Postmastectomy reconstruction with extended latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap for Hong Kong Chinese

Objective: Because of the smaller breast size of Chinese women, postmastectomy reconstruction without prosthesis by extended latissimus dorsi (LD) flap is potentially more applicable in the Chinese population. Methods: Patients who had undergone immediate postmastectomy breast reconstruction by extended latissimus dorsi flap without prosthesis were retrospectively studied. Surgical complications, aesthetic result and patient satisfaction were evaluated. Results: Ten Asian patients (nine Chinese and one Filipino) underwent extended LD flap for breast reconstruction after mastectomy. There was no total or partial flap failure. Operative complications included seroma in one patient and minor wound edge slough at back wounds in two patients. Simultaneous seroma and minor donor wound slough occurred in another patient. Aesthetic outcome was excellent (n = 5), good (n = 4) and poor (n = 1). Patient satisfaction with the procedure was very satisfied in four, satisfied in four and dissatisfied in two, respectively. All but two patients would recommend the same procedure to their friends or relatives. Conclusion: Extended LD flap can reliably achieve pleasing results with low morbidity. It has more potential to become a competitive alternative to transverse abdominis myocutaneous flap in most Chinese women for postmastectomy reconstruction.     

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.     

Oncoplastic Breast-Conserving Surgery: Analysis of Quadrantectomy and Immediate Reconstruction with Latissimus Dorsi Flap

Background Oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery satisfies oncologic principles and improves cosmetic outcomes, even when an important breast volume excision is required. Methods We reviewed 28 patients suffering from breast cancer treated with quadrantectomy and immediate myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction. We evaluated the status of the surgical margins, early complications, and cosmetic outcome. Cosmetic assessment was carried out by a panel made up of three women and one man: a female member of an association against breast cancer, a female general practitioner, a female gynecologic resident, and a male breast-specialized surgeon. Results Free margins were obtained in all cases. There were 11 postoperative complications: 9 seromas at the donor site, 1 dehiscence of the back wound, and 1 minor partial flap skin necrosis. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy adjuvant treatment was not compromised. The cosmesis outcome was deemed to be good in 43.75% of the cases and satisfactory in 56.25%. The score for overall cosmesis outcome was 6.92 out of 10. Symmetry and the scar of the reconstructed breast were the most influential criteria in the quantitative assessment of overall cosmetic results. Conclusion Partial mastectomy (quadrantectomy) and immediate reconstruction with a myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap allows extensive resection, which fits oncologic requirements, without serious morbidity and a good cosmetic outcome.     

The traditional versus endoscopic-assisted latissimus dorsi harvest in oncoplastic surgery: A long term comparison of breast volume,aesthetics, and donor site outcomes

Background/ObjectiveVolume replacement with the latissimus dorsi (LD) is an option for patients after partial mastectomy. Although potential benefits of using the endoscopic technique have been previously described, previous studies have not assessed long term volume and aesthetic outcomes compared to traditional methods. In this study, we aim to compare the endoscopic, latissimus only harvest to the traditional latissimus with skin paddle method.MethodsEleven patients underwent breast reconstruction with the traditional LD flap harvesting method; 9 underwent endoscopically assisted LD flap reconstruction. The difference between preoperative and >1 year postoperative volumes were recorded. Patient satisfaction and surgeon-based observer assessment of the breast aesthetic and donor site scar were compared between the two techniques.ResultsCompared to the traditional group, there was a significant mean volume reduction in the endoscopic group (70.3 vs 21.7 cc, p = 0.0023). Operative time was also longer in the endoscopic group than in the traditional group (368 vs 257 min, p < 0.001). In observer assessment criteria, the result of the donor site scar assessment was superior in the endoscopic group in terms of vascularity (p = 0.0038), relief (p = 0.0023), and pliability (p = 0.053).ConclusionPatients’ attitudes and feelings about the scar were better in the endoscopic group than in the traditional group. However, compared to the endoscopic group, the traditional group achieved a better breast cosmetic result and better retention of volume postoperatively, possibly due to incorporation of the skin flap and adipo-fascial tissue.     

机器人和腔镜背阔肌乳房重建关键技术

机器人和腔镜背阔肌乳房重建是目前乳房重建的重要手术方式,包括背部供区“无痕化”背阔肌乳房重建、“皮岛式”背阔肌乳房重建。其特点为：腋窝无切口,仅做3个trocar孔,在微创视野下通过皮下隧道完成背阔肌皮瓣切取或转移,随后3个trocar孔可用于术后引流,不增加额外切口;背部供区不遗留瘢痕;微创视野下获取背阔肌肌瓣整个过程不需要拉钩。机器人和腔镜辅助背阔肌乳房重建优势为切口隐蔽、创伤小,美容效果好,是一种安全、可行的手术。     

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.     

