Urinary bladder matrix versus dermal regeneration template for lower extremity wound coverage.

PURPOSE: To compare dermal regenerative template (DRT), with and without split-thickness skin-grafting (STSG), and urinary bladder matrix (UBM) for coverage of lower extremity wounds. METHODS: A retrospective review of 56 lower extremity wounds treated with either DRT and STSG (DRT-S) (n = 18), DRT only (n = 17), or UBM only (n = 21). Patient characteristics, comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) classification, injury characteristics, wound characteristics, use of negative pressure wound therapy, surgical details, postoperative care, and failure of primary wound coverage procedure were documented. RESULTS: The DRT group, compared to the DRT-S group, was older [median difference (MD) 17.4 years, 95% confidence interval (CI) 9.1-25.7; p = 0.0008], more diabetic (proportional difference (PD) 54.2%, CI 21.2-76.1%; p = 0.002), had smaller wounds (MD - 91.0 cm2, CI - 125.0 to - 38.0; p = 0.0008), more infected wounds (PD 49.0%, CI 16.1-71.7%; p = 0.009), a shorter length of stay after coverage (MD - 5.0 days, CI - 29.0 to - 1.0; p = 0.005), and no difference in primary wound coverage failure (41.2% vs. 55.6%; p = 0.50). The UBM group, compared to the DRT group, was younger (MD - 6.8 years; CI - 13.5 to - 0.1; p = 0.04), had fewer patients with an ASA > 2 (PD - 35.0%, CI - 55.2% to - 7.0%; p = 0.02), diabetes (PD - 49.2%, CI - 72.4% to - 17.6%; p = 0.003), and had no difference in primary wound coverage failure (36.4% vs. 41.2%; p = 1.0). Failure of primary wound coverage was found to only be associated with larger wound surface areas (MD 22.0 cm2, CI 4.0-90.0; p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: DRT and UBM coverage had similar rates of primary wound coverage failure for lower extremity wounds. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, Level III.

Management of Self-Inflicted Nonaccidental Amputations of the Upper Extremity: Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: Clinicians assessing patients with deliberate self-inflicted amputations face a problem of whether or not to replant. The objective of this study was to summarize the literature on this topic and provide recommendations regarding the acute management of patients following self-inflicted amputations in the upper extremity. METHODS: Two reviewers searched four databases using the keywords "Upper extremity," "Amputation," and "Self-Inflicted." The reviewers systematically screened and collected data on publications reporting cases of self-inflicted upper-extremity amputations. The findings then were summarized in a narrative fashion. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies were included. Twenty-nine cases of self-inflicted upper-extremity amputations were reported. There were 25 unilateral and four bilateral extremity amputations. Amputations were most commonly at the hand/wrist (18 patients) and forearm level (6 patients). The amputations were most commonly performed with a saw (9 patients) or a knife (8 patients). Reasons for amputation included psychosis (10 cases), suicide attempt (7 cases), depression (5 cases), and body integrity identity disorder (four cases). Fifteen replantations were performed; all were successful. Reasons for not pursuing replantation were related to injury factors (ie, multilevel injury, prolonged ischemia, damaged part) rather than patient-level factors. Two patients with replantable extremities declined replantation, both of whom had body integrity identity disorder. Of the patients who underwent replantation, none expressed regret. CONCLUSIONS: The literature shows that patients experiencing psychosis or depression committed self-harm during an acute psychiatric decompensation, and once medically and psychiatrically stabilized, expressed satisfaction with their replanted limb. Surgeons should not consider psychiatric decompensation a contraindication to replantation and should be aware of patients with body integrity identity disorder who consciously may elect to undergo revision amputation. When presented with patients experiencing psychiatric decompensation who refuse replantation/are not competent, surgeons should seek emergency assistance from the psychiatry team to determine the best management of a self-inflicted amputation. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapy/Prevention/Etiology/Harm V.

Is self-inflicted amputation to the upper extremity a contraindication to replantation?

