Review: Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy for Breast Cancer: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials and Prospective Studies Comparing Use of Acellular Dermal Matrix (ADM) Versus Without ADM.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the world's most prevalent cancer, and many breast cancer patients undergo mastectomy as the choice of treatment, often with post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) use has become a method to improve outcomes of reconstruction for these patients. We aimed to compare postoperative complications and patient-reported outcomes, which are still poorly characterized, between groups utilizing acellular dermal matrix during reconstruction and those without. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched electronic databases from inception to 16 June 2022 for randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies comparing the outcomes of patients who have and have not received acellular dermal matrix in implant-based breast reconstruction. The results were quantitatively combined and analyzed using random-effects models. RESULTS: A total of nine studies were included, representing 3161 breasts. There was no significant difference in postoperative outcomes, such as seroma formation (p = 0.51), hematomas (p = 0.20), infections (p = 0.21), wound dehiscence (p = 0.09), reoperations (p = 0.70), implant loss (p = 0.27), or skin necrosis (p = 0.21). Only two of the studies included evaluated patient-reported outcomes between the use and non-use of ADM in implant-based breast reconstruction using BREAST-Q questionnaire, as well as self-reported pain. There was no reported significant difference in BREAST-Q or pain scores. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis shows comparable short- and long-term outcomes between ADM and non-ADM breast reconstruction, suggesting that the use of ADM may not be necessary in all cases given their additional cost. However, there is a paucity of data for patient-reported outcomes, and further research is required to determine whether ADM use affects patient-reported outcomes.

Oncoplastic Breast Consortium consensus conference on nipple-sparing mastectomy.

PURPOSE: Indications for nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) have broadened to include the risk reducing setting and locally advanced tumors, which resulted in a dramatic increase in the use of NSM. The Oncoplastic Breast Consortium consensus conference on NSM and immediate reconstruction was held to address a variety of questions in clinical practice and research based on published evidence and expert panel opinion. METHODS: The panel consisted of 44 breast surgeons from 14 countries across four continents with a background in gynecology, general or reconstructive surgery and a practice dedicated to breast cancer, as well as a patient advocate. Panelists presented evidence summaries relating to each topic for debate during the in-person consensus conference. The iterative process in question development, voting, and wording of the recommendations followed the modified Delphi methodology. RESULTS: Consensus recommendations were reached in 35, majority recommendations in 24, and no recommendations in the remaining 12 questions. The panel acknowledged the need for standardization of various aspects of NSM and immediate reconstruction. It endorsed several oncological contraindications to the preservation of the skin and nipple. Furthermore, it recommended inclusion of patients in prospective registries and routine assessment of patient-reported outcomes. Considerable heterogeneity in breast reconstruction practice became obvious during the conference. CONCLUSIONS: In case of conflicting or missing evidence to guide treatment, the consensus conference revealed substantial disagreement in expert panel opinion, which, among others, supports the need for a randomized trial to evaluate the safest and most efficacious reconstruction techniques.

The effect of pre-operative topical anaesthetic cream on the ablative width and coagulative depth of ablative fractional resurfacing laser.

