Exploring Variable Approaches in Complex Hernia Repair: A Comprehensive Literature Review.

Surgeons have long grappled with categorizing complex hernias, leading to varied interpretations and fluctuating incidence rates. Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction (CAWR) addresses repairs for large hernias, with defined factors including size, previous repairs, mesh placement, infections, and comorbidities. This review explores pivotal surgical techniques for complex hernia repair, starting with Preoperative Progressive Pneumoperitoneum (PPP) and progressing to innovative methods like Botulinum Toxin Type A. Mesh fixation, both open and laparoscopic, plays a crucial role, with synthetic and biological mesh options discussed. Hybrid techniques and the "sandwich" approach are proposed for intricate cases. Each technique presents advantages and limitations, emphasizing the ongoing quest for optimal outcomes.

Smooth versus Textured Tissue Expanders: Comparison of Outcomes and Complications in 536 Implants.

Background Increasing concerns regarding the safety of textured surface implants have resulted in surgeons transitioning from textured tissue expanders (TEs) to smooth TEs. Given this change has only recently occurred, this study evaluated outcomes between smooth and textured TEs. Methods Women who underwent two-stage breast reconstruction using TEs from 2013 to 2022 were included. TE-specific variables, perioperative information, pain scores, and complications were collected. Chi-squared, t -test, and linear regression analyses were performed. Results A total of 320 patients received a total of 384 textured and 152 smooth TEs. Note that 216 patients received bilateral reconstruction. TEs were removed in 9 cases. No significant differences existed between groups regarding comorbidities. Smooth TEs had a higher proportion of prepectoral placement ( p < 0.001). Smooth TEs had less fills (3 ± 1 vs. 4 ± 2, p < 0.001), shorter expansion periods (60 ± 44 vs. 90 ± 77 days, p < 0.001), smaller expander fill volumes (390 ± 168 vs. 478 ± 177 mL, p < 0.001), and shorter time to exchange (80 ± 43 vs. 104 ± 39 days, p < 0.001). Complication rates between textured and smooth TEs were comparable. Smooth TE had a greater proportion of TE replacements ( p = 0.030). On regression analysis, pain scores were more closely associated with age ( p = 0.018) and TE texture ( p = 0.046). Additional procedures at time of TE exchange ( p < 0.001) and textured TE ( p = 0.017) led to longer operative times. Conclusion As many surgeons have transitioned away from textured implants, our study shows that smooth TEs have similar outcomes to the textured alternatives.

Hydrogel based soft tissue expanders for orodental reconstruction.

Tension-free flap closure to prevent soft tissue dehiscence is a prerequisite for successful bone augmentation in orodental reconstructive surgery. Since soft tissue contour follows the underlying jaw bony architecture, resorption of alveolar (jaw) bone limits the availability of soft tissue for wound closure following major bone reconstruction, required to facilitate oral rehabilitation with endosseous dental implants following tooth loss. Although there are several clinical procedures to increase soft tissue volume, these techniques are complicated and technically demanding. Soft tissue expansion, an established technique in reconstructive surgery, is an ideal alternative to generate surplus soft tissue prior to bone augmentation and dental implant placement. Increase in tissue volume can be achieved by using soft tissue expanders (STEs). Contemporary STEs have evolved from silicone balloons to osmotically inflating hydrogel-based systems. Here, we provide an overview of STEs in clinical oral surgery, outline the current research in STEs, and an update on recent clinical trials as well as the associated complications. Also, the mechanism governing soft tissue expansion and the critical factors that control the expansion process are covered. Design considerations for STEs for intraoral applications are given particular attention. Finally, we present our perspectives on utilization of minimally invasive methods to administer STEs for orodental applications. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Soft tissue expansion is required for a range of reconstructive applications and more notably in regenerative dentistry for vertical bone augmentation. This review describes the commercially available soft tissue expanders along with the latest systems being currently developed. This review insightfully discusses the biological and physical mechanisms leading to soft tissue expansion and critically assesses the design criteria of soft tissue expanders. A particular focus is given on the development of a new generation of hydrogel-based soft tissue expanders; their chemistry and required physical properties for tissue expansion is described and the obstacles towards clinical translations are identified. Finally, the review elaborates on promising minimally invasive injectable hydrogel-based tissue expanders and highlights the beneficial features of these systems.

