scale score was 0.28 (standard deviation [SD]: 0.61) at 24 hours for the intervention group and 1.84 (SD: 0.37) for the control group (p<0.0001). The mean length of stay was 1.8 days (SD: 0.71 days) for the intervention group and 2.28 days (SD: 0.94 days) for the control group (p=0.15). There were no complications involving catheter placement, leakage or toxicity relating to use of the local anaesthetic.ConclusionsThere was significantly reduced pain with the use of the local anaesthetic infusion pump. The elastomeric pump is a step towards enhanced patient recovery after breast surgery in the case of skin sparing mastectomy and subpectoral tissue expander reconstruction.