Lymphedema Rates Following Axillary Lymph Node Dissection With and Without Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction: A Prospective Trial.

BACKGROUND: Immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR) has been proposed to decrease lymphedema rates. The primary aim of our study was to determine whether ILR decreased the incidence of lymphedema in patients undergoing axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). METHODS: We conducted a two-site pragmatic study of ALND with or without ILR, employing surgeon-level cohort assignment, based on breast surgeons' preferred standard practice. Lymphedema was assessed by limb volume measurements, patient self-reporting, provider documentation, and International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes. RESULTS: Overall, 230 patients with breast cancer were enrolled; on an intention-to-treat basis, 99 underwent ALND and 131 underwent ALND with ILR. Of the 131 patients preoperatively planned for ILR, 115 (87.8%) underwent ILR; 72 (62.6%) were performed by one breast surgical oncologist and 43 (37.4%) by fellowship-trained microvascular plastic surgeons. ILR was associated with an increased risk of lymphedema when defined as ≥10% limb volume change on univariable analysis, but not on multivariable analysis, after propensity score adjustment. We did not find a statistically significant difference in limb volume measurements between the two cohorts when including subclinical lymphedema (≥5% inter-limb volume change), nor did we see a difference in grade between the two cohorts on an intent-to-treat or treatment received basis. For all patients, considering ascertainment strategies of patient self-reporting, provider documentation, and ICD-10 codes, as a single binary outcome measure, there was no significant difference in lymphedema rates between those undergoing ILR or not. CONCLUSION: We found no significant difference in lymphedema rates between patients undergoing ALND with or without ILR.

Post-mastectomy Breast Reconstruction With Gas vs Saline Tissue Expanders: Does the Fill Type Matter?

The most common reconstruction technique following mastectomy is a 2-stage technique that involves tissue expansion followed by definitive implant-based reconstruction (IBR). Tissue expanders (TEs) have classically used saline for initial fill; however, TEs with an initial gas fill (GTE)-including the CO2-based AeroForm (AirXpanders, San Francisco, CA) TE and TEs initially filled with atmospheric air-have been increasingly used in the past decade. We aimed to compare the outcomes in breast reconstruction for tissue expanders initially filled with saline vs gas. PubMed was queried for studies comparing gas- and saline-filled tissue expanders (STEs) used in IBR. A meta-analysis was performed on major postoperative outcomes and the required expansion and definitive reconstruction time. Eleven studies were selected and included in the analysis. No significant differences existed between tissue expansion with GTEs vs STEs for 11 of the 13 postoperative outcomes investigated. Out of the complications investigated, only the risk of infection/cellulitis/abscess formation was significantly lower in the GTE cohort (odds ratio 0.62; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.82; P = .0009). The time to definitive reconstruction was also significantly lower in the GTE cohort (mean difference [MD], 45.85 days; 95% CI, -57.80 to -33.90; P < .00001). The total time to full expansion approached significance in the GTE cohort (MD, -20.33 days; 95% CI, -41.71 to 1.04; P = .06). A cost analysis considering TE cost and infection risk determined that GTE use saved a predicted $2055.34 in overall healthcare costs. Surgical outcomes for both fill types were predominantly similar; however, GTEs were associated with a significantly decreased risk of postoperative infection compared to saline-filled TEs. GTEs could also reduce healthcare expenditures and require less time until definitive reconstruction after placement.

Wide local excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, and reconstructive options for treatment of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of the breast: A retrospective case series from Mayo Clinic.

