Does a Latissimus Dorsi Flap Improve Surgical Outcomes of Implant-based Breast Reconstruction following Infected Device Explantation?

Background: The goal of this study was to assess whether adding a latissimus dorsi (LD) flap to a secondary implant-based reconstruction (IBR) improves outcomes following explantation of the primary device due to infection. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients who underwent a second IBR with or without the addition of an LD flap during 2006-2019, following explantation due to infection. Surgical outcomes were collected and compared between reconstruction types. Results: A total of 6093 IBRs were identified during the study period. Of these, 109 underwent a second attempt at breast reconstruction with IBR alone (n = 86, 79%) or IBR/LD (n = 23, 21%) following explantation of an infected device. Rates of secondary device explantation due to a complication were similar between the two groups (26% in the IBR/LD group and 21% in the IBR group; P = 0.60). Among the patients who underwent prior radiotherapy, the IBR/LD group had lower rates of any complication (38% versus 56%; P = 0.43), infection (25% versus 44%; P = 0.39), and reconstruction failure (25% versus 44%; P = 0.39); however, differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Following a failed primary breast reconstruction due to infection, it may be appropriate to offer a secondary reconstruction. For patients with a history of radiotherapy, combining an LD flap with IBR may provide benefits over IBR alone. Although not statistically different, this outcome may have clinical significance, considering the magnitude of the effect, and may result in decreased complication rates and a higher chance of reconstructive success.

Outcomes of Volume Replacement Oncoplastic Breast-Conserving Surgery Using Chest Wall Perforator Flaps: Comparison with Volume Displacement Oncoplastic Surgery and Total Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Volume replacement oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery (VR-OBCS) uses islanded or pedicled chest wall fasciocutaneous perforator flaps from outside of the breast footprint to replace the volume that has been excised during lumpectomy, extending the options for breast conservation to patients who may otherwise require mastectomy. This study compares outcomes for VR-OBCS with both standard volume displacement oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery (VD-OBCS) and mastectomy with immediate total breast reconstruction (TBR). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted; demographic data, clinicopathologic factors, surgical details, and postoperative events were collected until patients had completed their reconstructions. Variables were compared using the t test and analysis of variance test, or chi-square analysis and Fisher's exact test, as appropriate. RESULTS: Ninety-seven consecutive patients (109 immediate breast reconstruction procedures) were included: 43 percent underwent standard VD-OBCS procedures, 35 percent underwent mastectomy with immediate TBR, and VR-OBCS techniques were used in 22 percent, of which only one patient required a delayed procedure for symmetry. Mean whole tumor size was similar in the VR-OBCS and TBR groups and was significantly higher than for the VD-OBCS group (p < 0.05). Overall rate of complications affecting the breast area (p < 0.001), need for additional surgery to either breast (p < 0.001), and time to reconstruction completion (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the TBR group. CONCLUSIONS: VR-OBCS extends the options for breast conservation to many patients that would otherwise require mastectomy. The complication rate is lower, fewer procedures are necessary, and less time is required to complete the reconstruction when compared with mastectomy and immediate TBR. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Complications of Wise-Pattern Compared With Vertical Scar Mastopexy/Breast Reduction in Oncoplastic Breast-Conserving Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery (OBCS) is most commonly performed using established or modified mastopexy/breast reduction techniques. Although the comparative complication profiles of Wise-pattern mastopexy/breast reduction techniques compared with vertical scar techniques are well understood, outcomes in the setting of OBCS are unknown. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of all patients that underwent OBCS using mastopexy/breast reduction techniques at a single center over a 6-year period. Patients who underwent Wise-pattern techniques were compared with those who underwent vertical scar techniques. Demographic, treatment, and outcomes data were collected. Descriptive statistics were used, and multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between these multiple variables and complications. RESULTS: Of 413 eligible patients, 278 patients (67.3%) received a Wise-pattern technique and 135 (32.7%) underwent a vertical scar technique. The overall complication rate was significantly higher in the Wise-pattern than in the vertical scar group (30.6% vs 18.5%, respectively; P = 0.012), as was the major complication rate (11.9% vs 4.4%; P = 0.011) including need for additional surgery for complications (6.8% vs 1.5%; P = 0.029). Complications resulted in a delay to any adjuvant therapy in 20 patients (4.8%); however, the difference between the groups was not significant (6.1% for Wise pattern vs 2.2% for vertical scar; P = 0.098). In a multivariable logistic model, use of a Wise-pattern technique (odds ratio, 0.37 [95% confidence interval, 0.14-0.99]; P = 0.049) was a significant predictor of major complications. CONCLUSIONS: The Wise-pattern mastopexy/breast reduction OBCS technique was associated with a significantly higher complication and major complication rate than vertical scar techniques. The findings should be considered during choice of surgical technique in oncoplastic breast conservation.

