Prophylactic venous Supercharging in DIEP Flap Surgery: A Retrospective Dual-Center Study.

BACKGROUND: DIEP flap is nowadays considered the gold standard in breast reconstruction. However, venous congestion is still a leading cause of free flap failure. Despite the conspicuous articles regarding the use of a secondary venous anastomosis, there is a lack in the literature regarding the prophylactic use of a secondary venous route to reduce the incidence of complications during breast reconstruction. METHODS: A double-center retrospective study based on women undergoing DIEP breast reconstruction was conducted, dividing patients into case group(DIEP flaps with double venous anastomosis) and control group(DIEP flaps with single venous anastomosis). Demographic and surgical data and complications were compared and statistically analyzed and a reconstructive algorithm was proposed to improve the flap insetting. RESULTS: 154 patients were included in the study, divided into Case group(74 patients) and control group(80 patients). Median age at the time of surgery was 49,09 years (range 29 -68), slightly lower in Group 1 when compared to Group 2. Mean BMI was 25,52 kg/m2(range 21,09-29,37), in particular 25,47 kg/m2 (range 23,44 -28,63) in Group 1 and 25,58 kg/m2(range 21,09-29,37) in Group 2. No statistical differences were found between groups in terms of BMI and smoking and comorbidities history. Average operative times were 272,16 minutes in Group 1 (range 221 - 328) and 272,34 minutes in Group 2(range 221-327), with no significant difference between groups, as well as ischemia times(44,4 minutes in Group 1 (range 38 - 56) and 49,12 minutes in Group 2(range 41- 67). Statistical analysis showed a reduction in short term complications and a statistically significant reduction for take-backs in the comparison of two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that venous supercharging of DIEP flap by performing dual venous anastomosis can be routinely and safely done prophylactically, and thus not only after intraoperative assessment of venous congestion, in order to avoid flap venous congestion and rates of re-exploration.

Surgical management of advanced sinonasal cancer: a 10-year mono-institutional experience.

Objective: Endoscopic endonasal surgery is effective in the treatment of sinonasal cancers. However, in cases of well-differentiated locally advanced neoplasms as well as recurrences, the most appropriate treatment is debated. The purpose of this study is to report a mono-institutional experience on craniofacial surgery performed in a tertiary-care referral centre. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 90 patients treated with transcranial and/or transfacial resection for sinonasal cancer between 2010 and 2020. Outcome measures included overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), disease-free survival (DFS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Results: The 5-year OS, DSS and DFS were 48.2%, 60.6% and 28.7%, respectively. Factors correlated with prognosis were pT-classification (p = 0.002), histotype (p = 0.012) and dural involvement (p = 0.004). Independent prognostic factors were orbital apex infiltration (p = 0.03), age (p = 0.002) and adjuvant therapy (p = 0.03). Conclusions: When endoscopic endonasal surgery is contraindicated and chemoradiotherapy is not appropriate, craniofacial and transfacial approaches still represent an option to consider, despite the non-negligible morbidity.

Sensitive peripheral nerve repair during COVID-19 emergency: does the outpatient surgical setting work as well as the operating theater?

Background: Nerve injuries are a common occurrence among hand injuries, which at the time of the COVID-19 emergency, did not appear to have reduced their incidence. The treatment of these injuries is urgent, but the pandemic has led to a reduction in the availability of resources and a consequent reorganization of activities. Principles about Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) in hand surgery expressed by LaLonde helped hand surgeons to adapt to this new condition by demonstrating a possible outpatient pathway for the treatment of hand traumatic conditions. In the present study, we bring our experience in nerve repair at time of COVID-19 emergency. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled in this study all patients surgically treated for a peripheral nerve injury (PNI) during the COVID-19 emergency period from March 2020 to March 2022. Demographical, anamnestic, surgical, and postoperative data were recorded and analyzed. Persisting Tinel was set as the primary outcome, while hypoesthesia and other complications as secondary outcomes. Results: Thirty-six patients have been enrolled. Despite some difference in group homogeneity in term of hypertension and multi-digital involvement, we registered no difference in term of outcomes (P > 0.05) between patient operated in surgical theater and in outpatient clinic and between the various techniques of nerve repair employed (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Nerve repair on an outpatient facility is technically feasible and was found in this study to be safe and effective. Compared to hospitalization, the outpatient setting has a more "agile" organization and lower costs, making it preferable in selected cases.Level of evidence: Level IV, Therapeutic.