Topical anaesthetic cream (TAC) is commonly used as a pre-treatment of ablative fractional resurfacing (AFR) laser. Most of anaesthetic cream contains distilled water as major component. Therefore, pre-operative TAC may interfere the photothermal reaction in the skin treated with fractional carbon-dioxide (FCO2) laser and fractional erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (FEr:YAG) laser. The objective of the study was to compare the ablative width (AW) and coagulative depth (CD) of AFR laser with and without pre-treatment with TAC. Four Thai females who underwent abdominoplasty were included in the study. The excised skin of each subject was divided into four areas. TAC (eutectic mixture of local anaesthesia; EMLA) with 1-h occlusion was applied only on the first and second areas. The first and third areas were treated with FCO2 at 15 mj and 5% density. The second and fourth areas were treated with FEr:YAG at 28 J/cm2 and 5% density. Six biopsied specimens were obtained from each area. A total of 96 specimens (24 specimens from each area) were collected from four patients and examined randomly by two dermatopathologists. The ablative width and coagulative depth from each specimen were determined. In FCO2-treated specimens, the mean AW of the specimens that were pre-treated with TAC and control was 174.86 ± 24.57 and 188.52 ± 41.32 µm. The mean CD of the specimens that were pre-treated with TAC and control was 594.96 ± 111.72 and 520.03 ± 147.40 µm. There were no significant differences in AW and CD between both groups (p = 0.53 and p = 0.15). In FEr:YAG-treated specimens, the mean AW of the specimens that were pre-treated with TAC and control was 381.11 ± 48.02 and 423.65 ± 60.16 µm. The mean CD of the specimens that were pre-treated with TAC and control was 86.03 ± 29.44 and 71.59 ± 18.99 µm. There were no significant differences in AW and CD between both groups (p = 0.16 and p = 0.24). The pre-treatment with TAC provided no statistically difference from the control group on AW and CD of both FCO2 and FEr:YAG laser irradiation. However, there was a tendency to have narrower AW and deeper CD of the areas that were pre-treated with TAC when comparing to that of the control.

Incidence, predictive factors, and prognosis for winged scapula in breast cancer patients after axillary dissection.

PURPOSE: Axillary lymph node dissection is part of breast cancer surgery, and winged scapula is a possible sequela. Data regarding its incidence, predictive factors, and patient prognosis remains inconsistent. Ignorance of its diagnosis may lead to undertreatment with physical morbidity. METHODS: Breast cancer patients with axillary lymph node dissection were prospectively recruited. Postoperative examinations by the physiotherapy staff were performed. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-seven patients were recruited during July-October 2012; 51 patients had a positive diagnosis (27.2 %), with 38 patients (86 %) who recovered completely from the winged scapula, while 6 patients (13 %) still had winged scapula at 6 months after surgery. One hundred thirty patients underwent mastectomy and 100 cases had immediate reconstruction. Age, BMI, previous shoulder joint morbidity, and breast surgery were not associated with winged scapula. Neoadjuvant treatment, mastectomy or conservative surgery, immediate reconstruction, tumor size, and nodal involvement also did not show any correlation. Breast reconstruction with prosthesis, even with serratus muscle dissection, does not increase the incidence of winged scapula. CONCLUSION: Winged scapula is not an uncommon incidence after breast cancer surgery. Physiotherapy is related to the complete recovery. The severity or grading of the winged scapula and the recovery time after physiotherapy should be investigated in the future studies.

Adipose tissue cells, lipotransfer and cancer: a challenge for scientists, oncologists and surgeons.

Despite recent evidence of the cancer-promoting role of adipose tissue-derived progenitor and differentiated cells, the use of lipotransfer for tissue/organ reconstruction after surgical removal of cancer is increasing worldwide. Here we discuss in a multidisciplinary fashion the preclinical data connecting obesity, adipose cells and cancer progression, as well as the clinical data concerning safety of lipotransfer procedures in cancer patients. A roadmap towards a more rationale use of lipotransfer in oncology is urgently needed and should include preclinical studies to dissect the roles of different adipose tissue-derived cells, the evaluation of drugs currently candidate to inhibit the interaction between adipose and tumor cells, and carefully designed clinical trials to investigate the safety of lipotransfer procedures in cancer patients.

Do clinicopathological features of the cancer patient relate with nipple areolar complex necrosis in nipple-sparing mastectomy?