Immediate Contralateral Mastopexy/Breast Reduction for Symmetry Can Be Performed Safely in Oncoplastic Breast-Conserving Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery expands the indications for breast conservation. When performed using modified mastopexy/breast reduction techniques, the optimal timing of the contralateral symmetrizing mastopexy/breast reduction remains unclear. This study examined the effect of the timing of symmetrizing mastopexy/breast reduction on oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of all patients who underwent oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery using mastopexy/breast reduction techniques at a single center from 2010 to 2016. Patients who received synchronous (immediate) contralateral breast symmetrizing mastopexy were compared with those who underwent a delayed symmetrizing mastopexy procedure. Demographic, treatment, and outcome data were collected. Descriptive statistics were used and multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate the various relationships. RESULTS: There were 429 patients (713 breasts) included in the study; of these, 284 patients (568 breasts) underwent oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery involving mastopexy/breast reduction techniques and immediate symmetrizing mastopexy, and 145 patients underwent delayed contralateral symmetrizing mastopexy. The overall complication rate was similar between the immediate and delayed groups (25.4 percent versus 26.9 percent, respectively; p = 0.82), as was the major complication rate (10.6 percent versus 6.2 percent; p = 0.16). Complications resulted in a delay in adjuvant therapy in 18 patients (4.2 percent); in two patients (0.7 percent), this delay resulted from a complication in the contralateral symmetrizing mastopexy breast. Immediate contralateral symmetrizing mastopexy was not associated with increased risk of complications per breast (p = 0.82) or delay to adjuvant therapy (p = 0.6). CONCLUSION: Contralateral mastopexy/breast reduction for symmetry can be performed at the time of oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery in carefully selected patients without significantly increasing the risk of complications or delay to adjuvant radiation therapy. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

The Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap Is a Safe and Effective Method of Partial Breast Reconstruction in the Setting of Breast-Conserving Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of partial breast defects in low-volume, nonptotic breasts can be challenging. The authors hypothesized that use of the latissimus dorsi flap in partial breast reconstruction is safe and associated with low complication and high patient satisfaction rates. METHODS: All patients who underwent breast-conserving therapy and latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2016, were identified in a prospectively maintained database. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and complications were recorded. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed with the BREAST-Q breast-conserving therapy module. A group of plastic surgeons and laypersons used a five-point Likert scale to evaluate aesthetic outcomes in representative patients. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients met the inclusion criteria. Median follow-up was 5.4 years. Most patients (93.6 percent) underwent immediate reconstruction. The mean resection volume was 219.5 cc (range, 70 to 877 cc). The overall complication rate was 8.5 percent. Grade 2 or 3 ptosis (OR, 1.21; 95 percent CI, 1.0 to 1.46; p = 0.03), smoking (OR, 13.1; 95 percent CI, 1.2 to 143.2; p = 0.03), and multicentric tumor (OR, 1.23; 95 percent CI, 1.04 to 1.64; p = 0.02) were associated with a higher complication rate. Ductal carcinoma in situ was associated with reoperation for positive margins (OR, 14.4; 95 percent CI, 2.1 to 100; p = 0.009). Of particular interest, patient-reported outcomes were favorable, with the highest rated domains being Satisfaction with Breasts (61; interquartile range, 37 to 77), Psychosocial Well-being (87; interquartile range, 63 to 100), and Physical Well-being (87; interquartile range, 81 to 100). The median aesthetic score was 4 (of 5). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to date using the BREAST-Q to assess patient-reported outcomes associated with the latissimus dorsi flap for partial breast reconstruction. The flap is safe and effective for reconstruction in the setting of breast-conserving therapy, providing aesthetically pleasing results with high patient satisfaction. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Optimizing Outcomes of Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction With Acellular Dermal Matrix: A Review of Recent Clinical Data.