Dosimetric characterization of single- and dual-port temporary tissue expanders for postmastectomy radiotherapy using Monte Carlo methods.

Purpose: The aim of this work was two-fold: a) to assess two treatment planning strategies for accounting CT artifacts introduced by temporary tissue-expanders (TTEs); b) to evaluate the dosimetric impact of two commercially available and one novel TTE. Methods: The CT artifacts were managed using two strategies. 1) Identifying the metal in the RayStation treatment planning software (TPS) using image window-level adjustments, delineate a contour enclosing the artifact, and setting the density of the surrounding voxels to unity (RS1). 2) Registering a geometry template with dimensions and materials from the TTEs (RS2). Both strategies were compared for DermaSpan, AlloX2, and AlloX2-Pro TTEs using Collapsed Cone Convolution (CCC) in RayStation TPS, Monte Carlo simulations (MC) using TOPAS, and film measurements. Wax slab phantoms with metallic ports and breast phantoms with TTEs balloons were made and irradiated with a 6 MV AP beam and partial arc, respectively. Dose values along the AP direction calculated with CCC (RS2) and TOPAS (RS1 and RS2) were compared with film measurements. The impact in dose distributions was evaluated with RS2 by comparing TOPAS simulations with and without the metal port. Results: For the wax slab phantoms, the dose differences between RS1 and RS2 were 0.5% for DermaSpan and AlloX2 but 3% for AlloX2-Pro. From TOPAS simulations of RS2, the impact in dose distributions caused by the magnet attenuation was (6.4 ± 0.4) %, (4.9 ± 0.7)%, and (2.0 ± 0.9)% for DermaSpan, AlloX2, and AlloX2-Pro, respectively. With breast phantoms, maximum differences in DVH parameters between RS1 and RS2 were as follows. For AlloX2 at the posterior region: (2.1 ± 1.0)%, (1.9 ± 1.0)% and (1.4 ± 1.0)% for D1, D10, and average dose, respectively. For AlloX2-Pro at the anterior region (-1.0 ± 1.0)%, (-0.6 ± 1.0)% and (-0.6 ± 1.0)% for D1, D10 and average dose, respectively. The impact in D10 caused by the magnet was at most (5.5 ± 1.0)% and (-0.8 ± 1.0)% for AlloX2 and AlloX2-Pro, respectively. Conclusion: Two strategies for accounting for CT artifacts from three breast TTEs were assessed using CCC, MC, and film measurements. This study showed that the highest differences with respect to measurements occurred with RS1 and can be mitigated if a template with the actual port geometry and materials is used.

Successful Administration of Preoperative Botox for Giant Omphalocele Repair With Ultrasound Guidance.

We present a case of a four-year-old male with a history of giant omphalocele who underwent ultrasound-guided Botox injection to bilateral anterior abdominal wall musculature in preparation for definitive repair. Botox administration was successfully combined with preoperative subfascial tissue expanders to achieve definitive midline closure of the anterior abdominal wall defect. Our experience suggests that Botox can be safely used as part of the treatment plan for giant omphalocele repair.

Implant vs. autologous tissue-based breast reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the studies comparing surgical approaches in 55,455 patients.

BACKGROUND: The choice of reconstruction type is of utmost importance in treating breast cancer. There are two major reconstructive pathways in this group of patients: autologous breast reconstruction (ABR) and implant-based breast reconstruction (IBR). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess and compare IBR vs. ABR. METHODS: A review of studies reporting the differences between the procedures was performed. The MEDLINE/PubMed, ScienceDirect, EMBASE, BIOSIS, SciELO, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were thoroughly searched in September 2021. The data concerning group characteristics, BREAST-Q scores, complication rates, length of stay (LOS), and costs were extracted. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used for randomized studies, while Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment for Cohort Studies was used for other types of research. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis included 32 studies (n = 55,455). We observed significantly better outcomes following ABR when it comes to esthetic satisfaction (mean difference [MD] -8.51; 95% confidence interval [CI] -10.70, -6.33; p<0.001) and satisfaction with the entire reconstructive treatment (MD -6.56; 95% CI -9.97, -3.14; p<0.001). Both methods appeared to be comparable in terms of safety, while the complication rates varied insignificantly between the groups (odds ratio [OR] 1.06; 95% CI 0.71, 1.59; p = 0.76). ABR seems to be correlated with significantly higher costs (standard mean difference [SMD] -0.69; 95% CI -1.21, -0.17; p = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained from this evidence-based study will improve the understanding of the different clinical pathways that patients can be assigned to. The study emphasized the advantages and disadvantages of both methods.