Lower limb soft tissue reconstruction using free ALT flaps: multimodal parameter analysis to predict the level of spontaneous reinnervation.

INTRODUCTION: This work aims to assess lower limb free flaps spontaneous sensory recovery by comparing and analyzing a single standardized reconstructive procedure, namely the free noninnervated anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap in order to evaluate which flap or patient-related factors may predict flap reinnervation. METHODS: Between January 2010 and March 2018 all nonreinnervated ALT flaps for lower limb coverage performed at our institution were screened. We excluded from the study flaps with less than 18 months of follow-up time, neurotized flaps, and those from patients who missed the last follow up. Sensory modalities that were evaluated included the two-point discrimination (2PD) test, measured in mm; and the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (SWM) test, measured in gram. The sensory parameter results were compared and analyzed according to flap size (two groups; <160 cm2 vs. > 160 cm2), and post-op time of testing (two groups; <18-28 months vs. > 28 months). RESULTS: Twenty-one ALT free flaps were finally retained by this study. Our findings showed that flaps of smaller surface area showed a significantly better return in sensory discrimination 2PD and in sensory cutaneous pressure perception SWM testing. CONCLUSION: This work establishes for the first time some key quantitative data that can help predict free flap spontaneous reinnervation outcomes when using the same ALT flap. In our series, flaps surface remains the main discriminant value for a better sensory recovery.

The medial sural artery perforator flap for retromolar trigone reconstruction: A multicenter case series.

BACKGROUND: Retromolar trigone (RMT) cancer is a rare malignancy, which develops in a narrow area of the oral cavity. Surgical intervention requires wide excision and appropriate reconstruction usually with a free tissue transfer. Little has been published regarding the ideal microvascular reconstruction, mainly focusing on radial forearm and anterolateral thigh free flap. The medial sural artery perforator flap (MSAP) is not new for head and neck reconstruction but its use for RMT reconstruction has not been previously explored. The purpose of the study is to present a multicentric case series investigating the reliability of MSAP flap for RMT reconstruction. METHODS: The study is designed as a retrospective case series. All patients diagnosed with RMT cancer and undergone surgical resection and immediate reconstruction with a MSAP flap between February 2016 and March 2020 were identified. Patients' demographics and surgical details were collected. Functional results were evaluated using the Head and Neck Module of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer at 12 months of follow-up. A total of 34 patients with a mean age of 58 years were included in the study. An average defect size of 31.5 cm2 was observed after RMT tumor resection. RESULTS: The MSAP flaps' average dimensions were 11 ± 3.1 cm in length and 4.7 ± 1.6 cm in width with a mean thickness of 1.4 ± 0.8 cm. No flap complications were observed in 28 cases; four patients developed an orocutaneous fistula. One patient needed surgical revision for venous congestion while only one case of flap failure was observed. At 12 months of follow-up, 87% of the patient cohort had normal, understandable speech. No patient experienced complete loss of swallowing. Results of the H&N35 module showed a significative postoperative improvement in mouth soreness, mouth opening and social (p < .05*). No patient complained difficulty in motility at the donor site. CONCLUSIONS: The MSAP flap appears to be appropriate for RMT reconstruction and could be considered the workhorse for small to medium size defect of RTM region. It has a long pedicle of matching caliber and provides adequate tissue volume with minimal donor site morbidity.

Facial Fat Grafting (FFG): Worth the Risk? A Systematic Review of Complications and Critical Appraisal.