Background: This article reports on the current use of acellular dermal matrix in breast reconstruction. Methods: A literature review of articles on acellular dermal matrix in breast reconstruction from January 1, 2010, through December 20, 2016, was performed and analyzed for trends in acellular dermal matrix use and differences between commonly used acellular dermal matrixes. Findings: Clinical findings varied but include improved cosmesis and more 1-stage reconstructions using acellular dermal matrix. Superiority of sterile versus aseptic acellular dermal matrixes was noted, and the increased incidence of red breast syndrome with AlloDerm was significant. The cost-effectiveness of acellular dermal matrix use despite increased upfront costs was also highlighted. Finally, the article emphasizes the importance of well-vascularized mastectomy flaps and the use of indocyanine green angiography as an adjunct in immediate reconstruction with acellular dermal matrix.

Considering the Optimal Timing of Breast Reconstruction With Abdominal Flaps With Adjuvant Irradiation in 370 Consecutive Pedicled Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flap and Free Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Performed in a Chinese Oncology Center: Is There a Significant Difference Between Immediate and Delayed?

PURPOSE: There is an ongoing debate on the optimal sequence of radiation and breast reconstruction. The purpose of this article was to (a) assess the impact of radiation on autologous breast reconstruction and (b) analyze the best timing for autologous breast reconstruction in the setting of radiation in a Chinese population. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients undergoing breast reconstruction with autologous lower abdominal flaps between 2001 and 2014 in the Tianjin Medical University and Cancer Hospital was performed. Patients were grouped by their irradiation status (irradiated vs nonirradiated). The irradiated group was further stratified into 2 groups by the timing of irradiation (immediate breast reconstruction followed by radiation vs prior radiation and delayed breast reconstruction). The primary outcomes were early and late breast complications, secondary and revision surgeries to the reconstructed breast, whereas the secondary outcomes were aesthetic and psychological evaluations of the patients. Logistic regression was used to assess the potential association between irradiation, patient and treatment variables, and surgical outcomes. RESULTS: Three hundred sixty patients with 370 reconstructed breasts were included in the study. Two hundred seventy-eight cases were nonirradiated, of which 158 were immediate and 120 were delayed. Ninety-two cases were irradiated, of which 61 were immediate, and 31 were delayed. Three hundred thirty-two cases underwent pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap, 38 had deep inferior epigastric perforator flap. The irradiated group had a significant increase in secondary surgery due to fat necrosis (P < 0.001) and in late complications (P = 0.011). A significant increase in flap contracture (P = 0.043) and an increasing trend in the severity of fat necrosis were observed when radiation was performed after breast reconstruction. However, radiation and its timing did not have an adverse impact on patients' aesthetic and psychological evaluations by the Breast-Q survey. CONCLUSIONS: Radiation administered to the reconstructed breast mound increased the rate of late complications and the need for secondary surgery with increased abdominal flap shrinkage and contracture and the severity of flap fat necrosis. Irradiation on the reconstructed breast did not lead to worse aesthetic outcomes due to the generally different expectation in the Chinese female patients in that they were more focused on the breast shape when clothed. Immediate breast reconstruction followed by irradiated was a generally successful treatment sequence in the Chinese module.

