Comparison of Aesthetic Outcomes of Epidermal Staples vs Sutures in Deep Epigastric Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction.

Background: A secondary benefit of abdominally based autologous breast reconstruction may be improving the abdominal contour; however, poor scaring can lead to aesthetic dissatisfaction and complications. Although studies have demonstrated favorable aesthetic results and decreased operative time using dermal or subcuticular stapling (Insorb), no reports exist regarding epidermal stapling. Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare the aesthetic abdominal scar outcomes, closure time, and postoperative complications of abdominally based breast reconstruction patients who have undergone suture closure vs epidermal staple closure. Methods: A total of 217 patients who underwent abdominally based autologous breast reconstruction from 2011 to 2022 were included and retrospectively analyzed (staples = 41, suture = 176). Twenty-four patients' postoperative abdominal scar photographs were randomly chosen (staples = 12, sutures = 12) and assessed by 3 board-certified plastic surgeons using a modified patient observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) and visual analog scale (VAS). Closure time (minutes per centimeter) using staples or sutures was also analyzed. Results: The assessment of abdominal scars closed by epidermal staples revealed significant improvements in thickness (P = .033), relief (P = .033), surface area (P = .017), overall opinion (P = .033), POSAS score (P = .034), and VAS scar score (P = .023) in comparison with scars closed by sutures. Closing the abdominal wound with staples was significantly faster than closing with sutures (P < .0001). Staple and suture closure had similar postoperative complication rates. Conclusions: Abdominal donor-site scar quality may be superior and faster using the epidermal staple compared to traditional suture closure.

Closed Incision Negative Pressure Therapy in Oncoplastic Surgery Prevents Delays to Adjuvant Therapy.

Breast reductions, including oncoplastic breast surgery (OBS), have high postoperative wound healing complication (WHC) rates, ranging from 17% to 63%, thus posing a potential delay in the onset of adjuvant therapy. Incision management with closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) effectively reduces postoperative complications in other indications. This retrospective analysis compares postoperative outcomes and delays in adjuvant therapy in patients who received ciNPT on the cancer breast versus standard of care (SOC) after oncoplastic breast reduction and mastopexy post lumpectomy. Methods: Patient demographics, ciNPT use, postoperative complication rates, and time to adjuvant therapy were analyzed from the records of 150 patients (ciNPT = 29, SOC = 121). Propensity score matching was used to match patients based on age, body mass index, diabetes, tobacco use, and prior breast surgery. Results: In the matched cohort, the overall complication rate of ciNPT-treated cancerous breasts was 10.3% (3/29) compared with 31% (9/29) in SOC-treated cancerous breasts (P = 0.096). Compared with the SOC-treated cancerous breasts, the ciNPT breasts had lower skin necrosis rates [1/29 (3.4%) versus 6/29 (20.7%); P = 0.091] and dehiscence rates [0/29 (0%) versus 8/29 (27.6%); P = 0.004]. In the unmatched cohort, the total number of ciNPT patients who had a delay in adjuvant therapy was lower compared to the SOC group (0% versus 22.5%, respectively; P = 0.007). Conclusion: Use of ciNPT following oncoplastic breast reduction effectively lowered postoperative wound healing complication rates and, most importantly, decreased delays to adjuvant therapy.