BACKGROUND: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) of the breast is a dermal fibroblastic neoplasm requiring wide excisional margins due to recurrence rates ranging from 26 to 60%. The current literature on reconstructive options and utility of Mohs micrographic surgery for DFSP of the breast is scarce. We describe surgical management of DFSP of the breast at our institution with the largest case series reported to date. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of women who underwent surgery for DFSP of the breast at our institution between 1990 and 2019. Continuous data was summarized using mean, median, and range; categorical data was summarized with frequency count and percentage. Preoperative lesion size and postoperative defect size were evaluated using 2-sided Fisher exact test, and p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Nine patients underwent wide local excision (WLE) with reconstruction including pedicled latissimus dorsi flaps (n = 2), local flap advancement (n = 2), mastectomy with implant (n = 1), oncoplastic breast reduction (n = 1), and skin grafts (n = 3). Nine underwent Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) with complex primary closure. Mean postoperative maximum wound defect size for WLE was 10.8 cm versus 7.0 cm for MMS with no statistical significance (p = 0.77). Mean preoperative maximum lesion size for WLE was 6.4 cm versus 3.3 cm for MMS with no statistical significance (p = 0.07). Complications with WLE included wound dehiscence in three patients and seroma in one patient. No complications were reported with MMS and primary closure. Recurrence was reported in one WLE patient, which was successfully detected despite flap coverage and resected without complications. Median follow-up for the patients without recurrence was 5.0 years, with two patients in MMS cohort lost to follow-up. Five-year overall survival was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: MMS and WLE are both viable surgical options for managing DFSP of the breast. MMS could potentially minimize reconstructive needs due to smaller average defect size and result in fewer complications but may also result in asymmetry. Immediate flap reconstruction, especially in larger defects, can achieve excellent aesthetic outcomes for patients with DFSP of the breast without compromising detection of disease recurrence.

Microvascular Free Flap Reconstruction of Thigh Defects After Tumor Resection in the Setting of Radiation.

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue reconstruction of the thigh defects can usually be achieved with local options. Free tissue transfer may be indicated in very large defects with exposed vital structures and/or a history of radiation therapy where the healing potential of local option is poor. In this study, we evaluated our experience on microsurgical reconstruction of oncological and irradiated thigh defects to assess the risk factors for complications. METHODS: Institutional review board-approved retrospective case series study using electronic medical records from 1997 to 2020 was conducted. All patients with irradiated thigh defects derived from oncological resections who underwent microsurgical reconstruction were included. Patient demographics and clinical and surgical characteristics were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty free flaps were transferred in 20 patients. Mean age was 60 ± 11.8 years, and median follow-up time was 24.3 months (interquartile range [IQR], 71.4-9.2 months). The most common type of cancer was liposarcoma (n = 5). Neoadjuvant radiation therapy was performed in 60%. Most commonly used free flaps were latissimus dorsi muscle/musculocutaneous flap (n = 7) and anterolateral thigh flap (n = 7) Nine flaps were transferred immediately after resection. Overall, 70% of arterial anastomoses were end-to-end, whereas 30% were end-to-side. Deep femoral artery branches were chosen as the recipient artery in the 45%. Median length of hospital stay was 11 days (IQR, 16.0-8.3 days), and median time to start weight-bearing was 20 days (IQR, 49.0-9.5 days). All were successful except for 1 patient who required additional pedicled flap coverage. The overall major-complication rate was 25% (n = 5, hematoma = 2, venous congestion requiring emergent exploration surgery = 1, wound dehiscence = 1, surgical site infection = 1). Cancer recurred in 3 patients. One required amputation due to cancer recurrence. Age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.14; P = 0.0163), tumor volume (HR, 18.8; P = 0.0006), and resection volume (HR, 2.24; P = 0.0019) were statistically significantly associated with having a major complication. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the data, microvascular reconstruction of irradiated post-oncological resection defects shows high flap survival rate and success. Given the large size of flap required, the complex nature and size of these wounds, and history of radiation, wound healing complications are common. Despite this, free flap reconstruction should be considered in irradiated thighs with large defects. Studies with larger cohort and longer follow-up are still required.