Fewer Revisions in Abdominal-based Free Flaps than Latissimus Dorsi Breast Reconstruction after Radiation.

The most commonly chosen flaps for delayed breast reconstruction after postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) are abdominal-based free flaps (ABFFs) and pedicled latissimus dorsi (LD) musculocutaneous flaps. The short-and long-term advantages and disadvantages of delayed ABFFs versus LD flaps after PMRT remain unclear. We hypothesized that after PMRT, ABFFs would result in fewer postoperative complications and a lower incidence of revision surgery than LD flaps. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively maintained database of consecutive patients who underwent unilateral, delayed breast reconstruction after PMRT using ABFFs or pedicled LD flaps with implants at the MD Anderson Cancer Center between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2011. We compared outcomes and additional surgeries required between the 2 groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression modeling analyzed the relationships between patient and reconstruction characteristics and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 139 consecutive patients' breast reconstructions were evaluated: 101 ABFFs (72.7%) versus 38 LDs (27.3%). Average follow-up was similar for ABFF and LD reconstructions. Although ABFF and LD reconstructions experienced similar rates of overall (30.7% vs 23.7%, respectively; P = 0.53), donor-site (8.91% vs 5.13%, respectively; P = 0.48), and flap (20.7% vs 17.9%, respectively; P = 0.37) complications, the LD reconstructions required more additional surgeries (92.1% vs 67.3%; P < 0.001). Furthermore, LDs required more revision surgeries more than 1 year after reconstruction (37.1% vs 14.7%; P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Although early complication rates were similar for both types of reconstructions, ABFFs seem to have the advantage of providing a more durable result that required fewer revision surgeries in the long term.

Decellularized skin/adipose tissue flap matrix for engineering vascularized composite soft tissue flaps.

Using a perfusion decellularization protocol, we developed a decellularized skin/adipose tissue flap (DSAF) comprising extracellular matrix (ECM) and intact vasculature. Our DSAF had a dominant vascular pedicle, microcirculatory vascularity, and a sensory nerve network and retained three-dimensional (3D) nanofibrous structures well. DSAF, which was composed of collagen and laminin with well-preserved growth factors (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor), was successfully repopulated with human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), which integrated with DSAF and formed 3D aggregates and vessel-like structures in vitro. We used microsurgery techniques to re-anastomose the recellularized DSAF into nude rats. In vivo, the engineered flap construct underwent neovascularization and constructive remodeling, which was characterized by the predominant infiltration of M2 macrophages and significant adipose tissue formation at 3months postoperatively. Our results indicate that DSAF co-cultured with hASCs and HUVECs is a promising platform for vascularized soft tissue flap engineering. This platform is not limited by the flap size, as the entire construct can be immediately perfused by the recellularized vascular network following simple re-integration into the host using conventional microsurgical techniques. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Significant soft tissue loss resulting from traumatic injury or tumor resection often requires surgical reconstruction using autologous soft tissue flaps. However, the limited availability of qualitative autologous flaps as well as the donor site morbidity significantly limits this approach. Engineered soft tissue flap grafts may offer a clinically relevant alternative to the autologous flap tissue. In this study, we engineered vascularized soft tissue free flap by using skin/adipose flap extracellular matrix scaffold (DSAF) in combination with multiple types of human cells. Following vascular reanastomosis in the recipient site, the engineered products successful regenerated large-scale fat tissue in vivo. This approach may provide a translatable platform for composite soft tissue free flap engineering for microsurgical reconstruction.