PURPOSE: Contraindications to replantation include severe medical or psychiatric comorbidities. Recently, authors have suggested that due to the improving therapeutic options for patients with psychiatric decompensation, this should no longer be listed as a contraindication to replantation. Despite this, authors continue to list severe psychiatric comorbidities as a contraindication to replantation. This case series and review of the literature discusses this complex topic and provides recommendations regarding the management of patients following upper extremity self-inflicted amputations. METHODS: The authors present two cases of self-inflicted upper extremity amputations. The cases depict the acute management and the outcomes of these patients. The authors also reviewed the literature to present the available literature on this topic. RESULTS: The first case is a 64-year-old male who deliberately amputated his left hand with a table saw while suffering postictal psychosis. He underwent replantation. The patient was co-managed by the surgical and psychiatric team postoperatively. The patient expressed gratitude for his replantation after being treated for his psychoneurological condition. The second case is that of a 25-year-old male who deliberately amputated his left forearm using a Samurai sword. The patient's limb was successfully replanted. In the post-anesthesia care unit, the patient experienced extreme agitation, and during this event, he reinjured the left forearm. He was again taken urgently to the operating room to revise the replantation. Once psychiatrically stabilized, the patient was thankful for the care he received. CONCLUSION: The management of upper extremity self-inflicted amputations is controversial and difficult to establish as this presentation is rare. We present two cases which illustrate some of the nuances in the care of these patients. Our review suggests that psychiatric diagnosis be viewed as a comorbidity and not a contraindication to replantation. Thus, an informed consent discussion should be performed with the patients and, as needed, a member of the psychiatric team in order to decide whether to replant or not.

Evidence-based postoperative replantation protocols.

Postoperative care is essential to upper extremity replantation success and includes careful and frequent monitoring of the replanted part. During this period, pharmacologic agents such as antithrombotic and anticoagulants may prevent complications such as arterial thrombosis and venous congestion. Dressings and therapy can also impact short- and long-term outcomes following replantation. This article reviews the literature to provide guidance for postoperative protocols following upper extremity replantation.

Longitudinal Study of Psychosocial Outcomes Following Surgery in Women with Unilateral Nonhereditary Breast Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Rates of bilateral mastectomy are rising in women with unilateral, nonhereditary breast cancer. We aim to characterize how psychosocial outcomes evolve after breast cancer surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective cohort study of women with unilateral, sporadic stage 0-III breast cancer at University Health Network in Toronto, Canada between 2014 and 2017. Women completed validated psychosocial questionnaires (BREAST-Q, Impact of Event Scale, Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale) preoperatively, and at 6 and 12 months following surgery. Change in psychosocial scores was assessed between surgical groups using linear mixed models, controlling for age, stage, and adjuvant treatments. P < .05 were significant. RESULTS: A total of 475 women underwent unilateral lumpectomy (42.5%), unilateral mastectomy (38.3%), and bilateral mastectomy (19.2%). There was a significant interaction (P < .0001) between procedure and time for breast satisfaction, psychosocial and physical well-being. Women having unilateral lumpectomy had higher breast satisfaction and psychosocial well-being scores at 6 and 12 months after surgery compared with either unilateral or bilateral mastectomy, with no difference between the latter two groups. Physical well-being declined in all groups over time; scores were not better in women having bilateral mastectomy. While sexual well-being scores remained stable in the unilateral lumpectomy group, scores declined similarly in both unilateral and bilateral mastectomy groups over time. Cancer-related distress, anxiety, and depression scores declined significantly after surgery, regardless of surgical procedure (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Psychosocial outcomes are not improved with contralateral prophylactic mastectomy in women with unilateral breast cancer. Our data may inform women considering contralateral prophylactic mastectomy.

Assessing New Technologies in Surgery: Case Example of Acute Primary Repair of the Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament.