BACKGROUND: The selections of nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) are principally depending on oncologic indication and oncologic safety. The main complication of NSM is nipple areolar complex (NAC) necrosis, and it is usually related to surgical technique. However, the patients' clinicopathological factors should be also considered. METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed 934 consecutive NSM patients during 2002-2007 at the European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy. We identified a group of patient who had NAC excision because of NAC necrosis and compared this group with those who had successful NAC conservation. We analyzed the association between the risk of NAC necrosis and the clinicopathological features of the patients. RESULTS: Among 934 NSM, 772 were invasive cancers and 162 were in situ cancers. Of the 934, 40 NAC (4.2%) were removed during the postoperative period because of necrosis. When we considered age, BMI, menopausal status, smoking status, tumor size, axillary lymph node status, in situ or invasive cancer histology, presence of extensive situ component, grading, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, HER2/neu overexpression, Ki-67 proliferative index, and peritumoral vascular invasion, no association was observed between patients' clinicopathological features and NAC necrosis incidence. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, clinicopathological features have no significant impact on necrosis complication in therapeutic NSMs. Positive retroareolar margin is the risk of necrosis. Further studies are required to avoid bias due to the different cancer treatments such as different reconstruction techniques and intraoperative radiation protocols. The correlation between breast morphology and NAC necrosis should also be investigated in the future.

Augmentation rhinoplasty with custom-made S-shape silicone implant in Asians: A 15-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Asians have low nasal dorsum, thick skin envelope, low defined alar cartilage, low projection of nasal tip and broad alar base. Augmentation rhinoplasty with silicone prosthesis has been performed with predictable results, but unfavourable results and complications still present. This series show techniques and results from single surgeon experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 548 patients chart during January 1995 to December 2009. All patients underwent custom-made S-shape implant silicone augmentation rhinoplasty operated by a single surgeon. There were three major operative steps: (1) Intra-operative S-shape implant carving; (2) pocket dissection through bilateral rim incision and (3) tension adjustment before closure. All the patients were recorded for early surgical complications and satisfaction. RESULTS: There were 519 women and 29 men. The mean age is 25.5 years (18-56 years). Mean follow-up period was 6 months (1-60 months). The majority of patient were appointed for esthetic augmentation (86.8%). 515 cases (94.9%) showed well satisfaction following the operation. The total complication rate was 6.5% (4.9% deviation, 0.7% extrusion, 0.5% hematoma and 0.3% infection). All the complications were corrected with uneventful sequelae. CONCLUSION: Augmentation rhinoplasty with custom-made S-shape silicone implant by closed approach provides high satisfaction with acceptable early complication rate.

Real-world management of abnormal scarring using topical silicone gel: expert consensus and case series from the Asian SCARS Expert Group.

Preventing abnormal scar formation and correcting non-aesthetic mature scars are important to prevent physical and psychosocial consequences of abnormal scarring. Evidence-based guidelines for scar management in Asian patients recommend first-line silicone-based products. Dermatix®* Ultra and Dermatix Ultra Kids are topical silicone gels containing a vitamin C ester that helps lighten scar tissue. Herein, we report a case series including patients with hypertrophic and keloid scars treated with Dermatix, showing that Dermatix is effective for scar treatment and prevention, as well as expert consensus supporting the safe and effective use of Dermatix.

Paget's disease as a local recurrence after nipple-sparing mastectomy: clinical presentation, treatment, outcome, and risk factor analysis.

BACKGROUND: Paget's disease is a rare clinical and histological type of local recurrence (LR) after breast cancer treatment both in case of conservative surgery or nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) with or without intraoperative radiation. METHODS: We performed an analysis of 861 NSM with electron beam intraoperative radiotherapy (ELIOT) patients treated at the European Institute of Oncology from 2002 to 2008, focused on Paget's disease local recurrence. RESULTS: In 861 patients (713 invasive carcinoma and 148 intraepithelial neoplasia), there were 36 local recurrences (4.18%), and among these were 7 Paget's disease local recurrences (0.8%). Median follow-up was 50 months. Four cases presented with nipple areola complex (NAC) erosions, two crusted lesions, and one ulcerated NAC. The average latency period from the NSM to Paget's disease local recurrence is 32 months (range, 12-49). Complete NAC removal was performed in all seven recurrences. The average follow-up after NAC removal was 47.4 months (range, 20-78). We found neither locoregional relapse nor metastatic event in this group. All patients were alive without disease. CONCLUSIONS: Paget's disease local recurrence can be found in a significant proportion after NSM. Any suspicious lesion on NAC requires prompt pathological confirmation. Primary carcinoma with ductal intraepithelial neoplasia or invasive ductal carcinoma with extensive in situ component, negative hormonal receptor, high pathological grade, overexpression of HER2/neu, and "HER2 positive (nonluminal)" subtype tend to be significantly associated with more Paget's disease local recurrence and should be followed carefully.