Obese Women Experience Fewer Complications after Oncoplastic Breast Repair following Partial Mastectomy Than after Immediate Total Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The authors hypothesized that obese patients would experience fewer complications after oncoplastic breast reconstruction following partial mastectomy than after immediate breast reconstruction following total mastectomy. METHODS: Complication rates were compared for oncoplastic breast reconstruction versus immediate breast reconstruction (with either implants or autologous tissue) in consecutive obese patients (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m(2)) treated at a single center between January of 2005 and April of 2013. Logistic regression was used to analyze the associations between patient and surgical characteristics and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: The study included 408 patients: 131 oncoplastic breast reconstruction and 277 immediate breast reconstruction patients. Presenting breast cancer stage was similar between the two groups. Oncoplastic breast reconstruction patients were older (55 years versus 53 years; p = 0.029), more obese (average body mass index, 37 kg/m(2) versus 35 kg/m(2); p < 0.001), and had more comorbidities. Nevertheless, the oncoplastic breast reconstruction group experienced fewer major complications requiring operative management (3.8 percent versus 28.5 percent; p < 0.001), fewer complications delaying adjuvant therapy (0.8 percent versus 14.4 percent; p < 0.001), and fewer incidences of hematoma/seroma formation (3.1 percent versus 11.6 percent; p < 0.004) than the immediate total breast reconstruction group. Univariate analysis found oncoplastic breast reconstruction to be an independent protector against major complications (OR, 0.1; p < 0.001) and complications that delayed adjuvant therapy (OR, 0.05; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Oncoplastic breast reconstruction likely represents a safer option than immediate total breast reconstruction following mastectomy for obese patients, particularly for patients who are superobese or present with preexisting medical comorbidities. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Development and Feasibility of a Specialty-Specific National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP): The Head and Neck-Reconstructive Surgery NSQIP.

IMPORTANCE: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) serves the need for continual quality assessment in general surgery. Previously, no parallel mechanism specific to head and neck oncologic surgery existed. OBJECTIVE: To address the need for continual quality assessment in subspecialty surgery by adapting the ACS NSQIP platform for complex head and neck oncologic surgical procedures. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: With an institutional ACS NSQIP team's guidance, surgeons from the departments of head and neck surgery and plastic and reconstructive surgery developed disease- and procedure-specific preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables specific to head and neck surgery requiring reconstruction. Collection occurred with 100% sampling and standard ACS NSQIP 30-day follow-up. After a pilot period, long-term functional outcomes were added to this platform. A total of 312 patients underwent head and neck surgery requiring reconstruction at an academic medical center between August 1, 2012, and June 30, 2013. EXPOSURES: Development of a specialty-specific head and neck surgery ACS NSQIP platform. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The feasibility of adapting the ACS NSQIP platform to capture complex head and neck surgery metrics in all patients. RESULTS: Head and neck surgery-specific preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were added to the ACS NSQIP platform and evaluated in 312 patients (201 [64.4%] male). Only 42 patients (13.5%) had no preoperative risk factors, and 136 (43.6%) had 3 or more risk factors. The mean (SD) duration of operation was 9.4 (3.0) hours (range, 1.7-19.3 hours). The mean (SD) postoperative length of stay was 7.9 (4.7) days (range, 1-40 days), 58 patients (18.6%) had an unplanned return to the operating room, 23 patients (7.4%) were readmitted within 30 days, and 3 patients (1.0%) died within 30 days. More than half of the patients (160 [51.3%]) did not experience a postoperative occurrence. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive complex oncologic surgery outcomes platform derived from ACS NSQIP methods. The initial pilot demonstrates the ability to systematically capture head and neck surgery-specific variables with complete sampling. With multi-institutional expansion, increased accrual, and long-term patient-reported outcomes, we hope to set risk-adjusted benchmarks that may underpin quality improvement efforts in complex head and neck surgery.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Risk Factors and Management of Impending Flap Loss in 2138 Breast Free Flaps.