PURPOSE: Health technology assessment provides a means to assess the technical properties, safety, efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and ethical/legal/social impact of a novel technology. An important component of health technology assessment is the cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA), which can be performed using model-based CEA. This study used the CEA model to compare the cost-effectiveness of a novel ligament augmentation device with the standard technique for primary repair of complete ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears. METHODS: A model was developed for complete UCL tear requiring acute surgical repair, comparing the cost-effectiveness of standard technique primary repair and repair using a ligament augmentation device from a societal perspective. Primary outcomes included quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), cost, net monetary benefit (NMB) and incremental NMB. A cost-effectiveness threshold of CAD $50,000/QALY was used to compare the 2 techniques. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the parameter uncertainty, specifically the impact of device cost, time off work, probability of complication, and postoperative outcome. RESULTS: The NMB for the standard technique was CAD $42,598, and the NMB for repair using the ligament augmentation device was CAD $41,818. The standard technique was the preferred strategy for primary repair of complete UCL tears. One-way sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the ligament augmentation device became cost-effective if individuals return to work in <18 days (base case 23 days). The device was also favored when the cost was less than CAD $50 and the difference in time to return to work was at least 1 day. CONCLUSIONS: Our model demonstrates that there may be significant costs associated with the introduction of novel health technologies, and certain conditions, such as an earlier return to work, must be met for some devices to be a cost-effective option. This study provides an example of how model-based CEA is a useful tool to assess the cost-effectiveness of a novel device. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Economic/Decision Analysis II.

How Ineffective Interprofessional Collaboration Affects Delivery of Breast Reconstruction to Breast Cancer Patients: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the benefits of breast reconstruction (BR), health care professionals do not consistently integrate it as an option in the treatment of breast cancer patients. Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) amongst professionals may facilitate the elaboration of comprehensive oncological treatment plans. As the application of IPC in the delivery of BR has not yet been studied, we undertook a qualitative study to explore the perceptions of physicians and administrators on IPC in breast cancer care and how these impact BR delivery. METHODS: Interviews were conducted with 30 participants (22 physicians and 8 administrators). Physician interviews focused on their personal beliefs and values regarding BR, while administrator interviews explored their institutional treatment regimens as well as the availability of a BR program. Our thematic analysis was informed by the Canadian Interprofessional Health Collaborative (CIHC) competency framework. RESULTS: IPC challenges were thought by participants to affect the delivery of BR. At the physician level, a lack of role clarity as well as the absence of an explicitly established leader negatively influence collaboration in BR delivery. In addition, varying views on the usefulness of BR and on the role of plastic surgeons in breast oncological teams discourage positive collaboration, rendering the delivery of BR more difficult. CONCLUSIONS: The delivery of BR is overall impaired due to a lack of effective IPC. IPC could be improved through clarifying physician roles, establishing clear leadership, and aligning viewpoints on quality oncological care in collaborative teams; ultimately, this may promote equitable BR delivery for breast cancer patients.

Extremity Mobilization After Split-Thickness Skin Graft Application: A Survey of Current Burn Surgeon Practices.

PURPOSE: To determine the current postoperative mobilization care practice patterns of burn surgeons after split-thickness skin grafting and to assess potential inconsistencies in management strategies. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of active burn surgeons was conducted with an online questionnaire (SurveyMonkey) comprising 7 demographic and 22 mobilization-related questions. RESULTS: Seventy-three (22%) of the 337 members of the American Burn Association mailing list consented to participate in the study, of whom 71 completed the demographic questions and 59 completed the mobilization-related questions. The majority of respondents had more than 10 years of burn care experience (68%) and practiced in an American Burn Association-verified center (70%). Standardized postoperative autograft mobilization protocols were used by 68% of respondents. Most (66%) never or rarely immobilized the upper extremity without joint involvement. When the elbow or wrist was involved, 73% always or very often immobilized. Similarly, 63% never or rarely immobilized the lower extremity without joint involvement. Most immobilized when the knee (70%) or ankle (63%) was involved. Immobilization duration was most commonly 3 or 5 days. Most respondents (71%) reported following Nedelec and colleagues' recommendation that "early postoperative ambulation protocol should be initiated immediately after lower extremity grafting," although there was practice variability. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal that the majority of survey respondents do not immobilize the extremities after autograft without joint involvement. When grafts cross major joints, most surgeons immobilize for 3 or 5 days. Despite some practice variability, surveyed burn surgeons' current lower extremity ambulation practices generally align with the 2012 guidelines of Nedelec et al.