Risk of locoregional recurrence in patients with false-negative frozen section or close margins of retroareolar specimen in nipple-sparing mastectomy.

BACKGROUND: Our purpose was to evaluate the locoregional recurrence (LRR) of patients with false-negative, frozen-section or close margins of retroareolar specimen in nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) procedure. METHODS: From 2002-2008, we recruited patients who had atypia or presence of cancer cells in definitive histology of retroareolar tissue despite of absence of tumor cell in intraoperative retroareolar frozen section. We also included the close margin cases defined as the presence of tumor cells at the first frozen section, but after deeper core out of retroareolar tissue were revealed free of malignancy. The incidence of LRR and NAC recurrence were reported, and the factors associated were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 948 NSM procedures, there were 88 false-negative, frozen-sections and 10 close margin cases. The 5-year cumulative incidence of LRR and NAC recurrence was 11.2 % (10/98 patients) and 2.4 % (2/98 patients), respectively. Analyzing the definitive results of retroareolar tissue, the 5-year cumulative incidence of LRR was 42.9 % (n = 4) for atypia, 10 % (n = 2) for lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), 10 % (n = 1) for close margins, 8.7 % (n = 3) for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and 0 % for invasive carcinoma. In situ carcinoma as a primary tumor was a significant predictor of NAC recurrence (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Despite a high reliability of frozen section, there is still a minority of false-negative results. Nevertheless, the LRR is considerably low. This fact suggests the possibility of preservation of the NAC after discussion with the patient.

Update on breast reconstruction techniques and indications.

Breast reconstruction is considered as part of the breast cancer treatment when a mastectomy is required. Implants or expanders are the most frequent techniques used for the reconstructions. Expander provides usually a better symmetry. A contralateral mastoplasty often is required to improve the symmetry. The nipple areola complex, which can be preserved in certain conditions, is usually removed and can be reconstructed in a second stage under local anesthesia. In case of radical mastectomy and/or radiotherapy, a musculocutaneous flap, such as rectus abdominis or latissimus dorsi autologous flaps, is required. When microsurgical facilities are available, free or perforator flaps respecting the muscle are preferred to decrease the donor site complications. In situ carcinomas or prophylactic mastectomy can be reconstructed immediately as well as invasive carcinoma according to the recent literature. Locally advanced breast cancer can be reconstructed after complete oncologic treatment. Radiotherapy of the thoracic wall is proposed in case of lymph node metastases, raising the discussion about the technique choice and the timing of the reconstruction. Plastic surgery procedures can improve the cosmetic results of the conservative surgery, also extending its indications and reducing both mastectomy and reexcision rates. Oncoplasty techniques are becoming more and more sophisticated, requiring the skill of trained plastic surgeons. Numerous publications confirm the psychosocial benefit resulting from the breast reconstruction.

Sarcoid-like reaction in breast cancer: a long-term follow-up series of eight patients.

PURPOSE: Finding an intrathoracic or axillary mass in a breast cancer patient should raise suspicion of a pulmonary or mediastinal nodal metastasis or axillary recurrence. Surprisingly, noncaseating epithelioid cell granuloma can be found in this type of lesion, as in sarcoidosis or a sarcoid-like reaction. METHODS: This series included eight breast cancer patients in whom a late sarcoid-like reaction developed: as an intrathoracic lesion in six, and as an ipsilateral axillary lesion in two. The latency period from oncological surgery to the diagnosis of sarcoidosis was 40 months and the average follow-up after the diagnosis of sarcoidosis was 63.38 months. RESULTS: None of the patients suffered relapse or oncological events during the period of this study. CONCLUSION: To avoid misdiagnosis and overtreatment, pathological examination should always be carried out. We do not recommend any specific treatment for sarcoidosis in a breast cancer patient, but routine oncological follow-up is appropriate. A larger series with statistical analysis is necessary to evaluate the prognosis.