Chest wall resection for breast cancer: 21st century Mayo clinic experience.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized full-thickness chest wall resection (FTCWR) with advanced surgical techniques and modern systemic therapy is safe, provides local control, and good overall survival. METHODS: Retrospective review of FTCWR (including rib or part of sternum) for breast cancer between 2000 and 2020. Primary endpoints included 90-day morbidities and all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints were loco-regional and distant recurrence, DFS and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: A total of 35 patients met the criteria. 34 FTCWR were for recurrence and the median time to chest wall recurrence was 6 years. Tumor subtype was triple-negative in 51% and the remainder HR+ Her2-. 58% were palliative resections. FTCWR included rib(s) in 89% and portion of sternum in 57%; 94% required reconstruction and 80% were R0 resections. There were no 90-day mortalities. Overall morbidity was 10/35(28%). 17(49%) patients received neoadjuvant systemic therapy for their recurrence and three received neoadjuvant radiation. Adjuvant treatment included chemotherapy (8), endocrine therapy (3), and both (8). Ten patients (28%) received adjuvant radiation. The Median follow-up was 31 months and there were 6 (17%) loco-regional and 7 (20%) distant recurrences. OS was 86% and 67% at 1 and 3 years, respectively. CONCLUSION: FTCWR was associated with low morbidity, mortality, recurrence rates, and good OS. Selective FTCWR is safe and has acceptable short-term survival rates.

Efficacy of Tranexamic Acid in Reducing Seroma and Hematoma Formation Following Reduction Mammaplasty.

BACKGROUND: Tranexamic acid (TXA) has gained increasing recognition as a valuable pharmacologic agent within plastic surgery. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the value and safety profile of both intravenous and topically administered TXA in the setting of bilateral reduction mammaplasty. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed to identify consecutive patients who underwent bilateral reduction mammaplasty for symptomatic macromastia (January 2016-July 2021). Pertinent preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative details were collected/reviewed. Primary outcome measures included hematoma requiring surgical evacuation and clinically significant/symptomatic seroma formation mandating percutaneous aspiration. Patients taking anticoagulation/antiplatelet medication or those with a history of thromboembolic diseases were excluded. Patients who had received TXA were compared to a historical control group who did not receive TXA within the same consecutive cohort. RESULTS: A total of 385 consecutive patients (770 breasts) were included. TXA was used in 514 (66.8%) cases (topical, 318 [61.9%]; intravenous, 170 [33.1%]; intravenous and topical, 26 [5.1%]). Neither seroma nor hematoma were impacted/reduced with TXA (P > 0.05). Increased age (hazards ratio, 1.06 per 1-year increase; 95% CI, 1.004-1.118) significantly increased the risk of hematoma (P = 0.032). The use of drains significantly decreased the risk of seroma (P < 0.0001). Increased BMI increased the risk of seroma (hazards ratio, 1.16 per 1-kg/m2 increase; 95% CI, 1.06-1.26; P = 0.0013). The use of TXA did not impact drain duration. CONCLUSIONS: This study, the largest to date on the use of IV and topical TXA, did not find any reduction in risk when using TXA in breast reduction surgery.

The Anatomic Feasibility of a Functional Chimeric Flap in Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Dynamic and functional abdominal wall reconstruction (FAWR) remains a complex challenge. The ideal flap should have a minimal donor-site morbidity and cover a large surface area with motor and sensory capabilities. The goal was to investigate the feasibility of using a free chimeric flap with anterolateral thigh (ALT) and rectus femoris (RF) components pedicled only on the motor nerve branch. METHODS: Ten fresh cadavers were dissected with a designed chimeric thigh flap including ALT and RF flaps. Anterolateral thigh was designed and raised with the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve integrated, and the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery was preserved. Rectus femoris was elevated and the common pedicle was dissected up to the femoral origin. Accompanying motor nerve branches were carefully dissected to their femoral origin. RESULTS: Twenty RF flaps were dissected and 9 were harvested as a true chimeric flap with ALT. The mean number of neurovascular bundles associated with RF flap was 2.11 ± 0.47, and the mean primary motor nerve average length was 9.40 ± 2.42 cm. The common vascular bundle in all 9 chimeric flaps was ligated, and the flap was rotated toward the abdomen pedicled only by primary motor nerve of the RF muscle. Nerve length was adequate for reach up to xiphoid area in all 20 flaps. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the feasibility of the chimeric ALT/RF muscle free flap pedicled only by the motor nerve branch, with adequate flap rotation. Even with the limitations in a live patient, this flap would be an excellent option for FAWR in the right patient.