Salvage of Nipple-Areolar Complex Ischemia With Dimethyl Sulfoxide: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Nipple-areolar complex (NAC) necrosis is a known risk of breast surgery, particularly mastectomy. Disruption of the underlying blood supply to the NAC can lead to ischemia and subsequent necrosis. Nitroglycerin paste is currently used to combat NAC ischemia but has limited efficacy and an unfavorable side effect profile. Topical dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) has been shown to increase tissue perfusion in microsurgery and various skin flaps, but its role in the treatment and prevention of NAC ischemia has not been reported. Through a prospective case series, this study aims to introduce DMSO as a safe treatment for NAC ischemia after breast surgery. METHODS: Patients treated by 2 breast surgeons and a single plastic surgeon who underwent nipple-sparing mastectomy or breast reduction and developed NAC ischemia were identified via a prospectively maintained database. Ischemic changes were diagnosed, and treatment to the affected NAC with DMSO was initiated at the conclusion of the procedure, or postoperative day 1 in most cases, and continued 4 times daily until ischemic changes had resolved clinically. Collected demographic, surgical, and outcome variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Eleven patients with a mean age of 47.8 ± 9.5 years (range, 35-61 years) and mean body mass index of 26.0 ± 4.4 kg/m2 (range, 20.7-33.4 kg/m2) were identified. The mean duration of time between surgery and the clinical diagnosis of NAC ischemia was 1.3 ± 2.8 days (range, 0-7 days). The average length of time from DMSO initiation to clinical improvement or resolution of NAC ischemia was 7.5 ± 2.5 days (range, 5-12 days). All patients demonstrated significant improvement or complete resolution of NAC ischemia following serial topical DMSO application. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates DMSO is a safe treatment for threatened NACs. All patients in this series showed either dramatic improvement or resolution of NAC ischemia after DMSO application, and threatened NACs of all 11 patients were successfully salvaged. These promising results set the basis for ongoing randomized controlled studies to determine the efficacy of DMSO treatment for NAC ischemia.

Minimally Invasive Approaches to DIEP flap Harvest: A review of current data.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the female population. Autologous tissue is often used for reconstruction after mastectomy. The deep inferior epigastric (DIEP) flap is a favorite for breast reconstruction because it entails careful perforator dissection with less muscle destruction. Recently, minimally invasive techniques in DIEP flap harvest have increased in popularity but their complication rate and security profile may vary from one technique to another. The purpose of this review study is to evaluate and compare two minimally invasive surgical approaches to abdominal based free flap harvest: the transabdominal pre-peritoneal robotic assisted DIEP flap harvest and total extra-peritoneal laparoscopic DIEP flap harvest.

Natural Shaping of Acellular Dermal Matrices for Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction via Expansile Kirigami.

To complete a successful and aesthetic breast reconstruction for breast cancer survivors, tissue reinforcing acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) are widely utilized to create slings/pockets to keep breast implants or autologous tissue transfer secured against the chest wall in the desired location. However, ADM sheets are 2D and cannot completely cover the entire implant without wrinkles. Here, guided by finite element modeling, a kirigami strategy is presented to cut the ADM sheets with locally and precisely controlled stretchability, curvature, and elasticity. Upon expansion, a single kirigami ADM sheet can conformably wrap the implant regardless of the shape and size, forming a natural teardrop shape; contour cuts prescribe the topographical height and fractal cuts in the center ensures horizontal expandability and thus conformability. This kirigami ADM can provide support to the reconstructed breast in the desired regions, potentially offering optimal outcomes and patient-specific reconstruction, while minimizing operative time and cost.

Laparoscopy allows the harvest of the DIEP flap with shorter fascial incisions as compared to endoscopic harvest: A single surgeon retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: We present a comparative series to utilize minimally invasive endoscopic, total extraperitoneal laparoscopic (TEP-lap), and transabdominal preperitoneal robotic perforator (TAP-RAP) harvest of the deep inferior epigastric (DIE) vessels for autologous breast reconstruction (ABR) to mitigate donor site morbidity. We hypothesized that TEP-lap and TAP-RAP harvests of abdominal-based free flaps are safe techniques associated with decreased fascial incision when compared with the endoscopic harvest. METHODS: We designed a retrospective cohort series of subjects with newly diagnosed breast cancer who presented for ABR using endoscopic (control), laparoscopic, or robotic assistance between September 2017 and April 2019. The primary outcome variables were flap success (i.e., absence of perioperative flap loss), fascial incision length, and intraoperative complications. Secondary variables included operating time, costs, and postoperative complications within 90 days (arterial thrombosis, venous congestion, bulge/hernia, and operative revision). Exclusion criteria included < 90 days follow-up. RESULTS: In total 94, 38, and 3 subjects underwent endoscopic, TEP-lap, and TAP-RAP flap harvests. Mean lengths of fascial incisions for the endoscopic and laparoscopic cohorts were 4.5 ±â€¯0.5 cm and 2.0 ±â€¯0.6 cm (p < 0.0001), while incision length depended on the concurrent procedure in the robotic cohort. No subjects required conversion to an open harvest. There were no bleeding complications, intra-abdominal injuries, flap losses, or abdominal bulges/hernias noted in the TEP-lap and TAP-RAP cohorts. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive DIEP flap harvest may decrease fascial injury when compared with conventional open harvest. There are significant trade-offs among harvest methods. TEP-lap harvest may better balance the trade-off related to abdominal wall morbidity.

