Autologous mastectomy reconstruction: Communication among the breast surgery team to maximize aesthetic and oncologic outcome

Mastectomy breast reconstruction with autologous tissue is challenging. Oncologic and aesthetic goals face previous surgical scars, radiation, chemotherapy, or other comorbidities. We describe a simple approach for autologous mastectomy reconstruction so that breast and plastic and reconstructive surgeons can maximize aesthetic outcomes and minimize wound complications. A retrospective chart review was done on patients who underwent mastectomy and autologous reconstruction. The surgical flight plans were reviewed to delineate an approach, and pre‐ and postoperative photographs were examined to create a step‐by‐step process. The most encountered mastectomy and autologous flap reconstruction scenarios were categorized to create a step‐by‐step process. Successful autologous mastectomy reconstruction to optimize aesthetic outcome and minimize complications requires team communication. Creation of a surgical flight plan using information from the physical examination, MRI and adjunctive imaging, and preoperative photographs is imperative. Thoughtful incision choice and exposure approach are paramount.     

Breast reconstruction in women under 30: a 10-year experience

The number of women diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age (≤30years) continues to rise. As young women present for breast cancer management with greater frequency, an accurate characterization of the differences in cancer treatments and reconstruction techniques is imperative to optimize care. Here, we sought to identify the reconstruction trends in this population of women ≤30years at time of breast cancer diagnosis. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of women aged ≤30years who underwent breast reconstruction at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. We extracted data on the patients' diagnosis, adjuvant therapy, reconstructive choice, reason for reconstructive choice, and decision for contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM). Over a 10-year period, 54 patients aged ≤30years underwent 77 breast reconstructions, including 30 microsurgical autologous tissue reconstructions and 34 tissue expander-based reconstructions. Donor site limitations, including insufficient abdominal tissue, restricted the number of patients eligible for abdominal based reconstruction despite the patients' interest in the latter. The rate of CPM was 43%, which was significantly higher than the national average of 8%, further complicating the possibility of total autologous reconstruction. Because of the high rate of bilateral mastectomy and innate donor tissue limitations, young, healthy women who are otherwise ideal candidates for free tissue transfer using the abdominal donor site undergo significantly more tissue expander reconstructions than expected. Implant-based reconstruction or donor sites other than the abdomen must be considered in this unique population.     

Psychological impact and cosmetic outcome of surgical breast cancer strategies

BACKGROUND: Current surgical treatment modalities for breast cancer include breast conserving surgery, mastectomy alone and mastectomy with breast reconstruction. There are recognized benefits of breast conservation and breast reconstruction over mastectomy but there are few studies assessing this area in Australia. The aim of the present study was to compare the various surgical strategies for breast cancer treatment in terms of quality of life, cosmesis and patient satisfaction. METHODS: A chart analysis was conducted of all patients who underwent Breast Cancer Reconstruction at the Royal Adelaide Hospital Breast Unit between 1990 and 2002. Patients were then traced and asked to take part in an interview. Mastectomy and breast conservation patients who attended outpatient clinic for follow up were also approached. All three groups were interviewed and self-assessment quality of life questionnaires (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast, body image) were administered. The breast conservation and reconstruction groups also underwent assessment of satisfaction and cosmesis. RESULTS: A total of 78 mastectomy, 109 breast conservation and 123 breast reconstruction patients were interviewed. Quality of life assessment was similar between the three groups but the breast conservation and reconstruction patients' body image scores were superior to the mastectomy group. Patient satisfaction was higher in the reconstruction group than the breast conservation group of patients, while cosmesis was similar. CONCLUSION: While little difference was seen on quality of life assessment, body image is improved with the use of breast conservation and reconstruction. The high satisfaction and cosmesis scores in the breast reconstruction group are an indication of the superior results that can be achieved with breast reconstruction.     

