Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction using the inflatable tissue expander

Breast reconstruction following mastectomy has previously relied on the insertion of a silicone gel implant or the use of a myocutaneous flap. We report the use of an innovation, the inflatable tissue expander, for both immediate and delayed breast reconstruction in 26 patients where soft tissue cover was inadequate to permit the use of the silicone implant. By serial inflation of the tissue expander with saline, sufficient tissue cover was achieved for a second operative placement of a silicone prosthesis of appropriate volume to match the normal breast. To date, 10 patients undergoing delayed reconstruction and 5 of 16 patients with immediate reconstruction have had their final prosthesis inserted, while 3 women are satisfied with the result of the expandable implant and desire no further surgery. Only two technical complications have arisen with loss of the expander in one patient who had had recent radiotherapy and in another the tissue expander was placed much too high on the chest wall. Mechanical failure occurred in three cases where disruption of the seam led to sudden deflation in two and a slow leak from the injection port developed in one. One patient also attempted self-inflation leading to deflation of the tissue expander. The cosmetic results were subjectively and objectively very good with capsular distortion present in only one case. We feel that the inflatable tissue expander is simple and safe to use, may be used for immediate reconstruction without compromising the ablative surgery and should be a choice available to general surgeons for providing safe and cosmetically acceptable reconstructive surgery.     

Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction by tissue expanders: technical note

The aim of post-mastectomy breast reconstruction by tissue expanders is the mammary symmetry. The Authors report a personal experience in immediate (55 pts) and delayed (12 pts) breast reconstruction with implants. The technique is simple and safe with good aesthetical and functional results.     

Pure fat grafting for breast reconstruction: An alternative autologous breast reconstruction

Plastic surgeons offer various options for breast reconstruction based on patient preference, underlying disease, and comorbidities. An alternative form of breast reconstruction exists, which includes tissue expansion with tissue expander and subsequent fat grafting without the use of implant or flap. We retrospectively reviewed the breast cancer patients who underwent breast reconstruction at our institution to identify those with pure fat grafting. Demographic information, complications, operative details, and BREAST‐Q scores were abstracted. From 2010‐2015, 10 patients were identified. Patients with unilateral or bilateral mastectomy followed by pure fat grafting had a median of 3.5 or 4 sessions and a total median fat grafting volume of 380 or 974.5 cc, respectively. Patients were followed for 12 months, and no complications or breast cancer recurrences were noted. Finally, BREAST‐Q scores at the 12‐month follow‐up were comparable to the preoperative values.     

Reverse sural artery flap: a reliable alternative for foot and ankle soft tissue reconstruction

European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology - Soft tissue defects of foot and ankle are challenging due to the susceptibility of the area to trauma and the complexity of the region....     

Individualized implant-based reconstruction of Poland syndrome breast and soft tissue deformities

BACKGROUND: Poland syndrome encompasses a constellation of congenital chest wall, breast, and upper-extremity deformities, which present a significant reconstructive challenge for the plastic surgeon. The broad range of chest wall and breast anomalies has led to an equally broad variety of surgical solutions. Often, however, initial attempts at surgical correction fall short because of failure to identify the best reconstructive option for an individual's particular deformity. METHODS: In a retrospective series of 29 patients, we report our institution's experience with reconstructing breast and chest contour deformities associated with Poland syndrome. We also present a review of the literature. RESULTS: The breast and chest wall deformities associated with Poland syndrome can be effectively treated in an algorithmic, individualized fashion. CONCLUSIONS: We propose an algorithmic approach to the patient with a Poland syndrome chest wall and breast deformity.     

Post-mastectomy reconstruction: A risk-stratified comparative analysis of outcomes

IntroductionAlthough breast reconstruction following mastectomy plays a role in the psychological impact of breast cancer, only one in three women undergo reconstruction. Few multi-institutional studies have compared complication profiles of reconstructive patients to non-reconstructive.MethodsUsing the National Surgical Quality Improvement database, all patients undergoing mastectomy from 2006 to 2010, with or without reconstruction, were identified and risk-stratified using propensity scored quintiles. The incidence of complications and comorbidities were compared.ResultsOf 37,723 mastectomies identified, 30% received immediate breast reconstruction. After quintile matching for comorbidities, complications rates between reconstructive and non-reconstructives were similar. This trend was echoed across all quintiles, except in the sub-group with highest comorbidities. Here, the reconstructive patients had significantly more complications than the non-reconstructive (22.8% versus 7.0%, p < 0.001).ConclusionImmediate breast reconstruction is a well-tolerated surgical procedure. However, in patients with high comorbidities, surgeons must carefully counterbalance surgical risks with psychosocial benefits to maximize patient outcomes.Level of evidenceLevel 3     