Laparoscopically Assisted DIEP Flap Harvest Minimizes Fascial Incision in Autologous Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Total extraperitoneal laparoscopically assisted harvest of the deep inferior epigastric vessels permits a decrease in myofascial dissection in deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap breast reconstruction. The authors present a reliable technique that further decreases donor-site morbidity in autologous breast reconstruction. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study of female subjects presenting to the senior surgeon (S.K.K.) from March of 2018 to March of 2019 for autologous breast reconstruction after a newly diagnosed breast cancer. The operative technique is summarized as follows: a supraumbilical camera port is placed at the medial edge of the rectus muscle to enter the retrorectus space; the extraperitoneal plane is developed using a balloon dissector and insufflation; two ports are placed through the linea alba below the umbilicus to introduce dissection instruments; the deep inferior epigastric vessels are dissected from the underside of the rectus muscle; muscle branches and the superior epigastric are ligated using a Ligasure; and the deep inferior epigastric pedicle is ligated and the vessels are delivered through a minimal fascial incision. The flap(s) is transferred to the chest for completion of the reconstruction. RESULTS: Thirty-three subjects totaling 57 flaps were included. All flaps were single-perforator deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps. Mean fascial incision length was 2.0 cm. Sixty percent of subjects recovered without narcotics. Mean length of stay was 2.5 days. Flap salvage occurred in one subject after venous congestion. Two pedicle transections occurred during harvest that required perforator-to-pedicle anastomosis. CONCLUSION: Total extraperitoneal laparoscopically assisted harvest of the deep inferior epigastric pedicle is a reliable method that decreases the donor-site morbidity of autologous breast reconstruction. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Oncoplastic Procedures in Preparation for Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy and Autologous Breast Reconstruction: Controlling the Breast Envelope.

BACKGROUND: Nipple-sparing mastectomy has been associated with superior aesthetic outcomes and oncologic safety. However, traditional contraindications, such as breast ptosis/macromastia, have excluded a large number of patients. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a staged approach would expand the indications for nipple-areolar complex preservation and permit greater control over nipple-areolar complex position and skin envelope following autologous reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of female patients with a diagnosis of breast cancer or BRCA mutation with grade 2 or 3 ptosis and/or macromastia who underwent bilateral (oncoplastic) reduction/mastopexy (stage 1) followed by bilateral nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction with free abdominal flaps (stage 2). The authors were specifically interested in the incidence of mastectomy skin necrosis and nipple-areolar complex necrosis and malposition following stage 2. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients with a mean age of 45.1 years (range, 28 to 62 years) and mean body mass index of 32.6 kg/m (range, 23.4 to 49.0 kg/m) underwent reconstruction with 122 flaps. The mean interval between stage 1 and 2 was 16.9 weeks (range, 3 to 31 weeks). Clear margins were obtained in all cases of invasive cancer and in situ disease following stage 1. Complications following stage 2 included partial nipple-areolar complex necrosis (n = 5, 8.2 percent), complete nipple-areolar complex necrosis (n = 4, 6.6 percent), nipple-areolar complex malposition (n = 1, 1.6 percent), and mastectomy skin necrosis (n = 4, 6.6 percent). No flap loss was noted in this series. CONCLUSION: Patients with moderate to severe breast ptosis and/or macromastia who wish to undergo mastectomy with reconstruction can be offered nipple-sparing approaches safely if a staged algorithm is implemented. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