Effect of vasopressor use on digit survival after replantation and revascularization-A large retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Despite the common use of intraoperative vasopressors in hand microsurgery, the association between intraoperative vasopressor use and digital replant failure has not yet been examined. Our study aims to examine the association between intraoperative vasopressor use (phenylephrine and/or ephedrine) and postoperative digital failure of replanted or revascularized digits. METHODS: All patients from a single tertiary hand center who underwent unilateral digital replantation or revascularization procedures between 2005 and 2016 were included in this retrospective cohort study. The relationship between intraoperative vasopressors used to maintain hemodynamic stability and digit failure was then evaluated using logistic regression. Specifically, phenylephrine (total dose 10-3,600 mcg) and ephedrine (5-110 mg) use were evaluated. RESULTS: During the study period, 281 patients underwent digital replantation or revascularization. Of those, 86 (31%) were given an intraoperative vasopressor. Digit failure was more likely in patients with crush or avulsion injuries compared to clean-cut mechanism (odds ratio [OR] 2.02, p = .02), and in patients with replantation (OR 7.85, p < .0001) as compared to revascularization procedures. Using multivariate logistic regression adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, comorbidities, number of digits injured, injury type, and procedure type, the odds of digital failure with vasopressor use were not increased (p = .84). When evaluating vasopressors used after tourniquet deflation, failure increased with ephedrine use (OR = 2.42, p = .0496) and phenylephrine use (OR = 2.21, p = .31). CONCLUSIONS: The use of vasopressors was not associated with failure if administration of vasopressors was before tourniquet deflation. The administration of vasopressors after tourniquet deflation should be cautioned.

Pregnancy and parental leave among plastic surgery residents in Canada: a nationwide survey of attitudes and experiences.

SUMMARY: Small surgical residency programs like plastic surgery can be challenging environments to accommodate parental leave. This study aimed to report the experiences, attitudes and perceived support of Canadian plastic surgery residents, recent graduates and staff surgeons with respect to pregnancy and parenting during training. Residents and staff surgeons were invited via email to participate in an online survey. The results presented here explore experiences of pregnancy and parental leave of current plastic surgery residents and staff surgeons. Residents' and staff surgeons' perceptions of program director support, policies, negative comments and the impact of parental leave on the workload of others were also explored. Although the findings suggest that there may be improvements in the support of program directors, there continues to be a negative attitude in surgical culture toward pregnancy during residency. The perceived confusion of respondents with respect to programspecific policies emphasizes the need for open conversations and standardization of parental leave.

Predictors of uptake of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy in women with nonhereditary breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The rates of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) are increasing in women with breast cancer. Previous retrospective research has examined clinical and demographic predictors of the uptake of CPM. However, to the authors' knowledge, there has been very little prospective research to date that has examined psychosocial functioning prior to breast cancer surgery to determine whether psychosocial functioning predicts uptake of CPM. The current study was conducted to evaluate demographic, clinical, and psychosocial predictors of the uptake of CPM in women with unilateral breast cancer without a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. METHODS: Women with unilateral non-BRCA-associated breast cancer completed questionnaires prior to undergoing breast cancer surgery. Participants completed demographic and psychosocial questionnaires assessing anxiety, depression, cancer-related distress, optimism/pessimism, breast satisfaction, and quality of life. Pathological and surgical data were collected from medical charts. RESULTS: A total of 506 women consented to participate, 112 of whom (22.1%) elected to undergo CPM. Age was found to be a significant predictor of CPM, with younger women found to be significantly more likely to undergo CPM compared with older women (P < .0001). The rate of CPM was significantly higher in women with noninvasive breast cancer compared with those with invasive breast cancer (P < .0001). Women who elected to undergo CPM had lower levels of presurgical breast satisfaction (P = .01) and optimism (P = .05) compared with women who did not undergo CPM. CONCLUSIONS: Psychosocial functioning at the time of breast cancer surgery decision making impacts decisions related to CPM. Women who have lower levels of breast satisfaction (body image) and optimism are more likely to elect to undergo CPM. It is important for health care providers to take psychosocial functioning into consideration when discussing surgical options.