Immediate Versus Staged Soft Tissue Reconstruction After Soft Tissue Sarcoma Resection Has Similar Wound and Oncologic Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the wound complication rate and oncologic outcome in patients undergoing immediate versus staged soft tissue reconstruction after soft tissue sarcoma (STS) resection. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of a single sarcoma referral center between 2006 and 2016 which identified a cohort that underwent resection of an extremity or trunk STS with reconstruction surgery (split thickness skin graft or flap coverage). Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the reconstruction timing: immediate (same day) versus staged (later date). Demographic characteristics, wound complications, and oncologic outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Of the 491 patients who underwent resection of an extremity or trunk STS, 81 (16%) received reconstructive surgery, with 26 patients undergoing immediate reconstruction and 55 patients undergoing staged reconstruction. Overall wound complication (58% vs 45%, P = 0.347) and infection rates (35% vs 25%, P = 0.602) were similar between immediate and staged groups, respectively. Likewise, local recurrence (8% vs 7%, P = 1.000), metastasis (19% vs 20%, P = 0.755), and all-cause mortality (27% vs 27%, P = 1.000) rates after reconstruction was similar. Patients in the staged group with positive margins after resection were re-excised before definitive reconstruction, whereas those in the immediate group were not. The staged group required fewer surgical intensive care unit stays after resection surgery (22% vs 58%, P = 0.006). The mean ± SD final follow-up was 38 ± 33 months. CONCLUSIONS: Wound complication rates and oncologic outcomes remain similar, regardless of timing for reconstruction. Staged reconstructions were associated with fewer surgical intensive care unit stays, while also affording opportunity for reintervention after positive margins with little additional morbidity.

Combined single-stage enterolysis with pedicle seromuscular bowel flaps, myocutaneous and fasciocutaneous flaps to repair recurrent enterocutaneous fistulas in complex abdominal Wall defects.

INTRODUCTION: Reconstruction of abdominal wall defects with enterocutaneous fistulas (ECF) remains challenging. The purpose of this report is to describe a single-stage approach using combined microscopic enterolysis, pedicle seromuscular bowel flaps, mesh, fasciocutaneous, and myocutaneous flaps. METHODS: Between 1990 and 2016 a retrospective review identified a total of 18 patients with an average age of 39 years (ranging 26-59 years). Thirteen cases were associated with trauma, four were complication of previous mesh repair, and one was after an aortic dissection. Average diameter of defect size was 22 cm (ranging 20-24 cm). Surgical technique involved enterolysis using microscope magnification, a pedicle seromuscular bowel flap to reinforce the bowel anastomosis, mesh, musculocutaneous, and fasciocutaneous flaps to reconstruct the abdominal wall. RESULTS: Fifteen patients required rotational flaps with an average skin paddle area of 442.7 cm2 (ranging 440 cm2 -260 cm2 ) and 10 patients required a serosal patch with an average length of 5 cm (ranging 4-6 cm). Complications included three wound dehiscence and one abdominal wall bulging. Flap survival was 100%. The majority of patients (12 out of 18) were able to resume normal activities, and the remaining (n = 6) were able to resume most activities. Functional outcome as assessed by 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) physical function component questionnaire at 18-24 months follow up was 67.8% (ranging from 59 to 72%). Mean length of hospital stay was 2.2 weeks (ranging 1.4-2.7 weeks). Mean follow-up was 24 months (ranging 22-26 months) with clinical examination. CONCLUSION: Microscopically assisted intra-abdominal dissection with resection of diseased bowel, replacement with well-vascularized tissue at the anastomosis site in, and reinforcement with mesh combined with pedicle musculocutaneous and fasciocutaneous flaps may be an alternative when other local reconstructive options have failed.

Lower-limb reconstruction with chimeric flaps: The quad flap.