机器人和腔镜背阔肌乳房重建关键技术

机器人和腔镜背阔肌乳房重建是目前乳房重建的重要手术方式，包括背部供区“无痕化”背阔肌乳房重建、“皮岛式”背阔肌乳房重建。其特点为：腋窝无切口，仅做3个trocar孔，在微创视野下通过皮下隧道完成背阔肌皮瓣切取或转移，随后3个trocar孔可用于术后引流，不增加额外切口；背部供区不遗留瘢痕；微创视野下获取背阔肌肌瓣整个过程不需要拉钩。机器人和腔镜辅助背阔肌乳房重建优势为切口隐蔽、创伤小，美容效果好，是一种安全、可行的手术。     

Breast conserving surgery using the round block technique combined with partial reconstruction using the latissimus dorsi flap

The round block technique (RBT) is one of the frequently used volume displacement procedures in oncoplastic breast surgery. We report a useful technique which combines RBT with immediate partial breast reconstruction using the latissimus dorsi flap (LD flap) for breast-conserving surgery (BCS). A wide oval periareolar wound allows both resection of a large amount of a breast tissue and reconstructive procedures using the LD flap, which ultimately results in a minimal periareolar scar and a good cosmetic result. This combined technique may provide BCS with increasing indications and better cosmesis.     

Complications analysis of 266 immediate breast reconstructions.

The purpose of this study was to describe the complications of immediate breast reconstruction, to compare their rates with respect to the surgical procedure and to patient's characteristics, in order to improve surgical indications and patient information. We carried out a retrospective study of 266 immediate breast reconstructions (249 women) over a 12-year period (latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap with implant 61%, autologous latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap 15%, subpectoral implant 24%). Mean age was 48 and the median follow-up was seven years (2-14). The overall complication rate was 49% (128), and there were 10 reconstruction failures. The most frequent complications were dorsal seroma 26% (70), capsular contracture 10% (27), skin necrosis 8.3% (22), and haematoma 5.6% (15). The complication rate for immediate breast reconstruction with implant alone (39%) was lower than that associated with latissimus dorsi with or without implant (51%), but the difference was not significant (Chi-square: p=0.07). The risk factors for complications were smoking (skin necrosis, Fisher: p=0.02), obesity (infection, Fisher: p=0.004), and radiotherapy (capsular contracture, Chi-square: p=2.6 x 10(-5)). Smoking was found as the only risk factor of reconstruction failure (Fisher: p=0.015). Capsular contractures were more frequent when implants were used alone (25%) as well as when used along with a flap (6.8%) (Chi-square: p=2 x 10(-5)). Infections were also higher in the non-flap group than in the flap group (Fisher: p=0.02). In our opinion, latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap with or without an implant is a good compromise between complication risk and necessity of good cosmetic result requirement. These results have led us to delay or contraindicate reconstruction in the case of obesity or heavy smoking. In the case of probable post-operative radiotherapy, we prefer to delay the breast reconstruction.     

背阔肌肌皮瓣联合假体在乳腺癌术后二期乳房再造中的应用

目的探讨背阔肌肌皮瓣联合假体植入在乳腺癌术后二期乳房再造术中的临床应用。方法 2009年至2013年,共8例乳腺癌术后年轻患者接受二期乳房再造手术。术前以排水法测定健侧乳房体积,根据患者健侧乳房形状、大小及背部组织情况,设计胸背部供区皮瓣,术中测量移植皮瓣的容积,然后根据健侧乳房和移植皮瓣的容积差,选择大小合适的乳房假体,将假体埋植于背阔肌-胸大肌后间隙,利用背阔肌肌皮瓣移植联合乳房硅胶假体进行二期乳房再造。结果本组患者术后随访6个月至4年,再造乳房外形较佳,效果满意,供区无明显并发症。结论对于年轻有生育要求的乳腺癌术后乳房缺失患者,健侧乳房较大,利用背阔肌肌皮瓣联合假体进行乳房再造,可取得良好的手术效果。     