The Effects of Adjunctive Pain Medications on Postoperative Inpatient Opioid Use in Abdominally Based Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The purposes of this study were to quantify the amount of opioid medication used postoperatively in the hospital setting after abdominally based microsurgical breast reconstruction, to determine factors that are associated with increased opioid use, and to identify other adjunctive medications that may contribute to decreased opioid use. METHODS: An electronic medical record data pull was performed at the University of Pennsylvania from November 2016 to October 2018. Cases were identified using Current Procedural Terminology code 19364. Only traditional recovery after surgery protocol patients were included. Patient comorbidities, surgical details, and pain scores were captured. Postoperative medications including non-patient-controlled analgesia opioid use and adjunctive nonopioid pain medications were recorded. Non-patient-controlled analgesia total opioid use was calculated and converted to oral morphine milligram equivalents (mme). Statistical analysis was performed using t test analyses and linear regression. RESULTS: A total of 328 patients satisfied our inclusion criteria. Five hundred forty free flaps were performed (212 bilateral vs 116 unilateral, 239 immediate vs 89 delayed). Bilateral patients used on average 115.2 mme (95% confidence interval [CI], 103.4-127.0 mme) compared with 89.0 mme in unilateral patients (95% CI, 70.0-108.0 mme; P = 0.015). Patients with abdominal mesh placement (n = 249) required 113.0 mme (95% CI, 100.5-125.5 mme) compared with 83.8 mme (95% CI, 68.8-98.7 mme) for patients without mesh (n = 79; P = 0.016). Each additional hour of surgery increased postoperative mme by 9.4 (P < 0.01). Patients with a nonzero preoperative pain score required 100.3 mme (95% CI, 90.2-110.4 mme) compared with 141.1 mme (95% CI, 102.7-179.7 mme) for patients with preoperative pain score greater than 0/10 (P < 0.01). Patients with postoperative index pain score ≤5/10 required 89.2 mme (95% CI, 78.6-99.8 mme) compared with 141.1 mme (95% CI, 119.9-162.2 mme) for patients with postoperative index pain score >5/10 (P < 0.01). After regression analysis, a dose of intravenous acetaminophen 1000 mg was found to decrease postoperative mme by 11.7 (P = 0.024). A dose of oral ibuprofen 600 mg was found to decrease postoperative mme by 8.3 (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral reconstruction and longer surgery resulted in increased postoperative mme. Patients with no preoperative pain required less opioids than did patients with preexisting pain. Patients with good initial postoperative pain control required less opioids than did patients with poor initial postoperative pain control. Intravenous acetaminophen and oral ibuprofen were found to significantly decrease postoperative mme.

A Simplified Cost-Utility Analysis of Inpatient Flap Monitoring after Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction and Implications for Hospital Length of Stay.

BACKGROUND: The number of free flap take-backs and successful salvages following microsurgical breast reconstruction decreases as time from surgery increases. As a result, the cost of extended inpatient monitoring to achieve a successful flap salvage rises rapidly with each postoperative day. This study introduces a simplified cost-utility model of inpatient flap monitoring and identifies when cost-utility exceeds the thresholds established for other medical treatments. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed of patients who underwent microsurgical breast reconstruction to identify flap take-back and salvage rates by postoperative day. The number of patients and flaps that needed to be kept on an inpatient basis each day for monitoring to salvage a single failing flap was determined. Quality-of-life measures and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for inpatient flap monitoring following microsurgical breast reconstruction were calculated and plotted against a $100,000/quality-adjusted life-year threshold. RESULTS: A total of 1813 patients (2847 flaps) were included. Overall flap take-back and salvage rates were 2.4 percent and 52.3 percent, respectively. Of the flaps taken back, the daily take-back and salvage rates were 56.8 and 60.0 percent (postoperative day 0 to 1), 13.6 and 83.3 percent (postoperative day 2), 11.4 and 40.0 percent (postoperative day 3), 9.1 and 25.0 percent (postoperative day 4), and 9.1 and 0.0 percent (>postoperative day 4), respectively. To salvage a single failing flap each day, the number of flaps that needed to be monitored were 121 (postoperative day 0 to 1), 363 (postoperative day 2), 907 (postoperative day 3), 1813 (postoperative day 4), and innumerable for days beyond postoperative day 4. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of inpatient flap monitoring begins to exceed a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000/quality-adjusted life-year by postoperative day 2. CONCLUSION: The health care cost associated with inpatient flap monitoring following microsurgical breast reconstruction begins to rise rapidly after postoperative day 2.