乳腺癌术后单蒂横行腹直肌肌皮瓣乳房再造

目的：探讨下腹部单蒂横行腹直肌肌皮瓣（Transverse Rectus Abdomials Myocataneous，TRAM）在乳腺癌术后乳房再造中的应用。方法：2004～2007年，对13例乳腺癌患者应用对侧单蒂TRAM皮瓣进行乳房再造，其中Ⅰ期再造7例，Ⅱ期再造6例，乳腺癌根治术后1例，乳腺癌改良根治术后12例。1例Ⅱ期进行乳头乳晕再造。9例供区下腹部应用涤纶补片加强腹壁预防腹壁软弱和腹壁疝形成。结果：2例Ⅱ期再造术后TRAM皮瓣小部分坏死，1例Ⅱ期再造术后TRAM皮瓣部分皮下脂肪硬结伴部分液化，1例对侧下腹壁轻度膨隆不适，无腹壁疝。结论：乳腺癌术后应用单蒂TRAM皮瓣乳房再造术是一种较为有效、简单和安全的方法，应用涤纶补片加强腹壁可以有效预防腹壁软弱和腹壁疝形成。     

乳腺癌术后乳房重建时机及术式选择

结合整形外科的理念和手段，在保证肿瘤安全性的前提下对乳腺癌病人进行乳房重建修复，成为乳腺外科领域重要的发展方向。乳房重建可以与全乳切除或部分乳房切除术同时进行，也可以延迟至完成辅助治疗后的适当时间进行，前者称为即刻乳房重建，后者称为延期乳房重建。临床上根据病人的疾病情况和自身的需求来确定重建时机。部分病人采用延迟-即刻乳房重建来降低辅助放疗给重建带来的不利影响，减少术后严重并发症的发生。从重建的技术手段来看，乳房重建有自体皮瓣乳房重建、假体乳房重建以及自体联合假体的乳房重建。植入物重建是即刻乳房重建中最常用的术式。在延期乳房重建中，更常采用自体皮瓣乳房重建或两步法的植入物重建术。     

Extending the Indications for Autologous Breast Reconstruction Using a Two‐Stage Modified Goldilocks Procedure: A Case Report

Post‐mastectomy reconstruction is performed using implant‐based or autologous techniques. Many women refuse or are poor candidates for implant‐based reconstruction. We previously described a single‐stage autologous technique that was most applicable in obese women with significant ptosis that made use of the mastectomy skin flap and subcutaneous tissue to reconstruct a breast mound. Here, we extend this technique to smaller breasted women by incorporating a second stage of skin tailoring and fat grafting. This technique does not require donor site surgery nor extended operative and recovery times. It extends the indications for autologous reconstruction to nonideal candidates and to developing countries where cost limits access.     

游离腹壁下深动脉穿支皮瓣一期重建乳房

目的　行乳癌改良根治术同时应用游离腹壁下深动脉穿支 (deepinferiorepigastricper forator,DIEP)皮瓣行一期乳房再造 ,以降低术后并发症的发生率。方法　 2 0 0 1年 12月～ 2 0 0 3年 1月对 12例患单侧乳癌的女性患者 ,在行乳癌改良根治术的同时用游离DIEP皮瓣行一期乳房再造 ,受区血管采用胸背动、静脉或胸廓内动、静脉。结果　本组 12例DIEP皮瓣中有 1例因为下腹部多条瘢痕 ,术后整块皮瓣坏死 ,其余 11例全部存活。 11例再造乳房和对侧乳房大小基本一致 ,术后无一例发生腹壁薄弱、腹部包块、腹壁疝等。结论　DIEP皮瓣是利用自体组织一期重建乳房合理可靠的新方法 ,较TRAM皮瓣 ,术后供区的并发症明显降低 ,康复快 ,但手术较复杂、时间较长 ,对外科技术的要求较高。     

Immediate nipple reconstruction utilizing the DIEP flap in areola‐sparing mastectomy