Autologous breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap

The gold standard technique for autologous breast reconstruction is the transverse rectus abdominis flap (TRAM). Recently, techniques of harvesting a latissimus dorsi flap have been modified in such a way as to increase the flap and allow breast reconstruction without an associated implant. The aim of this study was to evaluate aesthetic results obtained with this method and to assess early morbidity related to the changes in the technique. Between January 1994 and August 1998, 43 patients underwent breast reconstruction with an autologous latissimus dorsi flap. Their postoperative outcome was compared to that of 30 patients who underwent reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi flap associated with an implant. These 43 patients were asked to come back for aesthetic evaluation by a physician and to answer a questionnaire about cosmetic results. Mean duration of follow-up was 18.6 months (range 8 to 60). Mean size of the breast reconstructed with this technique was 340 g (up to 835 g). Dorsal seroma was the most frequent complication (72%), followed by delayed dorsal healing (19%). The frequency of seroma was significantly increased when compared to a classic latissimus dorsi flap (P = 0.003), but frequency of skin slough was not. The aesthetic result was considered satisfactory in 93% of the cases by the patient and 77% of the cases by the physician. In conclusion, the extended latissimus dorsi flap allows reconstruction of small and medium size breasts, with a good aesthetic result. This flap appears to be an interesting alternative to the TRAM flap for autologous reconstruction in selected patients.     

乳癌术后不同乳房再造术式的临床应用

目的探讨适合乳癌术后各种乳房再造术式的适应证。方法对我院2003至2005年收治的44例、45只乳癌术后乳房再造的患者,根据不同情况分别采用扩张器/假体置入(5只)、背阔肌肌皮瓣 假体置入(13只)、背阔肌肌皮瓣(3只)、DIEP皮瓣(6只)、单蒂TRAM瓣(10只)及劈开的双蒂TRAM瓣(8只)等方法进行乳房再造,分析各手术方法的适应证。结果应用皮瓣乳房再造40只,皮瓣全部成活;1只应用扩张器/假体乳房再造术后,注射壶部表皮坏死;1只应用背阔肌 假体乳房再造术后半年出现假体破裂伴局部感染;1只应用DIEP乳房再造术后,出现皮瓣下积液;2只部分皮瓣坏死。术后随访3个月至半年,医生及患者对乳房形态均较满意。所有应用腹部皮瓣的患者均无腹壁疝发生。结论6种乳房再造技术基本满足了我国女性乳癌术后各个时期各种条件再造乳房的要求,整形外科技术的改进以及新材料的应用扩大了乳房再造的适应证。     

Physiological studies using laser Doppler flowmetry to compare blood flow to the zones of the free TRAM flap

The latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous island flap was once the standard for breast reconstruction. With the increased use of tissue expanders and the development of the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap for autologous tissue breast reconstruction, use of the latissimus dorsi has decreased. To reassess the role of the latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap in breast reconstruction, a retrospective review was performed to evaluate women who had skin-sparing mastectomy followed by immediate reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi flap and permanent implants. The postoperative aesthetic results and donor site morbidity, including contour deformity and scarring, were examined. Satisfactory results were obtained in 17 of 18 patients. Complications were noted in 5 patients, and all were minor. Using the latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap and a permanent breast prosthesis for immediate reconstruction is successful because it provides sufficient muscular coverage of the implant. In addition, it provides a good aesthetic result using a single-stage procedure. Illustrative cases are presented.     

Latissimus dorsi mini-flap: a technique for extending breast conservation

The latissimus dorsi (LD) flap was first used in patients for breast reconstruction in 1896. More recently it has been used to fill defects after quadrantectomy or very wide excision. We have developed a two stage procedure for excision of large breast cancers which would otherwise require mastectomy. The first stage is a wide excision of the cancer without removal of the overlying skin. Thirty patients with large localized operable breast cancer underwent wide local excision followed 5 to 10 days later in 25 patients who had clear histological margins by an axillary dissection with transfer of the LD muscle and overlying fat into the defect in the breast (mini-flap). The cosmetic outcome of these 25 patients who underwent mini-flap were compared with age matched patients having a standard wide local excision and axillary node clearance or mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction. The volume of tissue excised in patients having their defects filled by LD mini-flap was significantly greater than those women undergoing standard wide excision, p<0.001. Compared with patients who had a mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction, patients who had mini-flaps reported a better treated breast shape, p=0.04, a greater resemblance to the opposite breast, less self consciousness and less change in attitude of their spouse, p=0.03 and they were more likely to choose the same operation in future compared with patients having immediate whole breast reconstruction, p=0.02. Results as rated by patients in the mini-flap group were similar to those women treated by standard wide local excision. Only one patient in the mini-flap group felt sexually inhibited. When wide local excision and LD mini-flap is performed as a two stage procedure, it is an oncologically safe technique and extends breast conservation to women with larger tumours. The cosmetic outcomes appear better than those following the alternative of mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction.     