Psychosocial Functioning in Women with Early Breast Cancer Treated with Breast Surgery With or Without Immediate Breast Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: To compare psychosocial function outcomes in early breast cancer patients treated with breast-conserving surgery (BCS), mastectomy alone (MA), and mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) at 1 year after surgery. METHODS: Early-stage (stage 0-2) breast cancer patients treated with BCS, MA, and IBR at the University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada between May 1 2015 and July 31 2016 were prospectively enrolled. Their changes in psychosocial functioning from baseline to 12 months following surgery were compared by using the BREAST-Q, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Impact of Event Scale with ANOVA and linear regression. RESULTS: There were 303 early-stage breast cancer patients: 155 underwent BCS, 78 MA, and 70 IBR. After multivariable regression accounting for age, baseline score, income, education, receipt of chemoradiation or hormonal therapy, ethnicity, cancer stage, and unilateral versus bilateral surgery, breast satisfaction was highest in BCS (72.1, SD 19.6), followed by IBR (60.0, SD 18.0), and MA (49.9, SD 78.0) at 12 months, p < 0.001. Immediate breast reconstruction had similar psychosocial well-being (69.9, SD 20.6) compared with BCS (78.5, SD 20.6), p = 0.07. Sexual and chest physical well-being were similar between IBR, BCS, and MA, p > 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found that in a multidisciplinary breast cancer centre where all three breast ablative and reconstruction options are available to early breast cancer patients, either BCS or IBR can be used to provide patients with a higher degree of satisfaction and psychosocial well-being compared with MA in the long-term.

Role of Postoperative Anticoagulation in Predicting Digit Replantation and Revascularization Failure: A Propensity-matched Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: The use of intravenous heparin after digit replantation or revascularization (DRR) varies greatly. The insufficient evidence presents a lack of clinical equipoise needed for a randomized trial; as such, a matched propensity score analysis was performed to evaluate the role of postoperative anticoagulation after DRR. The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of postoperative therapeutic anticoagulation reduced the risk of digit failure. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of patients who underwent DRR from 2005 to 2016 was identified. A propensity score was calculated based on age, smoking, injury mechanism, procedure type, vein graft, and number of digits injured. Patients were matched 1:2 by propensity score to create 2 groups with similar risks of receiving anticoagulation postoperatively. Generalized estimating equation logistic model was used to determine differences in digit failure between groups. RESULTS: Digit replantation or revascularization was performed on 282 patients (92% male; median age, 43 years). Postoperative anticoagulation was administered in 69 (24%) patients, with continuous IV heparin in 34 patients and intravenous heparin with dextran in 35 patients. Digit failure occurred in 88 patients overall, representing 38% of patients receiving anticoagulation and 29% of those not. Major complications were higher among the anticoagulated patients (13% vs 3.3%). After propensity score matching, use of anticoagulation was not associated with digit failure (odds ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.47-1.32). CONCLUSIONS: Among DRR patients with similar predisposing characteristics for postoperative therapeutic heparin or dextran, the use of therapeutic anticoagulation does not have a protective effect against digit failure. Studies are needed to define the role of postoperative IV anticoagulation in DRR and to justify the risk of its administration.

Factors That Affect Medical Students' Perception and Impression of a Plastic Surgery Program: The Role of Elective Rotations and Interviews.

OBJECTIVE: Securing a residency training position in plastic surgery is highly competitive each year with a limited quota of positions and numerous qualified applicants. Although previous studies have highlighted the importance of residency programs and applicants seeking a "good fit," it remains poorly understood what influences a medical student's impression and desire to train at a certain program over others. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to identify which specific potentially modifiable factors during elective rotations and program interviews were most important to Canadian medical students when ranking plastic surgery programs. METHODS: An electronic survey with 42 questions was administered to Canadian final year medical students who applied through the 2017 Canadian Residency Match Service to the plastic surgery training program at the University of Toronto. The survey consisted of 7-point Likert scale questions related to demographics, general factors affecting impression of a plastic surgery program, and specific factors related to the elective and interview experiences. Survey responses were collected anonymously for analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-three of 46 applicants completed the survey (50% response rate). The most important general factors affecting a medical student's impression and desire to train at a residency program were mentors at a specific program (weighted average, 6.39) and geographic location of a program (weighted average, 5.65). During elective rotations, the most important factors identified were overall impression of resident and staff collegiality (weighted average, 6.57), overall impression of resident happiness (weighted average, 6.52), and having a formal rotation-end debrief evaluation with the supervising staff (weighted average, 6.04). At program interviews, perceiving an atmosphere of collegiality (weighted average, 6.45) and opportunities to interact with residents and faculty at an organized social event (weighted average, 5.95) were considered of greatest importance. CONCLUSIONS: Current applicants to plastic surgery in Canada prioritize resident happiness, program collegiality, and meaningful faculty relationships, such as those with a mentor, when ranking residency programs. Although finding a mutually "good fit" between applicant and program will remain a major aim, these findings indicate the importance of certain tangible, potentially modifiable factors that affect how medical students ultimately perceive and rank plastic surgery programs.