Early soft-tissue coverage is critical for treating traumatic open lower-extremity wounds. As free-flap reconstruction evolves, injuries once thought to be nonreconstructable are being salvaged. Free-tissue transfer is imperative when there is extensive dead space or exposure of vital structures such as bone, tendon, nerves, or blood vessels. We describe 2 cases of lower-extremity crush injuries salvaged with the quad flap. This novel flap consists of parascapular, scapular, serratus, and latissimus dorsi free flaps in combination on one pedicle. This flap provides the large amount of soft-tissue coverage necessary to cover substantial defects from skin degloving, tibia and fibula fractures, and soft-tissue loss. In case 1, a 51-year-old woman was struck by an automobile and sustained bilateral tibia and fibula fractures, a crush degloving injury of the left leg, and a right forefoot traumatic amputation. She underwent reconstruction with a contralateral quad free flap. In case 2, a 53-year-old man sustained a right tibia plateau fracture with large soft-tissue defects from a motorcycle accident. He had a crush degloving injury of the entire anterolateral compartment over the distal and lower third of the right leg. The large soft-tissue defect was reconstructed with a contralateral quad flap. In both cases, the donor site was closed primarily and without early flap failures. There was one surgical complication, an abscess in case 2; the patient was taken back to the operating room for débridement of necrotic tissue. There have been no long-term complications in either case. Both patients achieved adequate soft-tissue coverage, avoided amputation, and had satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes. With appropriate surgical technique and patient selection, the quad-flap technique is promising for reconstructing the lower extremity.

Lower Extremity Limb Salvage with Cross Leg Pedicle Flap, Cross Leg Free Flap, and Cross Leg Vascular Cable Bridge Flap.

BACKGROUND: Lower extremity salvage following significant soft tissue loss can be complicated by lack of recipient vessel for free tissue transfer. We describe our experience in lower limb salvage for patients with no recipient vessels with the use of pedicle, free and cable bridge flaps. METHODS: A retrospective review from 1985 to 2017 of patients undergoing lower limb salvage using a contralateral pedicle cross leg (PCL) flaps, free cross leg (FCL) flaps, or free cable bridge (FCB) flaps was conducted. Demographics, etiology of the reconstruction, type of flap used, donor-site vessels, defect size, operating time, time of pedicle division, length of hospital stay, time to ambulation, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 53 patients (48 males and 5 females) with an average age of 35 years (range, 29-38 years) were identified. The etiology for the reconstruction was trauma in 52 patients and oncological resection in 1 patient. There were 18 PCL, 25 FCL, and 10 FCB completed. The recipient vessels for all flaps were the posterior tibial artery and vein. The average operating room times for PCL, FCL, and FCB flaps were 4, 9, and 10 hours, respectively. The average length of hospital stay was 5 weeks and average time to ambulation was 4 weeks. The average follow-up time was 7.5 years (range, 3-12 years). Complications encountered were hematoma (six), prolonged pain (six), total flap loss (two), reoperation (five), and infection (four). Limb salvage rates were 96.2%. CONCLUSION: When ipsilateral limb vessels are not available, and other reconstructive options have been exhausted, cross leg flaps can be a viable option for limb salvage in the setting of extensive defects.

Maximizing the Volume of Latissimus Dorsi Flap in Autologous Breast Reconstruction with Simultaneous Multisite Fat Grafting.

BACKGROUND: The pedicled latissimus dorsi (LD) flap serves an important function in breast reconstruction, but its utility is limited by its inability to provide sufficient breast volume. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this preliminary report was to review the techniques and outcomes of utilizing fat-grafted, volume-enhanced LD flap transfer with fat grafting recipient sites in autologous breast reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed of 10 patients (14 breasts) who underwent autologous breast reconstruction utilizing the LD flap transfer technique and simultaneous fat grafting between August 2012 and September 2014. Multilayer, multisite fat grafting was performed to the LD muscle, LD skin paddle, mastectomy skin flaps, and the pectoralis major and serratus muscles simultaneously with the LD flap transfer. RESULTS: Three patients underwent an immediate breast reconstruction, four underwent a delayed breast reconstruction, and four underwent a tertiary breast reconstruction following previously failed breast reconstructions (one patient underwent each of the first two procedures, one on each breast). The average age of the patients was 55 years (range, 39-76 years), the average body mass index of the patients was 29.3 (range, 19.6-39.9), and the average fat grafting volume for the patients was 176 mL (range, 50-300 mL). There was 100% flap survival and complete wound healing. No seroma or fat grafting-related complications were clinically detected. Three patients required additional fat grafting. CONCLUSIONS: The fat-grafted, volume-enhanced LD flap procedure with fat grafting recipient sites offers a simple and safe technique for autologous breast reconstruction, with low morbidity and fast recovery. It can be a useful alternative to utilizing abdomen-based flaps in autologous breast reconstruction or could be performed to salvage both implant-based and free-flap breast reconstructions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4: Therapeutic.