Introduction: Autologous fat is ideal soft tissue filler. It is easily accessible, biocompatible, cheap, and it provides both volume augmentation and skin quality improvement. Fat grafting has been used since 1893, but it has only gained widespread popularity since the development of modern liposuction by Colemann and Illouz in the 1980s. Every year more than half a million facial fat grafting procedures are carried out worldwide and the trend is rapidly increasing. Overall, general complications associated with facial fat grafting are assumed to be around 2%. Is that true? Material and Methods: Until July 2021, a systematic search of the literature was performed interrogating PubMed search engines. The following algorithm was used for the research: (fat graft OR lipofilling) AND face AND complications. Exclusion criteria applied hierarchically were review articles, not reporting recipient site complications; not in English and paediatric population. Abstracts were manually screened by LS, GS, JM and PDS separately and subsequently matched for accuracy. Pertinent full-text articles were retrieved and analysed and data were extracted from the database. The flow chart of article selection is described following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Results: In total, 462 papers were identified by PubMed search. A total of 359 were excluded: 38 papers were not in English, 41 were review articles, 279 articles did not report recipient site complications and 1 was not on human subjects. Average complication rate ranged from 1.5% to 81.4%. A total of 298 adverse events were identified: 40 (13.4%) intravascular injections, 13 (4.3%) asymmetry, 57 (19.1%) irregularities, 22 (7.4%) graft hypertrophy, 21 (7%) fat necrosis, 73 (24.5%) prolonged oedema, 1 (0.3%) infection, 6 (2%) prolonged erythema, 15 (5%) telangiectasia and 50 (16.8%) cases of acne activation. Conclusions: FFG related side effects could be resumed in three categories: severe, moderate, and minor. Severe (13.4%) side effects such as intravascular injection or migration require neurological or neurosurgical management and often lead to permanent disability or death. Moderate (38.3%) side effects such as fat hypertrophy, necrosis, cyst formation, irregularities and asymmetries require a retouch operation. Minor (48.3%) side effects such as prolonged oedema or erythema require no surgical management. Despite the fact that the overall general complication rate of facial fat grafting is assumed to be around 2%, the real complication rate of facial fat grafting is unknown due to a lack of reporting and the absence of consensus on side effect definition and identification. More RCTs are necessary to further determine the real complication rate of this procedure.

The "Sombrero-Shape" Super-Thin Pedicled ALT Flap for Complete Scrotal Reconstruction Following Fournier's Gangrene.

When the scrotal sac is entirely debrided following a Fournier gangrene, testes exposure poses unique challenges for the reconstructive surgeon. Despite the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is considered a workhorse in such context, aesthetic results are often suboptimal because of the lack of natural ptosis and patchwork appearance. We describe the use of a super-thin pedicled ALT flap for total scrotal reconstruction, modified according to a peculiar flap design and inset technique. A 42-year-old man was referred to our department for delayed total scrotal reconstruction 8 months after a Fournier gangrene extensive debridement. A super-thin pedicled ALT flap from the right thigh was designed: in the central portion of the ALT, a lateral skin paddle extension was marked to guarantee adequate posterior anchorage during insetting and ptosis of the scrotal sac. This particular flap arrangement has inspired the name "sombrero" as the shape is akin to the famous hat. No secondary refinements were needed, and the patient showed satisfying aesthetic and functional results at 12 months' follow-up. The ALT flap design "sombrero" modification proposed in this article can improve scrotum cosmesis and patient satisfaction in a single-stage single-flap procedure.

Cosmetic outcomes of skin closure with tissue adhesive or staples in repeated cesarean section: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare scar quality associated with metal staples or tissue adhesive for closure of the skin incision at repeat cesarean delivery (CD). STUDY DESIGN: Single-center Randomized Controlled Trial (ClinicalTrial.gov ID: NCT04302597), including women undergoing repeat CD using metal staples or 2- octylcyanoacrylate for closure of the skin incision. Patients were randomized to have skin closure following CD with either staples or tissue adhesive. Scar quality was evaluated 2 and 6 months postoperatively using the Vancouver Scar Scale, the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), and a visual analog scale. RESULTS: Of the 66 patients who were recruited, 55 successfully completed the study. The duration of surgery was comparable in both groups. A partial wound dehiscence occurred in one patient who had tissue adhesive closure. No difference in subjective and objective scar cosmesis rating was found between tissue adhesive and staples groups at either 2 months or 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: In women undergoing CD, stapled wounds and those closed with tissue adhesive result in equivalent cosmetic appearance of the scar.