The surgical treatment of breast cancer has dramatically evolved over the past decade toward an approach combining oncologic safety with aesthetic outcomes. The skin‐sparing mastectomy initiated this paradigm shift amongst breast surgeons and can be oncologically safe, in some cases sparing both the areola and the nipple. In accordance with the emphasis on aesthetics, some general surgeons have adopted new methods of resecting only the nipple, sparing the areola in select patients. The superior aesthetic results, durability, and decreased donor site morbidity of perforator flaps have brought autologous reconstruction back to the forefront of breast reconstruction with the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap as the gold standard. We describe a technique utilizing the DIEP flap skin paddle for immediate nipple reconstruction at the time of mastectomy and reconstruction, eliminating the need for delayed reconstruction and limiting donor site morbidity by concealing the donor site below the mastectomy skin flaps. In the six cases described performed between 2010 and 2012 (mean with 53 years; range 46–59 years), there have been no complications to the flap or the nipple postoperatively, nor has there been a need for further nipple revisions for 6 months. The nipple position relative to the flap breast mound has remained unchanged for up to 6 months. The immediate nipple reconstruction does not significantly lengthen operative time, requiring approximately 30 additional operative minutes per nipple. Immediate nipple reconstruction utilizing the DIEP flap can be a cost‐effective and feasible technique for recreating a natural‐appearing and aesthetic nipple in select patients. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2013.     

Immediate breast reconstruction with the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap after skin-sparing mastectomy

Immediate breast reconstruction with the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap after skin-sparing mastectomy is becoming an increasingly performed procedure in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ, early invasive breast cancer, and prophylactic mastectomy. Through a periareolar approach, it is possible to remove the breast parenchyma along with the nipple areola complex, preserving almost all the original skin envelope and the inframmamary fold. The TRAM flap is used to recreate the volume and shape of the original breast. This technique has higher quality and easier reconstruction. The major disadvantages, extensive scar and donor site skin color mismatch, are reduced to a minimum level because the former is limited at the natural border of the nipple areola and the latter can be effectively concealed with proper nipple reconstruction. Thirty-one patients with a mean age of 39 years (range, 26-50 years) who had undergone unilateral or bilateral mastectomy for early breast cancer and immediate breast reconstruction with the pedicled TRAM flap were retrospectively reviewed. Requirements for the skin-sparing mastectomy technique include suitability of donor site tissue for autologous tissue, early breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ, and adequate size and shape matching of the contralateral breast. There was no observed local recur- rence during the follow-up period (mean, 20 months; range, 11-30 months). Complications at the recipient site include mastectomy skin flap partial necrosis in 2 patients and cellulitis of the transferred flap in 1 patient. No total or partial flap necrosis was observed. One patient developed abdominal bulging 1 month after the operation, during the administration of chemotherapy. All reconstruction was considered very satisfactory from an aesthetic perspective by the surgeon and the patient. The nicer aesthetic result with oncological safety is achieved with immediate breast reconstruction with the TRAM flap after skin-sparing mastectomy. The risk of local recurrence is not higher compared with more radical surgical techniques.     

Collaboration between breast and reconstructive surgery in optimizing outcomes for women with breast cancer

Performing successful breast reconstruction after mastectomy requires communication and collaboration between the breast and reconstruction surgery teams. This allows for oncologic safety while providing esthetic and functional reconstruction. In this article, we discuss the numerous techniques we have adopted successfully into our breast reconstructive practice that were possible due to this collaboration including prophylactic lymphaticovenous bypass (LVB), tumor ultrasound‐guided incision (TUGI), esthetic closure in patients not eligible or desiring reconstruction, nerve identification at time of mastectomy to allow for sensate reconstruction, and the prevention of chronic pain and strategic oncoplasty.     

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。     

双侧乳房重建118例单中心回顾性研究

目的 探讨双侧乳房重建手术的开展情况和影响因素。方法 对复旦大学附属肿瘤医院2000年1月至2019年12月间接受双侧乳房重建手术的病人资料进行回顾性分析,描述病人人口学、临床病理特征、双侧乳房重建手术规模、手术时机和方式,探讨双侧乳房重建手术方式选择过程中的影响因素。采用t检验、χ2检验以及Fisher检验进行显著性检验;利用单因素及多因素回归分析,对上述影响因素进行统计学检验。结果 2913例病人接受乳腺癌全乳切除术后乳房重建,其中双侧乳房重建病人共118例,占重建总数的4.05%。双侧乳腺癌病人82例,对侧乳房预防性切除的单侧乳腺癌病人31例,15例病人为一侧或双侧延期乳房重建。双侧即刻重建者103例,占87.3%,10例病人行单侧乳房延期重建,5例行双乳延期重建。双侧植入物重建97例（82.2%）,一侧植入物重建另一侧自体重建共9例（7.6%）,其余12例（10.2%）为双侧自体重建。乳房切除动机（治疗性/预防性）、双侧乳房切除时机（同时性/异时性）以及辅助放疗与双侧乳房重建方式选择相关。多因素分析发现,异时性双乳切除病人与术后需要行辅助放疗的病人更倾向于选择一侧或双侧自体重建。同时行双乳切除接受即刻植入物重建时,扩张器-假体两步法占比更高,达76.5%。和单侧乳房重建比较,双侧乳房重建术后非计划再次手术和重建失败的比例差异无统计学意义。结论 当前国内双侧乳房重建的占比虽然较低,但是面临潜在的增长趋势。乳腺癌多学科团队应制订合理的手术适应证,结合病人意愿,选择恰当的手术时机和方式,从而使临床决策更为规范。     