Revisiting Breast Reduction Insurance Coverage: How the Schnur Scale Discriminates Against Women Based on Body Habitus.

INTRODUCTION: The Schnur scale utilizes body surface area (BSA) to determine the amount of breast tissue resection in reduction mammoplasty, resulting in a greater requirement of breast weight removal in patients with larger BSA. We aimed to demonstrate BSA variance among women with similar mastectomy weights and the range of mastectomy weights among women with comparable BSAs. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent mastectomy from October 2021 to June 2022 was performed. Patients were included if they underwent skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomy with a minimum specimen weight of 700g. Patient's BSA, body mass index (BMI), mastectomy weight, and Schnur weight requirement (SWR) were collected. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients (194 breasts) were included. There was significant variance in mean BSA, BMI, SWR, and SWR to mastectomy weight ratio among women with similar mastectomy weights. BSA varied by as much as 0.82 units, BMI varied by as much as 32 kg/m 2, and SWR varied by as much as 1365g within the same mastectomy weight group. There was also significant variance in mastectomy weights among women with comparable BSA, especially in BSA groups>2.20, with the greatest range in mastectomy weights being 1684g. CONCLUSION: Analysis of mastectomy patients showed no predictable relationship between BSA and breast weight. There was significant variance in the BSA of patients with similar breast weights, and conversely in breast weights of patients with comparable BSA. Therefore, strict adherence to the Schnur weight requirement can prevent patients suffering with macromastia from receiving breast reductions.

Trends in post-mastectomy reconstruction: a SEER database analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to investigate recent trends and factors associated with immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) using a large population-based registry. We hypothesized that rates of IBR have increased since passage of the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998. METHODS: The SEER (surveillance, epidemiology and end results) database was used to evaluate Stage I-III breast cancer (BC) patients who underwent total mastectomy from 1998 to 2008. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to study predictors of IBR. RESULTS: Of 112,348 patients with BC treated by mastectomy 18,001 (16%) had IBR. Rates of IBR increased significantly from 1998 to 2008 (P < 0.0001). Use of IBR significantly decreased as patient age increased (P < 0.0001), as stage increased (P < 0.0001), and as the number of positive lymph nodes increased (P < 0.0001). Estrogen receptor+/progesterone receptor+ (ER+/PR+) patients had significantly higher IBR rates than ER-/PR-patients (P < 0.0001). IBR was used in 3,615 of 25,823 (14.0%) of patients having post-mastectomy radiation (XRT) and in 14,188 of 86,513 (16.4%) of those not having XRT (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The utilization of IBR has increased significantly over the last decade. IBR was found to be significantly associated with age, race, geographical region, stage, ER, grade, LN status, and XRT (P < 0.0001).

Patient Experience and Clinical Outcomes after Same-day Outpatient Mastectomy and Immediate Breast Reconstruction Protocol during the Global Pandemic.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic provoked rapid changes in clinical practice to accommodate mandated restrictions within healthcare delivery. This study reviewed patient-reported experiences and clinical outcomes after implementation of a same-day discharge protocol after mastectomy with immediate alloplastic breast reconstruction compared with our historical overnight stay protocol. Methods: This is a retrospective single-institution study of consecutive patients who underwent mastectomy and immediate alloplastic reconstruction between July 2019 and November 2020. A postoperative survey was completed by patients to evaluate satisfaction with perioperative communications, recovery, and their overall experience. Results: A total of 302 patients (100% women) underwent mastectomy and immediate alloplastic reconstruction (174 pre-COVID-19, 128 during COVID-19). During COVID-19, 71% of patients were scheduled for a same-day discharge, among which 89% were successfully discharged the same day. Compared with pre-COVID-19, there were no differences in type of surgery, operative times, pain scores, 30-day readmission, or unplanned visits (all P > 0.05) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared with pre-COVID-19, patients during the pandemic reported comparable satisfaction with their care experience and postoperative recovery (56% survey response rate). Patient satisfaction was also similar between those discharged the same day (n = 81) versus the next day (n = 47) during COVID-19. Conclusions: Same-day discharge is feasible, safe, and can provide similar patient-reported satisfaction and outcomes compared with traditional overnight stay. These data highlight the ability to deliver adaptable, high-quality breast cancer care, within the constraints of a global pandemic.