Loss of a breast free flap is a relatively rare but catastrophic occurrence. Our study aims to identify risk factors for flap loss and to assess whether different salvage techniques affect flap salvage. We performed a retrospective review of all breast free flaps performed at a single institution from 2000 to 2010. Overall, 2138 flaps were performed in 1608 patients (unilateral, 1120 and bilateral, 488) with 44 flap losses (2.1%). Age, body mass index, smoking, radiation, chemotherapy, and surgeon experience did not affect flap loss. Abdominal flaps based on a single perforator were at significantly higher risk for flap loss compared with flaps based on multiple perforators (P = 0.0007). Subgroup analysis of the subset of 166 compromised free flaps (flaps requiring a return to the operating room, an intraoperative anastomotic revision, or loss/partial loss of a free flap) demonstrated deep inferior epigastric perforator, and other flaps (superficial inferior epigastric artery and superior gluteal artery perforator) were significantly associated with flap loss [odds ratio (OR) 5.20; P = 0.03 and OR 6.91; P = 0.0004, respectively] compared with transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous and muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps. Although an intraoperative complication was not associated with a flap loss, the need for a reoperation was strongly predictive (P < 0.0001). Flap salvage was the highest within the first 24 hours (83.7%) and significantly less between days 1 and 3 (38.6%; P < 0.0001) and beyond 4 days (29.4%; P < 0.0001). Longer ischemia time was significantly associated with flap loss (P = 0.04). Salvage techniques (aspirin, heparinzation, thrombectomy, and thrombolytic) had no impact on flap salvage rates. Heparinization and thrombolytics were associated with higher loss rates (OR 3.40; P = 0.003 and OR 10.36; P < 0.0001, respectively). Free flap loss following breast reconstruction is multifactorial with higher losses in superficial inferior epigastric artery and gluteal flaps, single-perforator abdominal flaps, and longer ischemia times. Salvage rates are most successful within the first 24 hours, and the use of heparinization, aspirin, and thrombolytics does not improve salvage rates.

Choosing the optimal timing for contralateral symmetry procedures after unilateral free flap breast reconstruction.

Achieving symmetry in unilateral free flap breast reconstruction often requires a contralateral procedure; however, no large studies exist that examine the factors related to revisions performed on the contralateral breast. The present study examines the relationship between revision and complication rate, and the type and timing of the contralateral procedure. Retrospective analysis was performed of all unilateral free flap breast reconstructions from January 2000 to December 2010 at a single academic institution. Overall, 1120 patients underwent unilateral free flap breast reconstruction with 558 (49.8%) patients undergoing a contralateral procedure, 154 (27.6%) immediate and 404 (72.4%) delayed. Contralateral procedures included 106 augmentations, 168 reductions, 240 mastopexies, and 37 augmentation-mastopexies. Revision of the symmetry procedure was performed in 114 (20.8%) patients. Augmentation and mastopexy were associated with significantly higher revision rates when performed immediately. The complication rate was higher in immediate contralateral procedures than delayed [15 (9.7%) vs 16 (4.0%), P = 0.01]. The average number of procedures per patient was significantly higher in delayed contralateral procedures than immediate (2.45 vs 1.84, P < 0.0005). In summary, approximately half of patients undergoing a unilateral free flap for breast reconstruction will also undergo a contralateral balancing procedure. Immediate contralateral augmentation and mastopexy carry a higher revision rate and consideration should be given to performing them in a staged fashion. There were no differences in the rate of revisions for breast reductions, and therefore, performance of simultaneous contralateral reduction is a reasonable option. Although complication rates were higher in the immediate cohort, overall "symmetry" was achieved in significantly fewer operations.