Immediate breast reconstruction with expander in pregnant breast cancer patients

BackgroundBreast reconstruction after mastectomy is currently considered an essential component in managing breast cancer patients, particularly those diagnosed at a young age. However, no studies have been published on the feasibility of immediate breast reconstruction in patients diagnosed and operated during the course of gestation.MethodWe retrospectively identified all breast cancer patients who were subjected to mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction during pregnancy at the European Institute of Oncology between 2002 and 2012. Patient demographics, gestational age at surgery, tumor stage, adjuvant treatment, details of the surgical procedures, surgical outcomes and fetal outcomes were analyzed.ResultsA total of 78 patients with breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy were subjected to a surgical procedure during the course of gestation. Twenty-two patients had mastectomy; of whom 13 were subjected to immediate breast reconstruction. Twelve out of 13 patients had a two-stage procedure with tissue expander insertion. Median gestational age at surgery was 16 weeks. No major surgical complications were encountered. Only one patient elected to have an abortion, otherwise, no spontaneous abortions or pregnancy complications were reported. Median gestational age at delivery was 35 weeks (range: 32–40 weeks). No major congenital malformations were reported. At a median follow-up of 32 months, all patients are alive with no long-term surgical complications.ConclusionsThis is the first study of immediate breast reconstruction in pregnant breast cancer patients. Tissue expander insertion appears to ensure a short operative time, and does not seem to be associated with considerable morbidity to the patient or the fetus. Hence, it could be considered in the multidisciplinary management of women diagnosed with breast cancer during pregnancy.     

Extent of Primary Breast Cancer Surgery: Standards and Individualized Concepts

Surgery is still a main therapeutic option in breast cancer treatment. Nowadays, methods of resection and reconstruction vary according to different tumors and patients. This review presents and discusses standards of care and arising questions on how radical primary breast cancer surgery should be according to different clinical situations. In most early breast cancer patients, breast conservation is the method of choice. The discussion on resection margins is still controversial as different studies show conflicting results. Modified radical mastectomy is the standard in locally advanced breast cancer patients, although there are different promising approaches to spare skin or even the nipple-areola complex. A sentinel node biopsy is the standard of care in clinically node-negative invasive breast cancer patients, whereas the significance of axillary lymphonodectomy seems to be questioned through a number of different findings. Although there are interesting findings to modify surgical approaches in very young or elderly breast cancer patients, it will always be an individualized approach if we do not adhere to current guidelines. Up to date, there are no special surgical procedures in BRCA mutation carriers or patients of high-risk families.     

不同方法乳房重建术的患者报告结局

乳腺癌术后乳房重建可以提高患者的自尊和健康相关的生活质量,重建方式有自体组织重建与假体重建。自体重建有不同自体组织;假体重建有一步法与二步法,假体植入物有不同类型,按重建时间分为即刻与延期重建;重建后可能需要放疗。不同重建材料、重建时机和术后放疗,都可能会对乳房重建患者的报告结局产生影响。本文就不同方法乳房重建术的患者报告结局的研究进展作一综述。     

Exploring breast surgeons’ reasons for women not undergoing immediate breast reconstruction