Volume-directed facial soft tissue deficit reconstruction

Extensive facial soft tissue volume deficits can pose a significant challenge to the facial reconstructive surgeon. These defects are typically the result of trauma, tumor extirpation, or congenital defects and produce troubling cosmetic and functional morbidities for the patient if the appropriate reconstructive paradigm is not embraced. Many options are available, ranging broadly in invasiveness, need for donor sites, and longevity of result. Several of these options include recent technologies, such as injectable fillers and implantable biomaterials, and advances in free flap design and reductions in overall free tissue morbidity propel the expanding use of microvascular free tissue transfer. With this myriad of options, the surgeon must fully evaluate the extent and depth of the soft tissue injury, weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each reconstructive option, and finally compose a flexible and graduated reconstructive strategy to suit each patient and each defect. A thorough knowledge of these techniques is paramount. The purpose of this review is to broadly highlight the spectrum of reconstructive options and strategies for facial soft tissue volume reconstruction available to the facial reconstructive surgeon.     

Microvascular soft tissue reconstruction of the digits.

INTRODUCTION: Composite tissue loss to digits following trauma may require flap coverage. Local reconstruction techniques are popular but can result in a functional limitation at the donor site. Small free flaps though complex, may provide a superior alternative. METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed the case-notes of all patients who had a small free flap to a digit following trauma. The time period was 4 years (2000-2004). Sixteen patients with 18 digital free flaps were identified. These comprised of 10 venous flow-through flaps, one lateral arm flap, one great toe to thumb pulp transfer, three first web space flaps from the foot, one medial plantar flap and two free posterior interosseous flaps. All 16 patients were invited for clinical review at an out-patients clinic. Ten patients (11 flaps) attended follow-up. Standardised assessment of outcome in terms of scar quality at both the recipient and donor sites, sensibility, range of motion and function of the hand was completed. RESULTS: Overall the average follow-up period was 14 months, with 16 out of 18 flaps surviving. Of the patients that attended for clinical review, the majority recovered excellent function of the hand (quick-DASH--av. 5.7) with satisfactory aesthetics, minimal pain or limitations in range of motion. The flaps were all soft and durable. Ten flaps recovered protective but not discriminative sensation (only one flap was innervated). The three patients whose donor site was the first-web space of the foot developed significant hypertrophic scarring. CONCLUSION: Small free flaps provide an acceptable method of reconstructing digital defects. Venous flow-through flaps provided the best overall results in this series. The donor site for first-web space flaps is probably unacceptable.     

Using an external soft tissue expander before autologous fat grafting for non-irradiated breast reconstruction

Abstract

Autologous fat grafting is a method that has been used for breast augmentation since last century. This case report presents a woman with non-irradiated breast requested autologous fat grafting after modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer. An external soft tissue expander was used before fat grafting. This innovative technique showed benefits for the patient, with tight skin after the operation.     

The transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous free flap: a reliable alternative for delayed autologous tissue breast reconstruction

The use of the pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap has been established world-wide for breast reconstruction. Until now, application of a TRAM free flap, however, has only taken place in special circumstances. The advantages of a TRAM free flap (such as better and more vigorous perfusion than with a pedicled TRAM flap and greater freedom in reconstruction, as well as a lower incidence of weakening within the abdominal wall) are so conclusive that it has become our preferred procedure for breast reconstruction. Twenty-five patients have successfully undergone this procedure at our division. In 6 patients, the arterial or venous microanastomosis, or both, required revision without experiencing, however, total flap loss. Partial flap loss occurred in only 1 patient. All patients (including those having undergone revision) were satisfied with their reconstructed breast form. This satisfaction can be directly attributed to the fact that with this procedure, a desired breast form and volume can almost always be achieved.     

An alternative technique for immediate breast reconstruction

Immediate reconstruction has demonstrated superior cosmesis compared with delayed reconstruction, however, unexpected final pathology may necessitate post mastectomy radiation. We describe an alternative technique for immediate breast reconstruction. Twelve patients underwent 14 skin-sparing mastectomies from July 2006 to December 2009. The skin-sparing mastectomies and sentinel node biopsies were performed through a periareolar incision. At the completion of the operation the incision was closed in a transverse fashion. No simultaneous reconstruction was performed. No drains were placed. After 3 days seroma developed, which maintained the integrity of the skin envelope and appearance of a breast. Nine patients (75%) had a contraindication to breast conservation. All patients were clinically node negative and 67 per cent were clinical stage 0. The majority (75%) experienced an adverse change from clinical stage to final pathologic stage. Four patients (33%) required postmastectomy radiation. The mean time from oncologic procedure to initial reconstruction procedure was 14 days. Two patients (17%) developed postoperative infections. This technique allows immediate reconstruction and avoids the fear of adverse final pathology indicating radiation to the reconstructed breast. In addition, it provides flexibility in scheduling for the surgeons and allows the patient to maintain the appearance of the breast.     