Maxillary Sinus Floor Infiltration: Results From a Series of 118 Maxillary Sinus Cancers.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Maxillary cancers are rare and aggressive tumors, which can spread beyond the sinus bony walls. Preoperative assessment of infiltration of maxillary sinus floor (MSF) is paramount for surgical planning, as palatomaxillary demolition significantly impacts patients' quality of life. This study investigates the challenges involved in the preoperative and intraoperative evaluation of MSF infiltration and analyzes its prognostic relevance. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients treated for sinonasal malignancies at a single Institution was performed. Patients receiving surgical-based treatment with curative intent for primary maxillary sinus cancers, between January 2000 and November 2019, were included. RESULTS: A cohort of 118 patients was analyzed. By comparing intraoperative findings (endoscopic assessment and frozen sections) with preoperative radiological assessment, diagnostic changes with regard to MSF infiltration were found in 27.1% (32/118 cases). MSF infiltration negatively affected the prognosis in both univariate and multivariate analyses in the overall population. In the subgroup of pT1-T3 tumors, MSF infiltration was significantly associated with reduced overall (P = .012), disease-free (P = .011), and distant recurrence-free (P = .002) survival rates. Conversely, pT classification was not able to stratify patients according to prognosis, mainly because early-staged cancers (pT1-T2) with MSF infiltration showed reduced survival rates, similar to those observed in pT3 cancers. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative imaging should be integrated with intraoperative findings based on endoscopic inspection and frozen sections. Future studies are required to investigate the opportunity to incorporate MSF infiltration in the TNM staging system, considering its crucial role in defining the extent of surgery and its potential as prognosticator. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 132:26-35, 2022.

Role of the Cadaver Lab in Lymphatic Microsurgery Education: Validation of a New Training Model.

BACKGROUND: Microsurgical transplantation of vascularized lymph nodes (VLNT) or lymphatic vessels (VLVT) alongside derivative lymphaticovenous procedures are promising approaches for treatment of lymphedema. However, clinically relevant training models for mastering these techniques are still lacking. Here we describe a new training model in human cadaver and validate its use as training tool for microsurgical lymphatic reconstruction. METHODS: 10 surgeons with previous exposure to microsurgery were trained in a controlled environment. Lymphatic vessel mapping and dissection in 4 relevant body regions, harvesting of five different VLNTs and one VLVT were performed in 5 fresh-frozen cadavers. The number of lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes for each VLNT were recorded. Finally, the efficacy of this model as training tool was validated using the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM). RESULTS: The average cumulative DREEM score over each category was 30,75 (max = 40) while individual scoring for each relevant category revealed highly positive ratings from the perspective of teaching (39,3), training 40,5 (max = 48) and self perception of the training 30,5 (max = 32) from all participants. The groin revealed the highest number of lymphatic vessels (3.2 ± 0.29) as all other regions on the upper extremity, while the gastroepiploic VLNT had the highest number of lymph nodes (4.2 ± 0.37). CONCLUSIONS: This human cadaver model represents a new, reproducible "all-in-one" tool for effective training in lymphatic microsurgery. Its unique diligence in accurately reproducing human lymphatic anatomy, should make this model worth considering for each microsurgeon willing to approach lymphatic reconstruction.

Endoscopic-assisted orbital exenteration: Technical feasibility and surgical results from a single-center consecutive series.