A subfascial variant of the deep inferior epigastric artery demonstrated by preoperative multidetector computed tomographic angiography: a case report.

Precise preoperative imaging by multidetector computed tomographic (MDCT) angiography for planning of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap dissection has been reported for enormous advantages in terms of reduced operative time and minimized flap-related complications. This case report shows a particularly rare anatomical subfascia variant of deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) which can be preoperatively demonstrated by MDCT angiogram. Therefore, the intraoperative finding also confirms the radiologic data and results in meticulous flap harvesting during incision on anterior rectus sheath. Additionally, the authors emphasize on performing preoperative high quality imaging for DIEP intervention precisely for specific vulnerable course of subfascial plane DIEP, which is rare but tends to be at risk without foreknowing its exact course.

Extensive Characterization of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Marker Expression on Freshly Isolated and In Vitro Expanded Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells from Breast Cancer Patients.

Variation in numbers and functions of cells in fat tissues may affect therapeutic outcomes and adverse events after autologous fat tissue grafting in postmastectomy breast cancer patients; however, the relevant information regarding cellular components is still incomplete. Phenotypic characterization of heterogeneous cell subsets in stromal vascular fraction (SVF) isolated from fat tissues by flow cytometry was also limited to a combination of few molecules. This study, therefore, developed a polychromatic staining panel for an in-depth characterization of freshly isolated SVF and expanded adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) from the patients. ADSC were found predominant in SVF (~65% of CD45- cells) with a homogenous phenotype of CD13+CD31-CD34+CD45-CD73+CD90+CD105-CD146- (~94% of total ADSC). Endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) and pericytes were minor (~18% and ~11% of CD45- cells, respectively) with large heterogeneity. Downregulation of CD34 and upregulation of CD105 in ADSC were profound at passage 3, showing a phenotype similar to the classical mesenchymal stem cells from the bone marrow. Results from this study demonstrated that fat tissue collected from patients contains ADSC with a highly homogenous phenotype. The in vitro culture of these cells maintained their homogeneity with modified CD34 and CD105 expression, suggesting the expansion from a single population of ADSC.

Comparison of the ionic silver-containing hydrofiber and paraffin gauze dressing on split-thickness skin graft donor sites.

The split-thickness skin graft (STSG) donor site dressing has been an inconclusive topic. Each of the Hydrofiber (Aquacel, ConvaTec A Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Deeside, UK) and silver dressings have applied in many types of wound care with favorable outcomes. Our study compared the ionic silver-containing Hydrofiber dressing and paraffin gauze dressing. The subjects were randomized into group A: ionic silver-containing Hydrofiber and group B: paraffin gauze. From February 2006 to 2007, 20 donor sites were recorded. The mean donor site surface area was 145.5 cm2 (group A) and 135.8 cm2 (group B). The completed re-epithelization day was 7.90 and 11.20 days, respectively (P = 0.031). The average pain score at rest were 0.74 and 0.80, respectively (P = 0.894). The average pain score on dressing removal were 3.12 and 4.70, respectively (P = 0.027). There was no infection or seroma in both groups. In conclusion, ionic silver-containing Hydrofiber dressing can reduce STSG donor site pain and promote re-epithelization compared to paraffin gauze dressing.