Delayed-immediate hybrid breast reconstruction-Increasing patient input and precision in breast reconstruction.

The benefits of breast reconstruction via free tissue transfer with simultaneous implant placement, that is, hybrid breast reconstruction, in select patients are well-known. Challenges exist, however, and are related to proper implant selection as well as postoperative mastectomy skin necrosis. Here, the authors present an approach that increases reconstructive precision while minimizing postoperative mastectomy skin necrosis. A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent immediate prepectoral tissue expander placement (stage 1) followed by delayed-immediate hybrid breast reconstruction (stage 2) was performed. Parameters of interest included patient demographics, postoperative complications, and revision rates. A total of 31 patients with a mean age of 48.7 years (range, 30-67 years) and a mean BMI of 26.3 kg/m2 (range, 21.0-35.3 kg/m2 ) who underwent bilateral breast reconstruction were included. Of the 62 free abdominal flaps, 45 (72.6%) and 17 (27.4%) were MS-TRAM and DIEP flaps, respectively. The most common implant volume was 240 cc (range, 140-445 cc). Following stage 1, minor and major complications were observed in nine (29%) and one (3.2%) patients, respectively. No major complications were noted after stage 2. Of note, no patient developed mastectomy skin necrosis or requested a change in implant size following stage 2. Delayed-immediate hybrid breast reconstruction improves the ability to more precisely match patient expectations related to breast size and is associated with a reduction in the rate of mastectomy skin necrosis following the critical second stage of reconstruction.

Hybrid breast reconstruction-the best of both worlds.

The two common reconstructive modalities following mastectomy include implant-based reconstruction and autologous reconstruction. While the majority of patients can be successfully treated with either one of these approaches, a subset of patients will benefit from a third reconstructive approach which combines implant-based and autologous reconstruction, i.e., hybrid reconstruction. Here, the authors discuss indications, surgical technique, results and additional reconstructive considerations of combining free abdominal tissue transfer with simultaneous implant placement. A reconstructive algorithm is presented.

Sternal wound complications in patients undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation.

PURPOSE: The incidence and management of sternal wound complications in patients undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) is not well studied. We report outcomes in heart transplant patients who developed sternal infections requiring reoperations. METHODS: From 2004 to 2013, 437 patients underwent OHT at a single institution. In a retrospective review, patients who developed sternal infections (Infection group, n = 27) were compared with those without (Control group, n = 410). RESULTS: Sternal infection rate was 6.2% (n = 27). Demographics were similar (Table 1). Infection group had higher rates of COPD 25% vs 13%, P = 0.03, and previous cardiac surgery via median sternotomy 28% vs 15%, P = 0.03. Infection group had a greater incidence of prolonged ventilation, 44% vs 31%, P = 0.2, renal failure 56% vs 24%, P = 0.001, dialysis requirement 30% vs 10%, P = 0.006, permanent stroke 11% vs 2%, P = 0.02, perioperative myocardial infarction 4% vs 0.2%, P = 0.09. The infection group had a longer ICU stay (524 + 410 vs 187 + 355 hours, P = 0.001) and hospitalization (59 + 28 vs 0.29 + 43 days, P = 0.001). In-hospital/30-day mortality was 30% vs 19%, P = 0.2. The mean time for sternal reoperation at 44 + 50 days. Deep wound infection (41%) and sternal dehiscence (22%) were common presentations. Causative organisms were Enterobacter (22%), Klebsiella (15%), and Pseudomonas (15%). Vancomycin (44%), 4th generation cephalosporin (37%), and fluoroquinolones (30%) were the most commonly used antibiotics. Surgical treatment included sternal debridement with pectoralis muscle flap (52%), primary closure (18%), and omental flap (11%). CONCLUSION: Sternal wound infections impart a significant burden on patients with OHT. Causative organisms are predominantly virulent gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, a high index of suspicion must be maintained for early detection and treatment.