The purposes of this study were to describe the endoscopic-assisted orbital exenteration surgical techniques, to report preliminary outcomes and to discuss advantages, indications and limitations of this approach. All patients who underwent endoscopic-assisted orbital exenteration at a single tertiary-care center were retrospectively reviewed. A concomitant reconstruction was performed in all cases. The extent of surgical resection was tailored to the size and location of tumor and was classified into four subtypes. A total of 40 patients were included in this series. Orbital exenteration type 1 was performed in 7 cases, type 2 in 11 cases, type 3 in 19 cases, and type 4 in 3 cases. The reconstruction was performed with a pedicled temporal flap in 5 patients and with a free vascularized flap in 34 cases. A radical resection of disease was obtained in 32 cases. After a mean follow-up of 36 months, 14 patients died of disease, one patient died of other causes, 7 are alive with disease, and 18 patients are currently alive without evidence of disease. The preliminary data emerging from this case-series support the feasibility and safety of endoscopic-assisted orbital exenteration.

Social Perception of Reconstruction following Orbital Exenteration.

BACKGROUND: Orbital exenteration, the removal of the entire globe, eyelids, and orbital content, is indicated in extensive neoplastic disease involving the orbital region. Although a functional reconstruction of orbital exenteration defects is mandatory, aesthetic concerns need to be considered. Facial disfigurement following reconstructive surgery often leads to great discomfort and social retirement, which can limit social interaction. The aim of this study was to explore how the society perceives the aspect of patients who underwent orbital exenteration and subsequent reconstruction, comparing two different types of reconstruction: standard anterolateral thigh (ALT) or "sandwich" fascial ALT (SALT) free flap. METHODS: An online survey was created based on four questions regarding the perception of reconstruction (discomfort at looking at that patient, perception of unhealthiness, hypothesis of social life impairment, etc); five possible answers were provided, ranging from "completely" to "not at all." The survey was administered to the general population and to medical students. RESULTS: In total, 255 people participated to the survey (130 medical students and 125 people of the general population); a total of 245 surveys were considered eligible (10 were incomplete and then discharged). Statistical significance was found (P < 0.001) regarding the better overall appearance of the SALT group over the ALT one. CONCLUSIONS: After analysis, the surgical outcome after SALT reconstruction has been found to be less disruptive in both groups, due to a reduced scar burden and a more pleasant orbital pocket. Our results encourage more research in the field of postexenteration reconstruction to achieve more aesthetic and social acceptability.

Safety of Reconstructive Microsurgery in the Elderly Population: a Multicentric Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Safety of reconstructive microsurgery in elderly patients is still a topic of debate, because no conclusive evidence exists that provides indications and risk evaluation in elderly patients. The purpose of this study, which the Italian Society for Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery (SICPRE) has promoted, is to evaluate the safety and the complication risk of elective reconstructive microsurgery in elderly patients as well as to identify patient- or procedure-related risk factors. The secondary aim is to evaluate the predictive role for complications of the Geriatric 8 score (G8). METHODS: A total of 194 consecutive patients from 18 centers, aged 65 or older, who received an elective microsurgical flap between April 2018 and April 2019 were prospectively evaluated. Patient-related, treatment-related, and outcomes data were recorded and statistically analyzed through multiple-adjusted logistic regression models. RESULTS: Our study showed an increased risk of complications and a longer hospitalization in patients aged ≥75 years with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score ≥3 (or G8 score ≤11) as compared to patients >65 years of age and <75 years of age who undergo reconstruction with a microsurgical flap. Instead, flap survival did not significantly vary with age, but was associated only with ASA score ≥3 (or G8 score ≤11) and surgeries that last longer than 480 min; however, flap survival (92.3%) was slightly lower than that commonly reported for in the general population. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstructive microsurgery in the elderly is generally safe. The ASA score is easier and quicker than the G8 score and equally useful for risk stratification.

The proximal ulnar perforator flap (PUPF) for hand digital reconstruction: an anatomical study.