Muscle reconstruction in reconstructive surgery: soft tissue repair and long bone reconstruction

Background We report a series of reconstructions of long bone defects in 35 patients. Bone defects ranged from 5.0 to 25.0 cm.Method Reconstruction was performed in two stages. The first stage was the insertion into the defect of a cement spacer, which was responsible for the formation of a pseudosynovial membrane. A soft tissue repair employing a flap was done in the same operating time in 28 cases. The second stage was the reconstruction of the bone defect by a large, fresh, autologous cancellous bone graft.Results The membrane induced by the spacer prevents the resorption of the graft and favours its revascularisation and its corticalisation. Experimental study has also shown that the membrane plays the role of an "in situ growth-factors delivery system".Conclusion In weight-bearing diaphyseal segments normal walking was possible at 8.5 months on average.     

局部或邻位皮瓣修复鼻部软组织缺损的分区应用

目的　探讨鼻部软组织缺损的有效方法 ,以尽可能使修复组织在色泽、质地上与鼻部局部组织相近 ,且切口瘢痕隐蔽。方法　结合Burget鼻部美学分区 ,将其再分为三个区域 ,根据分区选用局部或邻位皮瓣修复鼻部各区软组织缺损 30例 (鼻根部以Rintala鼻额部局部皮瓣推进 3例 ;鼻中段的鼻背部行双侧斧状局部皮瓣旋转 3例 ;鼻侧壁行对侧壁局部皮瓣转移 ,供区植皮 4例 ;鼻端部以鼻唇沟皮下蒂岛状瓣转移修复鼻尖部 7例 ;鼻唇沟局部皮瓣旋转修复鼻翼部 7例 ;鼻背轴型皮瓣旋转修复鼻小柱 6例 )。结果　修复效果满意。结论　根据鼻部分区选用局部或邻位皮瓣是修复鼻部软组织缺损的较好方法。     

局部或邻位皮瓣修复鼻部软组织缺损的分区应用

目的探讨鼻部软组织缺损的有效方法,以尽可能使修复组织在色泽、质地上与鼻部局部组织相近,且切口瘢痕隐蔽.方法结合Burget鼻部美学分区,将其再分为三个区域,根据分区选用局部或邻位皮瓣修复鼻部各区软组织缺损30例(鼻根部以Rintala鼻额部局部皮瓣推进3例;鼻中段的鼻背部行双侧斧状局部皮瓣旋转3例;鼻侧壁行对侧壁局部皮瓣转移,供区植皮4例;鼻端部以鼻唇沟皮下蒂岛状瓣转移修复鼻尖部7例;鼻唇沟局部皮瓣旋转修复鼻翼部7例;鼻背轴型皮瓣旋转修复鼻小柱6例).结果修复效果满意.结论根据鼻部分区选用局部或邻位皮瓣是修复鼻部软组织缺损的较好方法.     

Free tissue transfer in reconstruction following soft tissue sarcoma resection

Background: Radical surgical resection remains the single‐most important treatment in the curative multimodal therapy of soft tissue sarcomas. Refinements in surgical techniques have resulted in the development of function preserving approaches increasingly avoiding limb amputation. Patients and methods: The records of all patients (n = 34) who underwent microsurgical soft tissue coverage subsequent to primary resection of soft tissue sarcoma of the upper or lower limb from 1999 to 2009 are reviewed regarding postoperative complications, time until start of adjuvant radiation and functional outcome (Toronto Extremity Salvage Score, TESS). Results: Thirty‐four patients (range: 21–86 years) received a total of 35 free flaps. Complete tumor resection was obtained in 33 patients, one patient required re‐excision ultimately resulting in tumor‐free margin status (R0 resection). Major complications were encountered in four cases including one patient with complete flap loss requiring an additional free flap and three patients with partial flap loss requiring split‐thickness skin graft procedures. Minor complications were observed in three patients (9%). Extremity salvage could be achieved in 33 patients with adequate postoperative ambulation (TESS 84 ± 18) and adequate use of the upper extremity (TESS 80 ± 22). One patient underwent amputation. Mean time until start of adjuvant radiotherapy was 37 days (range 24–56 days). Conclusion: A synergetic center‐based interdisciplinary approach is crucial in therapeutical management of soft tissue sarcomas with the aim of R0 resection status and limb preservation. Plastic surgery contributes by offering microsurgical reconstruction using free tissue transfer, thus broadening surgical possibilities. This increases the chance of both adequate oncosurgical resection and limb preservation. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 2011.     

Immediate breast reconstruction with tissue expanders

Primary breast reconstruction with expander devices provides a safe, simple, and rapid method that is most cost-effective and should usually be the method of choice in these cases.