Trimodality Therapy Improves Disease Control in Radiation-Associated Angiosarcoma of the Breast.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of trimodality treatment versus monotherapy or dual therapy for radiation-associated angiosarcoma of the breast (RAASB) after prior breast cancer treatment. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: With Institutional Review Board approval, we identified patients diagnosed with RAASB and abstracted data on disease presentation, treatment, and oncologic outcomes. Trimodality therapy included (i) taxane induction, (ii) concurrent taxane/radiation, and then (iii) surgical resection with wide margins. RESULTS: A total of 38 patients (median age 69 years) met inclusion criteria. Sixteen received trimodality therapy and 22 monotherapy/dual therapy. Skin involvement and disease extent were similar in both groups. All trimodality patients required reconstructive procedures for wound closure/coverage, compared with 48% of monotherapy/dual therapy patients (P < 0.001). Twelve of 16 (75%) patients receiving trimodality therapy had a pathologic complete response (pCR). With median follow-up of 5.6 years, none had local recurrence, 1 patient (6%) had distant recurrence, and no patients died. Among 22 patients in the monotherapy/dual therapy group, 10 (45%) had local recurrence, 8 (36%) had distant recurrence, and 7 (32%) died of disease. Trimodality therapy demonstrated significantly better 5-year recurrence-free survival [RFS; 93.8% vs. 42.9%; P = 0.004; HR, 7.6 (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.3-44.2)]. Combining all patients with RAASB regardless of treatment, local recurrence was associated with subsequent distant recurrence (HR, 9.0; P = 0.002); distant recurrence developed in 3 of 28 (11%) patients without local recurrence compared with 6 of 10 (60%) with local recurrence. The trimodality group had more surgical complications that required reoperation or prolonged healing. CONCLUSIONS: Trimodality therapy for RAASB was more toxic but is promising, with a high rate of pCR, durable local control, and improved RFS.

Long-term survival analysis of free flap reconstruction in patients with collagen vascular disorders.

BACKGROUND: Collagen vascular disorders (CVD) are inflammatory diseases that can affect the blood vessels and soft tissues. Patients with CVD are often immunosuppressed, prone to hyper-coagulation, and represent a challenging patient cohort for free tissue transfer. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with CVD who underwent free flap reconstructions from 2000-2020 was performed at our institution. Inclusion criteria were patients 18 years old or older with the clinical diagnosis of CVD, including rheumatoid arthritis, Raynaud phenomenon, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and sarcoidosis. A time-to-event analysis was performed to identify predictors of surgical complications. RESULTS: A total of 78 patients and 96 free flaps were included. The most common CVD were rheumatoid arthritis (n=36) and Raynaud's phenomenon (n=9). Type of flap included abdominal-based flap (26%), trunk-based flaps (32.3%), and extremity-based flaps (19.8%). The mean age was 56.7±14.6 years, and the mean BMI was 27.5±5.9 kg/m2. Antibody positivity was present in 25.6% of patients; 59% were on chronic steroids, 6.4% were on chronic anticoagulation, 35.9% had radiation therapy, and 29.5% had chemotherapy. Nine percent of patients had a history of prior flap loss, and 11.5% had a history of DVT or arterial thrombosis. The flap loss rate was 3.8%. Steroid treatment was associated with an increased risk of major complications after adjusting for the type of flap HR 2.5(1.3-4.9), p= 0.01. Specifically associated with a higher risk of cellulitis, OR 5.1 (1.1-24.5), p=0.02, and abscess, OR 5.7 (1.2-27.1), p=0.01. CONCLUSION: Free flap reconstruction can be safely performed in patients with CVD. Perioperative optimization of steroids is important to promote wound healing and stabilize disease activity.