Impact of skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction and breast-sparing reconstruction with miniflaps on the outcomes of oncoplastic breast surgery

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) with immediate myocutaneous flap reconstruction and partial mastectomy with latissimus dorsi miniflap reconstruction (LDMF) for breast cancer. METHODS: Some 106 disease-free patients (57 SSM, 49 LDMF) who had breast reconstruction between 1991 and 1999 participated in this retrospective review. The mean duration of follow-up was 42 (range 6-102) months. Measured outcomes included surgical complications, functional disability, cosmetic result and psychological morbidity. RESULTS: SSM outcomes were less favourable than LDMF outcomes with regard to postoperative complications (14 versus 8 per cent), further surgical interventions (79 versus 12 per cent), nipple sensory loss (98 versus 2 per cent), restricted activities (73 versus 54 per cent) and cosmetic outcome by panel assessment. Anxiety about residual cancer and ease of breast self-examination were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: LDMF was associated with fewer adverse surgical and physical sequelae than SSM, without compromising local control or cosmetic outcome. Both operations were associated with low psychological morbidity.     

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。     

The use of a pedunculated, extended latissimus dorsi flap in primary and secondary breast reconstruction procedures--case report

The extended latissimus dorsi flap (LD) is used in breast reconstruction since the 70's. LD flap is often used in corrective surgery in cases of unsatisfactory cosmetic results after breast-conserving therapy. In our department LD flap has several uses. In addition to free microvascular flaps - which applies in breast reconstructive surgery is routine, there are clinical situations where the use of pedicled LD flap is justified. The main indications for its use are: the inability to apply microvascular flap, the general condition (diabetes, advanced atherosclerosis), smoking, previous surgery of abdominal wall, abdominal obesity, patient preferences. Approximately 30% of patients after breast reconstruction require corrective procedures. Group which uses extended LD flap account for 24 patients. In 16 cases it was used for elective breast reconstruction. In the remaining eight cases it was used in the corrective procedures symmetry and shape of the previously reconstructed breast. Based on our own experience it can be concluded that the LD flap with an alternative to microvascular techniques. Complication rate when using the LD flap is relatively low and includes: seroma and slight motor disability of the shoulder girdle.     

Breast reconstruction after failed conservation.

We report our experience of using latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps after failed conservation for breast carcinoma. Twenty-nine patients were treated by two methods of reconstruction. Seventeen patients with central recurrent tumours and three patients with radiation necrosis of the breast were treated by total mastectomy and latissimus dorsi reconstitution with silicone implant. Nine patients underwent latissimus dorsi reconstruction with preservation of the nipple for recurrent peripheral tumours. After a mean follow up period of 20.2 months no local recurrences have been observed but a longer period of follow-up is necessary to evaluate the likely long term recurrence rate.     

The role of transverse latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap immediate breast reconstruction

Immediate breast reconstruction with the latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap (LDF) is still little mentioned in literature. Long-term follow-up studies regarding technique aspects are particularly scarce. The objective was to detail latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap transversely marked to midline at the back. Patients (n?=?320) who underwent mastectomies and transverse latissimus immediate breast reconstructions (n?=?324) at the Hospital A. C. Camargo (São Paulo, Brazil) between January 2000 and December 2007 were included. Information on clinical data, technique details, and clinical outcome were prospectively collected. Patient’s age ranged from 27 to 74 years. Most patients received a silicone gel textured surface implant (79.9%). The mean surgical time was 146 min, and dorsal scar had 8 to 18 cm in length and 0.3 to 2.5 cm in width. The follow-up varied from 6 to 91 months (mean 42.8). No complications were observed in 86.4% reconstructions. Our results lead us to conclude that transverse LDF provided a reliable option in immediate breast reconstruction.     

Accidental latissimus dorsi flap pedicle avulsion during immediate breast reconstruction: salvage by conversion to free flap

Pedicle damage is a rare complication of latissimus dorsi (LD) flap breast reconstruction. We report a case of accidental avulsion of the vascular pedicle of a totally autologous (extended) LD flap during immediate breast reconstruction in a patient who had previously undergone contralateral breast reconstruction with a pedicled TRAM flap based on the opposite superior epigastric vessels. The intra-operative strategy to salvage the avulsed LD flap by conversion to a free flap while not compromising the contralateral breast reconstruction is discussed.