Twenty-Hour-Hour Peri-Operative Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Tissue Expander Reconstruction: Our Ten-Year Institutional Experience.

Background: Infection is a common complication after tissue expander placement. Previously, we have demonstrated that a single dose of peri-operative antibiotic agents is sufficient to achieve an adequately low infection rate for implant exchange procedures. In this follow-up study, we evaluate the efficacy of a similar course of antibiotic prophylaxis regimen for tissue expander placement procedures. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent mastectomy and immediate tissue expander-based reconstruction from July 2011 to April 2021. The primary outcome was breast infection. Student t-test and χ2 tests were used to compare cohorts and complication rates. Multivariable regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for infection. Results: In a 10-year-period, 307 patients (529 breasts) underwent immediate tissue expander reconstruction. Infection occurred in 80 breasts (15.1%). There was no difference in infection rates across pre-pectoral, dual plane, or total submuscular approaches (p = 0.705). Once infection occurred, patients in the dual-plane cohort were more likely to be admitted for intravenous antibiotic treatment (p = 0.007). On multivariable regression analysis, mastectomy skin flap necrosis (p = 0.002), post-operative radiation therapy (p = 0.007), and active smoking (p = 0.007) were significant risk factors for subsequent infection. Conclusions: A short course of peri-operative antibiotic prophylaxis is sufficient for an adequately low infection rate. Mastectomy skin flap necrosis, post-operative radiation therapy, and active smoking placed patients at higher risk for infection. Our results advocate for the conservative use of antibiotic agents while achieving an adequate low infection rate.

Symmetry following unilateral two-stage prosthetic breast reconstruction: Is there an optimal time for managing the contralateral breast?

INTRODUCTION: Achieving breast symmetry following unilateral mastectomy remains a challenge. Contralateral procedures are usually necessary to achieve breast symmetry. Controversy exists regarding whether these symmetry procedures should be performed at the time of the initial reconstruction or on a delayed basis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 105 patients who had unilateral mastectomy, of which 55 had a simultaneous (immediate) contralateral symmetry procedure and 50 had a delayed contralateral symmetry procedure. Outcomes were compared and assessed for each cohort based on demographics, complications, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: The delayed cohort required more procedures (3.4 vs. 1.8, p < 0.0001) but shorter overall hospitalization length (2.8 vs. 4.1 days, p < 0.0001). The two cohorts experienced a similar rate of revision (38.3% vs. 49.3%, p = 0.17) The delayed cohort required a contralateral balancing procedure after completion of reconstruction more often than the immediate cohort (p = 0.021). Overall reconstruction-specific complication rates were similar in both cohorts. The 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), a validated questionnaire for quality-of-life assessment, was administered 3 months after surgery and demonstrated that both cohorts reported similar outcomes when comparing their satisfaction with treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate that immediate contralateral symmetry operations can be performed safely without increased morbidity. A new algorithm is presented.

Preventing infection after synthetic expander implantation in patients undergoing breast reconstruction.

Objectives: Breast reconstruction using synthetic materials has increased rapidly in Japan since July 2013, when national health insurance began covering the procedure. Although synthetic material-based reconstruction of other body parts has not resulted in wounds with complications, this significant advantage is overshadowed by a risk of complications, including infection, following breast reconstruction. We therefore reviewed breast-reconstruction patients who experienced infection after implantation of synthetic materials and the countermeasures we used to address the problem. Methods: From July 2013 through December 2019, our department performed primary breast reconstructions using tissue expanders (TEs) in 106 patients and secondary breast reconstructions in 39 patients. We retrospectively reviewed these 145 patients in terms of their age, body mass index, timing of the reconstruction, presence/absence of both chemotherapy and radiation therapy before and after surgery, presence/absence of postoperative wound complications, and presence/absence of atopic dermatitis. We then evaluated whether these factors put patients at risk for postoperative TE infection. Results: Among the 145 patients who underwent reconstruction with TE, 3 (2.0%) were diagnosed with a postoperative TE infection. Our review revealed that necrosis of the skin around the surgical wound (P=0.004) and atopic dermatitis (P=0.041) were risk factors for TE infection. Conclusions: Infection following breast reconstruction with synthetic materials is a serious complication. Thus, patients requiring this surgery deserve optimal perioperative management. For those with known risk factors, a more appropriate surgical approach-e.g., using autologous tissue instead of a synthetic material-could be considered.

Robustness of three external beam treatment techniques against inter-fractional positional variations of the metal port in breast tissue expanders.

INTRODUCTION: Temporary breast tissue expanders contain a metal port that varies in position throughout the course of radiation treatments. The purpose of this study was to quantify the robustness of the three most common external beam treatment techniques (tangential three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy [3DCRT], volumetric modulated arc therapy [VMAT], and helical tomotherapy) against our measured inter-fractional positional variations of the port. METHODS: For eight breast cases, a clinical plan was created for each of the three techniques. The dosimetric effect of our previously measured inter-fractional port errors was evaluated for two classes of error: internal port errors (IPEs) and patient registration errors (PREs). For both classes of error, daily variable and systematic errors were modeled, and their cumulative effects were compared against the originally planned doses. RESULTS: For systematic IPE, the 1%-99% range in point dose differences inside a 5-mm target abutting the implant was the highest for tangential 3DCRT, and it was within 6% and 9% when calculated with Monte Carlo and collapsed cone calculation engines, respectively. Daily variable PRE resulted in mean changes of -3.0% and -3.5% to V100%Rx of the target for VMAT and tomotherapy, respectively. For nearby organs, daily variable PRE resulted in changes to V20Gy of the ipsilateral lung of less than 2% in all three techniques, while V5Gy of the heart increased by as much as 6% in VMAT and 10% in tomotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: When IPEs were modeled, dose variability was the largest in tangential 3DCRT, leading to areas of underdosage in the shadow of the port. When PREs were modeled, the target coverage and nearby organs were affected the most in VMAT and helical tomotherapy. In reality, port positional errors result from a combination of IPE and PRE, suggesting that VMAT and tomotherapy are more robust when patient registration errors are minimized, despite the presence of IPE.

Can Tissue Expansion Reconstruction in the Trunk of Children Increase the Risk of Scoliosis?

INTRODUCTION: We hypothesize that treatment of significant truncal lesions with truncal tissue expanders and subsequent flap surgery in pediatric patients may increase the risk of scoliosis. This study aims to investigate any relationship between tissue expansion (TE) and scoliosis and to compare the prevalence of scoliosis in our tissue expander population to the general population. METHODS: Health records of patients who underwent truncal TE at BC Children's Hospital between 1997 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. The cross-sectional component of the study consisted of radiological imaging to establish the presence or absence of scoliosis. RESULTS: We identified 28 patients who underwent truncal TE over the study period. Ten had a scoliosis X-ray on their chart or as a part of the study. Three (10.7%) patients were identified as having developed scoliosis after TE. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that pediatric TE patients be made aware of the potential complication of scoliosis and be followed closely in the years during and after their treatment, in order to allow for preventative measures, early diagnosis and early management (if required).

INTRODUCTION: Les chercheurs postulent que le traitement d'importantes lésions du tronc par des expandeurs tissulaires suivi d'une opération par lambeau chez les patients pédiatriques peut accroître le risque de scoliose. La présente étude vise à explorer la relation entre l'expansion tissulaire (ET) et la scoliose et à comparer la prévalence de scoliose entre la population ayant subi une expansion tissulaire et la population générale. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Les chercheurs ont procédé à l'analyse prospective du dossier de santé des patients qui ont subi une ET du tronc au BC Children's Hospital entre 1997 et 2017. L'élément transversal de l'étude était constitué d'une imagerie radiologique pour établir la présence ou l'absence de scoliose. RÉSULTATS: Les chercheurs ont recensé 28 patients qui ont subi une ET du tronc pendant la période de l'étude. Dix avaient une radiographie de scoliose au dossier ou en cours d'étude. Trois (10,7 %) avaient eu une scoliose après l'ET. CONCLUSIONS: Les chercheurs recommandent d'informer les patients pédiatriques qui subissent une ET du tronc qu'ils courent un risque de complication de scoliose et de les suivre de près dans les années où se déroulent le traitement et qui le suivent, afin de favoriser des mesures préventives, des diagnostics précoces et une prise en charge rapide, s'il y a lieu.

Pectoral placement of tissue expanders affects inpatient opioid use.

Prepectoral breast reconstruction promises to minimize breast animation deformity and decrease pain associated with subpectoral dissection and tissue expansion. This latter benefit is particularly timely given the ongoing opioid epidemic; however, this theoretical benefit remains to be demonstrated clinically. As such, this study aimed to compare inpatient opioid use and prescription practices following prepectoral and subpectoral expander-based breast reconstruction. A retrospective review was performed of patients undergoing immediate tissue expander placement between January 2017 and April 2018. Medical records were reviewed for surgical details, 24-hour inpatient PRN opioid usage (oral morphine equivalents [OME]), and discharge prescriptions. Comparisons were made using chi-squared and student's t tests where appropriate. Two hundred and thirty-one patients were identified, (mean age 48.8 years), 222 of which met inclusion criteria. 89 underwent subpectoral and 133 prepectoral tissue expander placements. All but two subpectoral patients and two prepectoral patients were opioid-naïve. The rate of bilateral procedures did not differ between cohorts (P = .194). Overall, 94% of patients were discharged within 24 hours, and length of stay did not differ between cohorts (P = .0753). Two subpectoral and two prepectoral patients required prolonged admission due to postoperative pain. All patients were ordered standing acetaminophen, celecoxib, and gabapentin, and subpectoral patients cyclobenzaprine. Narcotic pain medication was offered on an "as needed" (PRN) basis. Opioid usage within the first 24-hours was halved in the prepectoral cohort (22.2 vs 44.5 OME, P = .0003), which was not associated with bi/unilaterality of procedure or the presence of any psychiatric conditions. The amount of opioids prescribed on discharge was not significantly different between cohorts (308.42 OME prepectoral vs 336.99 subpectoral, P = .3197). Prepectoral expander placement appears to be associated with decreased inpatient opioid use postoperatively. This may represent an opportunity to improve patient satisfaction and safety by decreasing outpatient opioid prescriptions.

Scarred scalp reconstruction with a rectangular expander.

Scalp reconstruction is challenging because the scalp is inelastic, stiff, and has hair follicles. Tissue expansion offers aesthetically pleasing outcomes with minimal donor-site morbidity. However, in a scarred scalp, the extent of possible dissection for the expander insertion may be limited and surgeons must make use of the limited scalp tissue. We successfully reconstructed scarred scalps using rectangular expanders. This report presents two cases: a 4× 3 cm chronic defect with widespread scarring and osteomyelitis and an 11× 7.5 cm scar tissue following a skin graft. Tissue expanders were inserted in the subgaleal plane and were inflated by 195 mL and 400 mL over periods of 2 and 3 months, respectively. Subgaleal elevation of a fasciocutaneous flap was achieved with the expanded tissue. The defects were well covered, with good color, texture, and hair-bearing tissue. There were no complications involving the tissue expanders. Rectangular expanders yield more available tissue than round or crescent-shaped expanders. Moreover, since the base of the flap is well defined, the expander can be easily inserted in a limited space. Therefore, rectangular expanders are recommended for the reconstruction of scarred scalps.

Improving plastic surgery resident education and quality of care with outcomes feedback using the surgery report card: An initial experience.

BACKGROUND: The practice of tracking and analyzing surgical outcomes is essential to becoming better surgeons. However, this feedback system is largely absent in residency training programs. Thus, we developed a Surgery Report Card (SRC) for residents performing tissue expander (TE)-based breast reconstruction and report our initial experience with its implementation. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis for TE-based breast reconstructions and compared outcomes to our retrospective cohort. The primary outcome was overall complications. The SRC compares patient and complication statistics for resident-led teams to the meta-analysis. RESULTS: The meta-analysis included 12 studies, with 2093 patients (2982 breasts) that underwent TE-based reconstruction. The pooled complication rate was 26.9%; infection was most common (8.3%); failure rate was 5.9%. Our cohort included 144 patients (245 breasts) among 13 resident-led teams. Overall complication rate was 31.8%; infections were most frequent (17.6%) and failure rate was 7.3%. Our cohort had significantly higher BMIs (29.7 vs 25.4, p<0.0001) more diabetics (6.9% vs. 3.2%, p = 0.02), and more patients receiving adjuvant radiation therapy (41.4 vs 26.3%, p<0.0001). Every 3 months, residents receive a customized SRC of their cases, with the meta-analysis used as a benchmark. A survey demonstrated the SRC made residents reconsider surgical technique and more conscientious surgeons, and would like it implemented for other procedures during residency. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of our SRC for TE-based breast reconstruction establishes a baseline for surgical performance comparison for residents, demonstrates that residents can safely perform the procedure, and allows for critiquing of surgical techniques to improve patient care.

Successful same day discharge after immediate post-mastectomy alloplastic breast reconstruction: A single tertiary centre retrospective audit.

BACKGROUND: Immediate Post-Mastectomy Alloplastic Breast Reconstruction (IPMABR) traditionally requires a post-operative overnight stay. Recent initiatives have identified same day discharge as a safe option. METHODS: A retrospective audit of all cases at a tertiary breast cancer centre was performed. Patients received surgery at a day care facility or regional hospital (RH). Unplanned admission was defined as any patient unable to be discharged or any patient returning to the emergency room within the first 24 h. Planned admission cases had a history of BMI >40, obstructive sleep apnoea or previous anaesthetic complications. Data were collected on planned same day discharge, unplanned admission and planned admission cases. Factors differentiating the groups were identified and variables predicting unplanned admission were determined. RESULTS: A total of 785 patients received IPMABR over a 5-year period of which 743 had satisfactory data sets for review. Greater than 96% of patients receiving care at the day care facility were successfully discharged. The success rate for same day discharge at the RH was 65%. We determined that the greatest variables determining successful planned discharge were shorter surgical time (67 min; SD 6 min; p<.01), shorter PACU time (130 min; SD 21 min; p<.01) and surgical institution (p<.01). This difference between institutions was significant when all other variables (age, co-morbidities, unilateral/bilateral and BMI) were controlled, indicating a strong institutional bias. There was no difference between groups in complication rates (infection, dehiscence, seroma and haematoma). CONCLUSION: Same day discharge following IPMABR is safe and greatly reduces resource use. It is imperative that members of the perioperative team understand the validity and benefits of the programme to ensure success and reduce unplanned admissions.

Repair of Ruptured Omphalocele Sac in the Neonatal Period and Beyond.

Conservative management of giant omphalocele in the neonate period is a known strategy to allow tissue growth aiding in anatomical closure. However, rupture of the covering sac is considered an absolute contraindication for continuing conservative management. We report a case where a ruptured sac of giant omphalocele was ingeniously sutured to restore its integrity, and conservative management continued. The giant omphalocele later became a huge ventral hernia and was gradually reduced and primary closure was achieved with multiple surgeries over a period of 4 years.

Magnitude and dosimetric impact of inter-fractional positional variations of the metal port of tissue expanders in postmastectomy patients treated with radiation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Postmastectomy breast reconstruction involves the insertion of a temporary tissue expander, which contains a metal injection port. The purpose of this study was to determine the magnitude and dosimetric impact of the inter-fractional positional variations of the port for patients treated with radiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For nine breast cases treated on Tomotherapy, the deviation of the port in the daily MVCT from its reference position was measured in the three cardinal directions. The dosimetric effects of the measured errors were evaluated for two classes of error: Internal Port Error (IPE) and Patient Registration Error (PRE). For each class, dose accumulation was done for daily measured errors and a systematic error. RESULTS: Inter-fractional positional errors of the port were small, with 87% of the deviations below 5 mm, but errors larger than 1.5 cm were observed. The cumulative effect of the daily measured and systematic IPE decreased target coverage by as much as 2.8% and 3.5%, respectively. The cumulative effect of the daily measured PRE decreased target coverage by an average of 3.5%. The cumulative effect of a systematic PRE significantly decreased target coverage by an average of 16%. CONCLUSION: The presence of IPE over the course of treatment had minimal clinical impact while PRE had a greater impact on clinically-relevant regions. The robustness of treatment delivery can be improved by assigning the port its appropriate density during planning despite contouring uncertainties due to metal artefacts, and by prioritizing anatomical alignment over port alignment during daily registration.

Reconstrucción mamaria inmediata con expansores tisulares / Immediate breast reconstruction with tissue expanders

RESUMEN Introducción: La reconstrucción mamaria postmastectomía es la forma habitual en nuestro país. En el Instituto de Oncología se realizan en la actualidad con sistematicidad de manera inmediata para disminuir el impacto psicológico de la mastectomía. Objetivo: Evaluar el comportamiento de la reconstrucción mamaria inmediata con el uso de expansores tisulares. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo y longitudinal, en pacientes ingresadas en el Instituto Nacional de Oncología y Radiología con criterios de reconstrucción mamaria inmediata con expansores tisulares, en el periodo comprendido entre octubre de 2015 a diciembre de 2018. El universo estuvo conformado por 51 paciente siendo la muestra 43. Resultados: Predominó la reconstrucción en mujeres entre 40 y 49 de color de la piel blanca. La mayoría con hábitos tóxicos de fumadoras. Se realizó como técnica quirúrgica la reconstrucción inmediata con expansión tisular, fue el más utilizado el anatómico. Las principales complicaciones estuvieron relacionadas con la radioterapia y hábitos tóxicos. Conclusiones: Todas las mujeres se reconstruyeron con expansor tisular, de forma inmediata, con bajo índice de complicaciones(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Postmastectomy breast reconstruction is the usual way in our country. At the Oncology Institute they are currently performed systematically immediately to lessen the psychological impact of mastectomy. Objective: To evaluate the behavior of immediate breast reconstruction with the use of tissue expanders. Methods: An observational, descriptive, retrospective and longitudinal study was carried out in patients admitted to the National Institute of Oncology and Radiology with criteria for immediate breast reconstruction with tissue expanders, in the period from October 2015 to December 2018. The universe it was made up of 51 patients, sample 43. Results: Reconstruction predominated in women between 40 and 49 of white skin color. Most with toxic smoking habits. Immediate reconstruction with tissue expansion was performed as a surgical technique, anatomical was the most used. The main complications were related to radiation therapy and toxic habits. Conclusions: All the women were reconstructed with a tissue expander, immediately, with a low rate of complications(AU)

Variables associated with length of stay in patients undergoing mastectomy and delayed-immediate breast reconstruction with tissue expander.

Delayed-immediate reconstruction with the placement of tissue expanders at the time of mastectomy is a common approach to breast reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to identify variables associated with increased LOS in patients that underwent bilateral or unilateral mastectomy with tissue expander placement. Bilateral procedure, a diagnosis of anxiety or depression, and age >55 years were independently associated with increased LOS. More recent year of surgery and Friday surgery were associated with decreased LOS.

Two-Stage Prosthetic Breast Reconstruction With Integrated Versus Remote Port Expanders: A Comparison of Complication Rates.

Background: Ever since their introduction, tissue expanders for breast reconstruction have undergone a gradual evolution from remote port expanders to the integrated port expanders commonly in use today. Integrated port expanders have been widely adopted because of their ease of use and reliability, and though the convenience of integrated port expanders over remote port expanders is clear, a side-by-side comparison of complications has not been performed. A same-surgeon, same-institution study was conducted comparing the complication rates of remote versus integrated tissue expanders. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of 107 patients who underwent breast reconstruction with tissue expanders. Remote tissue expanders were used in 21 consecutive patients (n = 42) and integrated port tissue expanders in 86 consecutive patients (n = 128). Patients who had received prior or concurrent breast irradiation were excluded from the study. Overall complications were compared, followed by complications that were broken down according to mechanical and infectious complications. Results: Fisher's exact test demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the rate of overall complications in remote port expanders compared with integrated port expanders (19% vs 7%; P = .024). Similarly, a statistically significant difference in the rate of mechanical complications between the 2 groups was found (7% in remote vs 0.8% in integrated, P = .047). When the rates of infectious complications were compared between the 2 groups, however (12% in remote vs 6% in integrated), no significant difference could be found (P = .312). Conclusion: In this retrospective review of prosthetic breast reconstructions, increased overall complications were observed with remote tissue expanders that were mainly mechanical in nature. The higher rate of infection observed in the remote port group was not statistically significant. Our study shows that remote port expanders do in fact have a higher complication rate than integrated port expanders. This should be taken into account when considering the use of remote port expanders in certain clinical scenarios.