Defining the Role for Topically Administered Tranexamic Acid in Panniculectomy Surgery.

Background: Abdominal panniculectomy after weight loss is a commonly performed procedure with high patient satisfaction yet continues to have a high post-operative complication profile. Several risk-reducing surgical approaches, such as preservation of Scarpa's fascia, use of tissue adhesives, and progressive tension suture techniques have been described. However, the use of tranexamic acid (TXA) has not been previously reported in panniculectomy surgery. Objectives: To improve the safety and predictability of this procedure, the authors investigate whether the use of topically administered TXA during panniculectomy surgery reduces seroma, hematoma, and drain duration. Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent panniculectomy (January 2010 to January 2022) were retrospectively reviewed. Outcome measures included hematoma requiring surgical evacuation, seroma requiring percutaneous aspiration, and drain duration. Patients with thromboembolic diseases and those taking anticoagulation/antiplatelet medications were excluded. Patients who had received TXA were compared with a historical control group who had not received TXA. Results: A total of 288 consecutive patients were included. Topical TXA was administered in 56 (19.4%) cases. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) follow-up was 43.9 (37.4) months (3.7 years). The median (range) resection weight was 2.6 kg (0.15-19.96 kg). Regarding seroma and hematoma formation, the use of TXA did not reduce the likelihood of developing seroma or hematoma (odds ratio [OR] = 1.7, 95% CI [0.56- 4.8], P = 0.38 and OR = 2.1, 95% CI [0.4-11.8], P = 0.42), respectively. The mean (SD) duration of drains was slightly lower in the TXA group (18.1 [12.1] days vs 19.8 [13.9] days); however, this difference was not statistically significant, albeit clinically significant. Conclusions: As the use of TXA in plastic surgical procedures continues to expand, the utility of TXA in panniculectomy and abdominoplasty has not been elucidated. Although previous studies report hematoma and seroma risk reduction, the use of TXA was not associated with a statistically significant reduction in seroma, hematoma, or drain duration following panniculectomy surgery. Prospective, randomized controlled studies on the use of TXA in body contouring are needed.

Two-year experience of using pigtail catheters to treat traumatic pneumothorax: a changing trend.

BACKGROUND: The traditional treatment of patients with traumatic hemopneumothorax has been an insertion of a chest tube (CT). But CT, because of its large caliber and significant trauma during an insertion, can cause pain, prevent full lung expansion, and worsen pulmonary outcome. Pigtail catheters (PCs) are smaller and less invasive; they have worked well in patients with nontraumatic pneumothorax (PTX). The purpose of this study was to review our early experience of PC use in trauma patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of trauma patients who required CT or PC placement over a 2-year period (January 2008 through December 2009) at a Level I trauma center. The PCs were 14-French (14-F) Cook catheters placed by the trauma team, using a Seldinger technique. We compared outcome for the subgroups that had CT or PC placed for a PTX. For our statistical analysis, we used the unpaired Student t-test, χ(2) test, and Wilcoxon rank-sum test; we considered a p value < 0.05 as significant. RESULTS: Of 9,624 trauma patients evaluated, 94 were treated with PC and 386 with CT. Of the PC patients, 89% was inserted for PTX. When comparing patients with PC and CT inserted for PTX, demographics, tube days, need for mechanical ventilation, and insertion-related complications were similar. The tube failure rate, defined by a requirement for an additional tube or by recurrence that needed intervention, was higher in PC (11%) than in CT (4%) (p = 0.06), but the difference was not statistically significant. We observed a trend of increased PC use over time. CONCLUSION: PC is safe and can be performed at the bedside. It has a comparable efficacy to CT in patients with PTX. A prospective study is needed to determine the precise role of PC placement, including its indication, the associated tube-site pain, and any significant clinical advantages.