Survey Outcomes of Lipedema Reduction Surgery in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Lipedema is a loose connective tissue disease affecting the limbs of women, that is difficult to lose by diet, exercise, or bariatric surgery. Publications from Europe demonstrate that lipedema reduction surgery improves quality of life for women with lipedema. There are no comparable studies in the United States (USA). The aim of this study was to collect data from women with lipedema in the USA who have undergone lipedema reduction surgery in the USA to determine if quality of life, pain, and other measures improved after lipedema reduction surgery. METHODS: Subjects were recruited and consented online for a 166-item questionnaire in REDCap. In total, 148 women answered the questionnaire after undergoing lipedema reduction surgery in the USA. Significance set at P < 0.05 was determined by ANOVA, Tukey's multiple comparison test, or paired t-test. RESULTS: Quality of life improved in 84% and pain improved in 86% of patients. Ambulation improved most in lipedema Stage 3 (96%). Weight loss occurred in all stages by 3 months after surgery. Complications included growth of loose connective tissue within and outside treated areas, tissue fibrosis, anemia, blood clots, and lymphedema. CONCLUSIONS: Women with lipedema noticed significant benefits after lipedema reduction surgery in the USA. Prospective studies are needed to assess benefits and complications after lipedema reduction surgery in the USA.

Evidence-Based Performance Measures: Quality Metrics for the Care of Patients Undergoing Breast Reconstruction.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons commissioned the Breast Reconstruction Performance Measure Development Work Group to identify and draft quality measures for the care of patients undergoing breast reconstruction surgery. Two outcome measures were identified. The first desired outcome was to reduce the number of returns to the operating room following reconstruction within 60 days of the initial reconstructive procedure. The second desired outcome was to reduce flap loss within 30 days of the initial reconstructive procedure. All measures in this report were approved by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Breast Reconstruction Performance Measures Work Group and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Executive Committee. The Work Group recommends the use of these measures for quality initiatives, Continuing Medical Education, Maintenance of Certification, American Society of Plastic Surgeons' Qualified Clinical Data Registry reporting, and national quality reporting programs.

Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline: Autologous Breast Reconstruction with DIEP or Pedicled TRAM Abdominal Flaps.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons commissioned a multistakeholder Work Group to develop recommendations for autologous breast reconstruction with abdominal flaps. A systematic literature review was performed and a stringent appraisal process was used to rate the quality of relevant scientific research. The Work Group assigned to draft this guideline was unable to find evidence of superiority of one technique over the other (deep inferior epigastric perforator versus pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap) in autologous tissue reconstruction of the breast after mastectomy. Presently, based on the evidence reported here, the Work Group recommends that surgeons contemplating breast reconstruction on their next patient consider the following: the patient's preferences and risk factors, the setting in which the surgeon works (academic versus community practice), resources available, the evidence shown in this guideline, and, equally important, the surgeon's technical expertise. Although theoretical superiority of one technique may exist, this remains to be reported in the literature, and future methodologically robust studies are needed.

A retrospective analysis of outcomes using three common methods for immediate breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Breast reconstruction outcome studies typically evaluate satisfaction, complications, or aesthetic results. Some studies report better outcomes with autologous reconstruction, whereas other studies report no difference in outcomes across multiple reconstructive methods. METHODS: The authors retrospectively studied all patients undergoing immediate breast reconstruction over a 5-year period. Questionnaires were sent to all patients to assess satisfaction; preoperative bra size, height, and weight; smoking history; radiation history; length of stay; narcotic use; and recovery time. All charts were reviewed for complications. Four blinded reviewers performed aesthetic evaluations of patient results. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-six consecutive immediate breast reconstruction patients were surveyed. Charts and photographs were reviewed for complication data and aesthetic results. The survey response rate was 42 percent, including 48 of 106 expander/implant patients, 13 of 28 latissimus patients, and 18 of 52 transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneus (TRAM) flap patients. Patient satisfaction was rated as moderate or better for 93.8 percent of the expander/implant patients, 76.9 percent of the latissimus flap patients, and 83.3 percent of the TRAM flap patients. Expander/implant patients were significantly more satisfied than latissimus flap patients. Complication rates were 21.7 percent for expander/implant patients, 67.9 percent for latissimus flap patients, and 26.9 percent for TRAM flap patients. Reoperation rates were 11.3 percent for expander/implant patients, 10.7 percent for latissimus flap patients, and 5.8 percent for TRAM flap patients. Aesthetic scores were significantly higher for TRAM flap patients compared with expander/implant and latissimus flap patients. CONCLUSION: High satisfaction rates were seen across all three reconstructive groups, with the highest satisfaction levels seen in the expander/implant group, despite higher reoperation rates and lower aesthetic scores for this group.