Locoregional Cancer Recurrence after Breast Reconstruction: Detection, Management, and Secondary Reconstructive Strategies.

BACKGROUND: Locoregional recurrence of the previously reconstructed breast poses a diagnostic and operative challenge. This study examines detection, management, and reconstructive strategies of locoregional recurrence following postmastectomy breast reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective review of records was performed on patients treated within the health system for breast cancer from January of 2000 to July of 2014. Of these patients, descriptive factors and operative details were collected for those that developed locoregional recurrence. Subsequent reconstructive operations were also examined. Using a multidisciplinary team, a surveillance/management algorithm was generated. RESULTS: A total of 41 patients with locoregional recurrence were identified (mean time to recurrence, 4.6 years). Two- and 5-year survival following locoregional recurrence was 88 percent and 39 percent, respectively. Locoregional recurrence was found to occur in the following tissue planes: subcutaneous (27 percent), subcutaneous/pectoralis (24 percent), chest wall (37 percent), and axillary (12 percent). The most frequent method of detection was patient concern leading to examination. Older age at the time of locoregional recurrence (p = 0.028), increased time to recurrence/detection (p = 0.024), and chemotherapy before locoregional recurrence (p = 0.014) were associated with the need for a secondary salvage flap. Patients who experienced a subcutaneous recurrence were far less likely to undergo a secondary flap (p = 0.011). Factors associated with loss of the index reconstruction included lower body mass index (p = 0.009), pectoralis invasion (p = 0.05), and implant reconstruction (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Detection and management of locoregional recurrence requires appropriate physical examination and imaging. Significant factors associated with failure to salvage the initial reconstruction included body mass index, plane of recurrence, and type of initial reconstruction. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

Make Your Own Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Flap: Perforator Delay Improves Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Flap Reliability.

Abdominal-based autologous breast reconstruction remains a conflict between blood supply and donor site complication. Optimizing esthetics and minimizing recovery and postoperative pain add further complexity. We present a 2-stage technique of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap reconstruction to (1) reliably harvest single-vessel flaps while minimizing fat necrosis, (2) decrease abdominal wall morbidity, and (3) improve breast and donor site esthetics. METHODS: Female subjects presenting between August 2017 and January 2019 to the senior surgeon for abdominal-based breast reconstruction were included. After mastectomy, the subjects underwent subcutaneous placement of tissue expanders and in situ selection of a low, centrally located perforator based on preoperative computed tomographic angiography imaging through an infraumbilical "T" incision with ligation of all other perforators and superficial system. Subjects underwent tissue expander explant and flap transfer at a second stage. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-five subjects undergoing 215 free flaps met criteria. Mean age and body mass index were 52.1 years and 29.3 kg/m2, respectively. Seven perforator complications (3.3%) occurred with 2 (0.9%) total and 5 (2.3%) partial flap losses. There were 20 (14.8%) readmissions and 26 (19.3%) reoperations. Breast complications included arterial thrombosis (0.5%), venous congestion (1.9%), and fat necrosis (5.1%). The mastectomy skin flap necrosis rate decreased from 14.9% to 2.3% following staged reconstruction. Abdominal donor site complications included delayed healing (11.1%), seroma (5.9%), and hematoma (2.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The 2-stage delayed deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap technique represents a safe, efficacious modality to allow for reliable harvest of single-vessel flaps with low rates of fat necrosis while improving donor site esthetics and morbidity.