IntroductionFactors influencing breast reconstruction rates in Canada are complex and multi-factorial, ranging from patient-related to systemic considerations. For plastic surgeons, rates of immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) hinge on referral patterns from general surgeons performing breast cancer surgery and informed discussions with patients about their goals and risk tolerance. We seek to understand the reasons Alberta patients are not receiving IBR as reported by general surgeons.MethodsThe Synoptec™ database is a synoptic operative report designed by Cancer Surgery Alberta™ and utilized by 95% of Alberta breast cancer surgeons. Within this report are mandatory questions regarding if a patient is receiving IBR and, if not, why. A retrospective review of this database was performed for all patients undergoing surgical treatment of breast cancer over two years. All statistical comparisons were made using chi-squared test for categorical variables with a p-value of 0.05 considered significant.ResultsOf 6253 patients undergoing breast cancer surgery, 2649 underwent mastectomy and 615 mastectomy patients received IBR. The most commonly reported reasons patients did not undergo IBR were patient preference (55%), high likelihood of postoperative radiation therapy (20%), and high risk due to patient co-morbidities (12%). Resource limitations (2%) and a lack of an IBR discussion (3%) was rarely cited as reasons for no IBR.ConclusionsThere are many reconstructive options following mastectomy in breast cancer survivors. This study provides a unique look into general surgeon reported reasons patients are not receiving IBR and demonstrates the need for further probing into the thought-process behind these reported reasons from both a surgeon and patient perspective.     

The art and science of autologous breast reconstruction

Three significant advances are responsible for the recent evolution in breast reconstruction. The first of these is the introduction of the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap, which made reliable autologous breast reconstruction a reality. The subsequent application of microsurgical principles to this procedure brought further refinements in terms of improved blood supply and lessened donor site morbidity. Finally, the wide acceptance of the skin-sparing mastectomy by oncologic surgeons has allowed further progress in the aesthetic possibilities that can be realized by the plastic surgeon. The authors discuss each of these factors and provide an overview of the current state of the art of autologous free tissue breast reconstruction.     

Brustrekonstruktion mit gestielten Lappen

It is important for women with breast cancer undergoing mastectomy to make an informed decision about the options for breast reconstruction and to be provided with information about the techniques, advantages and disadvantages. After modified radical mastectomy breast reconstruction involves replacement of breast skin and volume and after skin-sparing mastectomy only the volume must be reconstructed. The most commonly used surgical techniques are expander implant reconstruction, latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps with or without implants and the use of lower abdominal tissue. Currently, the pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap is the standard method for autologous breast reconstruction after mastectomy and thoracic wall irradiation. In recent years microsurgical perforator flaps have gained in popularity because of the lower morbidity.     

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.     

Reconstrucción mamaria inmediata mediante implante prepectoral de poliuretano. Resultados preliminares del estudio prospectivo PreQ-20

IntroductionIn recent years, mastectomy and reconstruction techniques have evolved towards less aggressive procedures, improving the satisfaction and quality of life of women. For this reason, mastectomy has become a valid option for both women with breast cancer and high-risk women. The objective of this study is to analyze the safety of mastectomy and immediate prepectoral reconstruction with polyurethane implant in women with breast cancer and risk reduction.MethodObservational prospective study to evaluate the feasibility and safety of immediate reconstruction using prepectoral polyurethane implant. All women (with breast cancer or high risk for breast cancer) who underwent skin-sparing or skin-and-nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction with a prepectoral polyurethane implant were included. Women with breast sarcomas, disease progression during primary systemic therapy, delayed, autologous or retropectoral reconstruction, and those who did not wish to participate in the study were excluded. Surgical procedures were performed by both senior and junior surgeons. All patients received the corresponding complementary treatments. All adverse events that occurred during follow-up and the risk factors for developing them were analyzed.Results159 reconstructions were performed in 102 women, 80.4% due to breast carcinoma. Fourteen patients developed complications, the most frequent being seroma and wound dehiscence. Eight women required a reoperation (5.0%), seven of them due to implant exposure. Four reconstructions (2.5%) resulted in loss of the implant. Three patients progressed from their oncological process: a local relapse in the mastectomy flap, an axillary progression and a systemic progression.ConclusionsPrepectoral reconstruction with a polyurethane implant is a procedure with a low incidence of postoperative complications (8.8%) and implant loss (2.5%). Its use is safe with perioperative cancer treatments (neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy).