Technical Refinements and Outcomes Assessment in Prepectoral Pocket Conversion After Postmastectomy Radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Several studies show how submuscular breast reconstruction is linked to animation deformity, shoulder dysfunction, and increased postoperative chest pain, when compared to prepectoral breast reconstruction. In solving all these life-impairing side effects, prepectoral implant pocket conversion has shown encouraging results. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to propose a refinement of the prepectoral implant pocket conversion applied to previously irradiated patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study on 42 patients who underwent previous nipple- or skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate submuscular reconstruction, followed by radiotherapy. We performed fat grafting sessions as regenerative pretreatment. Six months after the last fat graft, we performed the conversion, with prepectoral placement of micropolyurethane foam-coated implants. We investigated the preconversion and postconversion differences in upper limb range of motion, Upper Extremity Functional Index, and patient satisfaction with the breast and physical well-being of the chest. RESULTS: We reported a resolution of animation deformity in 100% of cases. The range of motion and the Upper Extremity Functional Index scores were statistically improved after prepectoral implant pocket conversion. BREAST-Q scores for satisfaction with the breast and physical well-being of the chest were also improved. CONCLUSIONS: The refined prepectoral implant pocket conversion is a reliable technique for solving animation deformity and improving quality of life in patients previously treated with submuscular reconstruction and radiotherapy.

Prevention of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: An Up-to-Date Systematic Review of Different Surgical Approaches.

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) affects approximately 20% of women after breast cancer therapy. Advances in treatment have increased the life expectancy; thus, the prevalence of BCRL will continue to rise with the number of cancer survivors, hence the need to develop strategies to prevent this condition. We provide a systematic review of the literature on the primary prevention of BCRL by prophylactic lymphatic surgery (PLS). Between June and August 2022, we conducted a search of PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane. In the end, a total of eighteen papers were selected. The eleven studies without a control group reported only 15 of 342 patients who developed lymphedema at least six months after PLS (4.59%). The seven studies with a control group included 569 patients, 328 cases and 241 controls. Among the cases, 36 (10%) developed lymphedema. In contrast, the incidence of lymphedema in the controls was 40% (98 of 241 patients). The formulation of definite recommendations in favor of PLS is hindered by low-quality studies. There is no consensus on which technique should be preferred, nor on whether adjuvant radiotherapy might affect the efficacy of PLS. Randomized controlled trials are mandatory to conceive evidence-based recommendations.

A rare case of radiation-induced breast angiosarcoma: a case report.

We describe a rare case of a 77-year-old woman with radiation-induced breast angiosarcoma (RIAS) in whom radical surgery with negative margins determined that at 14-month of follow-up there is no evidence of either local or systemic recurrence without having to resort to adjuvant chemotherapy.

Autologous coverage for direct-to-implant pre-pectoral reconstruction in large and ptotic breasts: a new technique.

Direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction after skin reducing mastectomy in large and ptotic breast is characterized by a high rate of complication. The Dermal Sling is commonly used to give extra coverage to the lower pole of the mammary implant to lower the risk of implant exposure in case of wound dehiscence at the T-junction. The aim of the paper is to detail an original technique that combines an inferior dermal sling with pectoral and serratus fascial flaps, to create a pre-pectoral pouch. We retrospectively review the clinical data of the patients who underwent Type IV/V mastectomy and DTI breast reconstruction with the described technique. Minor and major post operative complications were analyzed. Patient satisfaction and aesthetic outcomes were evaluated at one year of follow-up through Breast-Q and Validated Aesthetic Scale. Ten patients (fourteen breasts) were included in the study. Skin and/or NAC necrosis occurred in three breasts. One patient underwent implant removal due to periprosthetic infection. At one of follow-up no capsular contracture nor migration of the implant were clinically detected in all patients. One patient had a visible rippling at the upper quadrants of the new breast. Good patient satisfaction and aesthetic outcomes were reported. The association of fascial flaps and dermal sling is a viable option for breast reconstruction in patients with large and ptotic breasts. Along with providing an autologous coverage for the implant, it allows to maintain a good projection, maximize symmetrization in case of concomitant contralateral reduction mammoplasty and avoid any implant displacement.