Comparison of Distraction Osteogenesis and Single-Stage Remodeling for Correction of Unilateral Coronal Craniosynostosis.

BACKGROUND: Unilateral coronal craniosynostosis is a challenging condition in craniofacial surgery. Frontoorbital advancement by single-stage resorbable remodeling and distraction osteogenesis (DO) techniques have known intraoperative differences, but their comparative outcomes are less well characterized. METHODS: A systematic literature search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and Web of Science databases was conducted. The search was performed using terms related to craniosynostosis and its operative management. The primary outcome of interest was the Whitaker classification. Secondary outcomes included cranial volume or cranial index change, and infection and reoperation rates. RESULTS: A total of 6978 eligible articles were identified of which 26 met inclusion criteria. A total of 292 patients were included in the studies, with 223 undergoing a single-stage remodeling procedure (76.4%) and 69 DO procedures (23.6%). There was a trend toward patients with DO having better Whitaker aesthetic outcomes. Only 2 studies reported volumetric changes. There was a substantial difference in planned and unplanned reoperation rates but not in infection rates. CONCLUSION: The results of this systematic review suggest that the techniques have similar outcomes and complications, although there was a trend toward better Whitaker outcomes with DO procedures. Inherent to the DO technique is the need for multiple operations to both insert and remove internal hardware which may affect the overall cost effectiveness.

A Case of Posterior Tibial Nerve Injury After Arthroscopic Calcaneoplasty.

We report the first case of distal posterior tibial nerve injury after arthroscopic calcaneoplasty. A 59-year-old male had undergone right arthroscopic calcaneoplasty to treat retrocalcaneal bursitis secondary to a Haglund's deformity. The patient complained of numbness in his right foot immediately after the procedure. Two years later and after numerous assessments and investigations, a lateral plantar nerve and medial calcaneal nerve lesion was diagnosed. In the operating room, the presence of an iatrogenic lesion to the distal right lateral plantar nerve (neuroma incontinuity involving 20% of the nerve) and the medial calcaneal nerve (complete avulsion) was confirmed. The tarsal tunnel was decompressed, and both the medial and the lateral plantar nerve were neurolyzed under magnification. To the best of our knowledge, our case report is the first to describe iatrogenic posterior tibial nerve injury after arthroscopic calcaneoplasty. It is significant because this complication can hopefully be avoided in the future with careful planning and creation of arthroscopic ports and treated appropriately with early referral to a nerve specialist if the patient's symptoms do not improve within 3 months.

Patient Outcomes after Fat Grafting to the Radiated Chest Wall before Delayed Two-stage Alloplastic Breast Reconstruction.

Two-stage alloplastic breast reconstruction in patients having received mastectomy and radiation is associated with a high rate of complications. Fat grafting has been shown to mitigate the effects of radiation on the chest wall to allow for alloplastic reconstruction. In this study, we assess the outcomes (after a mean follow-up of 28 months), including complications and revisional procedures, of women who had fat grafting to the radiated chest wall before two-stage implant-based breast reconstruction. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on consecutive patients seeking delayed implant-based reconstruction after simple mastectomy and postmastectomy radiation therapy between 2011 and 2015. All patients underwent two sessions of fat grafting to the radiated chest wall before inserting a tissue expander and subsequent exchange to a silicone implant. Results: Twenty patients were included in the study. No reconstructive failures were recorded. The short-term complication rate was 5%, with one hematoma leading to a revisional procedure. The mean follow-up after reconstruction was 28 months. During follow-up, two patients (10%) developed capsular contracture grade IV with implant malposition, leading to capsular revision and implant exchange. Four patients (20%) underwent additional fat grafting for contour deformities. Conclusions: Fat grafting before two-stage alloplastic breast reconstruction in patients treated with mastectomy and postmastectomy radiation therapy may provide an alternate method of alloplastic reconstruction in a select group of patients who are not suitable for autogenous reconstruction. Follow-up data show that additional surgery may be required for correction of implant malposition and capsular contracture.