Nomogram to predict non-sentinel lymph node status using total tumor load determined by one-step nucleic acid amplification: first report from Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Axillary staging is a significant prognostic factor often used to determine the treatment course for breast cancer. One-step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) is now the most accepted method for intra-operative assessment of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) as it can semi-quantitatively determine the tumor burden in these SLN. Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) may be omitted in patients with limited disease in the axilla. The objective was to create nomogram for prediction of non-sentinel lymph node (NSLN) status using OSNA to avoid unnecessary ALND. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with invasive breast cancer T1-T3 and clinically negative axillary lymph nodes underwent SLN biopsy assessed by OSNA. The patients with positive SLN underwent ALND. Correlations between total tumor load (TTL), clinicopathological parameters, and NSLN status were analyzed by Chi square statistic and logistic regression. Model discrimination was evaluated using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. RESULTS: The total number of patients who underwent SLN biopsies was 278. There were 89 patients with positive SLN. NSLNs were positive in 40 patients. Larger tumor size, presence of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and higher log TTL were independent factors that predicted positive NSLN. TTL can discriminate NSLN status with area under the ROC curve of 0.789 (95% CI 0.686-0.892). Two nomograms using different parameters obtained pre- and post-operatively can predict NSLN involvement with better area under the ROC curve (0.801, 95% CI 0.702-0.900 and 0.849, 95% CI 0.766-0.932, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Nomograms using results obtained via OSNA can predict NSLN status, as well as aid in deciding to omit the use of ALND.

Surgeons' Recommendation is the Factor in Determining the Breast Cancer Surgery Procedures: an Experience from Rural Hospital in Thailand

Introduction: The majority of breast cancer patients in rural hospital in developing countries still warrant for total mastectomy. Surgeon advice regard surgical procedure is one of the most important factors in decision making. Our study aims to compare the rate of breast-conserving surgery (BCS), mastectomy (MT) and mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction (MTIBR) between the surgeons who offer only MT (group A) and who offer BCS MT and MTIBR (group B). Method: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Ratchaburi hospital, Thailand from January 2010 to April 2014. We categorized patients into 2 groups (group A and B). Univariated analysis was selected to determine the factors that associated with the breast surgery procedures. Results: From January 2010 to April 2014, we recruited 310 breast cancer patients, 221 patients (71.2%) were treated by surgeons in group A, 89 patients (28.7%) by surgeons in group B. The choice of breast surgery is significantly different between 2 groups (P<0.001). In group A, 213 (96.3%) patient had MT and only 3 (1.3%) BCS and 5 (2.2%) MTIBR. Whilst in group B, 58 (65.1%) patient had MT and 11 (12.3%) BCS and 20(22.4%) MTIBR. Choice of breast surgery in patients with stage 1,2,3 are significantly different between 2 groups (P=0.004, <0.001, 0.025 respectively). Age is the only factor that significantly affects the choice of surgery in the group B but not in group A. Conclusion: Surgeon's competency and comprehensive preoperative consultation by offering BCS, MT and MTIBR can affect the choice of surgical procedure for breast cancer patient.

Conservative mastectomy versus nipple-sparing mastectomy: preliminary considerations of oncological safety on 30 patients not receiving intra-operative radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: For several years, there has been broad consensus that nipple-sparing mastectomy is a safe surgical treatment for breast cancer. However, the technique is associated with a relatively high risk of local recurrence (LR) behind the nipple-areola complex (NAC). It is for this reason that some years ago we introduced intraoperative radiotherapy with electrons (ELIOT) targeted specifically to the NAC to reduce the probability of recurrence there. However, in some cases we preferred to avoid ELIOT when the NAC appears to have a poor blood supply to ensuring the best chance of NAC survival. METHODS: From July 2003 to April 2010 at our institute, 30 patients received nipple-sparing mastectomy but neither ELIOT nor external radiotherapy, as the surgeon considered the irradiation would markedly compromise the chances of NAC survival, because of sub-optimal vascularization. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 5 years there were no LRs with minor post-operative complications. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary case series indicates that the presented technique can be a safe procedure in breast cancer surgery, but requires greater number of cases and a longer follow-up to confirm the oncological safety.