Demystifying the use of internal mammary vessels as recipient vessels in free flap breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The internal mammary vessels are commonly used as primary recipient vessels for free flap breast reconstruction. However, there is debate about the reliability of the left internal mammary vein. The authors explored the anatomy of the internal mammary vessels as revealed during free flap breast reconstruction to determine whether microvascular complications differed between the left and right sides. METHODS: All free flap breast reconstructions performed using internal mammary recipient vessels at the authors' institution between January of 2000 and December of 2010 were reviewed. The authors compared left and right breast reconstructions for internal mammary vessel diameters and microvascular complications, pedicle thrombosis, and total flap losses. RESULTS: Overall, 1773 free flap breast reconstructions were performed in 1336 patients using the internal mammary vessels: 899 unilateral and 437 bilateral. The left side was used in 904 cases and the right side in 869 cases. Although the mean sizes of the left and right internal mammary arteries (2.44 and 2.47 mm, respectively) did not differ significantly, the left vein was significantly smaller than the right vein (2.47 mm versus 2.93 mm; p = 0.038). The overall rate of venous thrombosis was significantly higher on the left than on the right (3.0 percent versus 2.3 percent; p = 0.028). The rates of flap loss in left and right breast reconstructions did not differ significantly (1.9 percent versus 2.2 percent). CONCLUSION: Although the left internal mammary vein is smaller than the right and is at higher risk for venous complications, it remains an acceptable recipient vessel for free flap breast reconstruction. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Comprehensive analysis of donor-site morbidity in abdominally based free flap breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of factors that might contribute to abdominal donor-site morbidity after abdominally based free flap breast reconstruction. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective analysis of all abdominally based free flap breast reconstructions performed from January of 2000 through December of 2010 at their institution. RESULTS: Overall, 89 of 1507 patients developed an abdominal bulge/hernia (unilateral: 57 of 1044; bilateral: 32 of 463). A unilateral transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap was significantly more likely to develop an abdominal bulge/hernia than was a muscle-sparing TRAM flap or a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap (9.9 percent versus 3.7 percent versus 5.9 percent; p = 0.004). However, there was no difference in the risk of developing an abdominal bulge/hernia between a muscle-sparing TRAM and a DIEP flap (p = 0.36). Patients who underwent bilateral reconstructions were 1.35 times more likely to develop an abdominal bulge/hernia than patients who underwent unilateral reconstruction, but the difference was not significant. Harvesting more fascia as occurs when both medial and lateral rows are used was significantly associated with need for mesh (p < 0.0001). Overall, placement of mesh for fascia closure reduced the odds of occurrence of bulge/hernia by 70 percent compared with primary fascia closure. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in the risk of developing abdominal bulge/hernia between bilateral versus unilateral breast reconstruction. For abdominally based free flap breast reconstruction, the extent of the fascia harvested, how it is repaired, and the amount of muscle preserved might play an important role in donor-site morbidity. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

The advantages of free abdominal-based flaps over implants for breast reconstruction in obese patients.

BACKGROUND: The authors hypothesized that, for obese patients, delayed abdominal-based free flap (rather than implant-based and immediate) breast reconstruction would result in fewer overall complications and reconstruction losses. METHODS: The authors retrospectively analyzed consecutive implant- and abdominal-based free flap breast reconstructions performed in obese patients between 2005 and 2010 by utilizing the World Health Organization obesity classifications: class I, 30.0 to 34.9 kg/m2; class II, 35.0 to 39.9 kg/m2; and class III, ≥40 kg/m2. Primary outcome measures included flap failures and overall complications. Logistic regression analysis identified associations among patient, defect, and reconstructive characteristics and surgical outcomes. RESULTS: The analysis included 990 breast reconstructions (548 flaps versus 442 implants) in 700 patients. Mean follow-up was 17 months. Age, smoking, medical illness, and body mass index greater than 37 predicted overall complications on regression analysis. Implants demonstrated a higher failure rate (15.8 percent) than flaps (1.5 percent). Although failure rates were similar for immediate and delayed flap reconstructions overall (1.3 versus 1.9 percent) and among obesity classifications, there was a trend toward more implant failures in immediate rather than delayed reconstructions (16.8 versus 5.3 percent). Differences between immediate implant versus flap reconstruction failure rates were highest among more obese patients [class II (24.7 versus 1.3 percent) and class III (25.4 versus 0 percent) compared with class I (11.7 versus 1.4 percent)]. CONCLUSIONS: Obese patients (particularly class II and III) experience higher failure rates with implant-based breast reconstruction, particularly immediate reconstruction. Free flap techniques or delayed implant reconstruction may be warranted in this population. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, II.