The Versatility of Lateral Chest Wall Perforator Flaps in Immediate and Delayed Breast Reconstruction: Retrospective Study of Clinical Experience with 26 Patients.

Rationale: Lateral chest flaps represent versatile reconstructive options, especially valuable in times of global healthcare resource restriction. In this series, we present our experience with the use of lateral chest wall flaps in both immediate and delayed reconstruction from both breast conserving and mastectomy surgery. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients who had undergone a lateral chest wall flap for immediate or delayed breast reconstruction of a lumpectomy or mastectomy defect was performed. Data collected consisted of patient demographics, procedure type, tumor/oncological characteristics, as well as postoperative complications. Findings: Between September 2015 and April 2021, 26 patients underwent breast reconstruction using a lateral chest wall flap. Fifteen patients (58%) underwent immediate reconstruction (9 lumpectomy; 6 mastectomy) and 11 (42%) underwent delayed breast reconstruction. All flaps survived, though 1 patient required partial flap debridement following venous compromise hours after surgery. There were no incidences of hematoma, seroma, infection, or wound healing delay at either the donor site or breast. There was one positive margin which occurred in a mastectomy patient. Significance: This study describes the use of lateral chest wall flaps in a wide variety of reconstructive breast surgery scenarios. This technique can be safely performed in an outpatient setting and does not require microvascular techniques. Review of our outcomes and complications demonstrate that this is a safe and effective option. Our experience is that this is an easy to learn, versatile flap that could be a valuable addition to the surgeon's arsenal in breast reconstruction.

Justification: Les lambeaux thoraciques latéraux constituent une option de reconstruction polyvalente, particulièrement utile par des temps de restriction globale des ressources en soins de santé. Dans cette série, nous présentons notre expérience de l'utilisation du volet latéral de paroi thoracique aussi bien en cas de reconstruction immédiate que différée pour les chirurgies de conservation du sein et pour les mastectomies. Méthodes: Une étude de cohorte rétrospective de patientes ayant subi un lambeau latéral de la paroi thoracique pour reconstruction immédiate ou différée du sein pour lumpectomie ou mastectomie a été réalisée. Les données collectées ont inclus les caractéristiques démographiques des patientes, le type de procédure, les caractéristiques de la tumeur/oncologiques ainsi que les complications postopératoires. Résultats: Entre septembre 2015 et avril 2021, vingt-six patientes ont subi une reconstruction du sein avec lambeau latéral de la paroi thoracique. Quinze patientes (58%) ont eu une reconstruction immédiate (9 lumpectomies, 6 mastectomies) et onze (42%) ont eu une reconstruction différée du sein. Tous les lambeaux ont survécu bien qu'une patiente ait nécessité un débridement partiel du lambeau après un trouble veineux, quelques heures après l'intervention chirurgicale. Il n'y a pas eu de survenue d'hématome, de sérome, d'infection ou de retard de cicatrisation au niveau du site donneur ou du sein. Des marges positives sont survenues chez une patiente mastectomisée. Signification: Cette étude décrit l'utilisation de lambeaux latéraux de la paroi thoracique dans une grande variété de scénarios de chirurgie mammaire reconstructrice. Cette technique peut être employée de manière sécuritaire dans un cadre ambulatoire et ne nécessite pas de recours à des techniques microvasculaires. L'analyse de nos résultats et des complications démontre qu'il s'agit d'une option sécuritaire et efficace. Selon notre expérience, cette technique est facile à apprendre; le lambeau polyvalent pourrait être un supplément intéressant dans l'arsenal du chirurgien pour la reconstruction mammaire. Mots-clés: reconstruction mammaire, lambeau, perforateur, oncoplastique, chirurgie de conservation mammaire, mastectomie.