Degloving injuries of the fingers represent a reconstructive challenge. Even if poorly described in literature, the proximal ulnar perforator flap (PUPF), based on perforator of the anterior ulnar recurrent artery or directly on a perforator branch of the ulnar artery, meets the requested criteria for the ideal coverage. We performed a cadaveric study in order to clarify the anatomical basis and vascularization of the PUPF flap. Eight injected upper limb specimens were dissected for this study: perforators were followed down to their origin and classified in terms of number, length, diameters and distances between their emergence and specific pre-determined landmarks as the medial humeral epicondyle. At least one ulnar perforator in the proximal third of the forearm was identified in all the specimens. In 50% of the upper limbs, the perforator branch came directly from the ulnar artery, while in the 87.5% a perforator branch came from the anterior recurrent ulnar artery; in 3 out of 8 cases both perforator branches were described. Mean lengths of the perforator branch were 57.9 mm and 44.3 mm, respectively and the mean diameters measured at their origin were 0.99 mm and 1.17 mm respectively. Our data illustrate the consistency of at least one perforator branch from the proximal third of the ulnar artery, most commonly coming from the anterior recurrent ulnar artery. Considering our results, the PUPF could be a good alternative to the classical free flaps for the resurfacing of the finger defects.

Outcomes of 173 metacarpal and phalangeal fractures treated by intramedullary headless screw fixation with a 4-year follow-up.

Surgical treatment of extra-articular metacarpal and phalangeal fractures should be considered when there is instability or in patients with high demand. To overcome the issues related to the use of Kirschner wires, external fixators, and open reduction and internal fixation procedures, intramedullary headless screw fixation (IHSF) is an alternative technique to achieve primary fracture stability and early return to daily activities. We report the data of the Italian Multicentric Intra-Medullary Experience, which includes 173 cases of extra-articular unstable fractures (38 phalanges and 135 metacarpals) treated with the IHSF. After surgery, patients underwent early mobilization without splinting. The results confirm the reliability of IHSF in cases with non-articular involvement, showing a good recovery rate in terms of bone healing and range of motion.Level of evidence: IV.

The Adipo-Fascial ALT Flap in Lower Extremities Reconstruction Gustillo IIIC-B Fractures. An Osteogenic Inducer?

RESULTS: Mean time from injury to flap coverage was 72 hours. The mean size of bone defects was 4-7,6 cm. All flaps were Antero Lateral Tight flaps, and the fracture sites did not have any evidence of infection. None of the patients was a smoker. A solid bone union was reached, and full wearing was in a mean of 11 (4-20) weeks after the injury. The lower limb was saved in 100% of the cases. CONCLUSION: Despite the goods results, further studies applied on a large number of patients are needed to confirm authors theory, however, we can consider the fascial ALT flap as a valid help for bone healing in 3B-C open tibial fractures.

Anatomical Study and Clinical Application of Ulnar Artery Proximal Perforator Flaps.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to document the vascular anatomy of the free ulnar artery proximal perforator flap and to highlight the possibility of harvesting it based on the perforators originating from the posterior ulnar recurrent artery (PURA), to spare both the main axis of vascular supply to the hand. In addition, we present a case series of five patients treated for soft tissue defects of the hand with free ulnar artery proximal perforator flaps. METHODS: Ten specimens of anterior forearm were dissected in this study to register number and characteristics of ulnar perforators. The dissection was focused on the perforators originating from the larger branch of the ulnar artery, the PURA, at the proximal third of anteromedial forearm. The anatomical dissections were evaluated in relationship with clinical dissections performed during flap harvesting in five patients. RESULTS: In three of the specimens dissected, the proximal perforator originated from the PURA, and in the other seven specimens, it originated directly from the ulnar artery. Five cases of reconstruction of the hand were performed with success using the free ulnar artery proximal perforator flap, and in two cases, the perforator from the PURA was found and it was possible to raise the flap based on this branch of the ulnar artery. CONCLUSION: The free ulnar artery proximal perforator flap can be harvested in two different manners for the same skin island of the forearm. When possible, harvesting it form the PURA allows lengthening of the pedicle. In our experience, this flap presents many advantages such as thinness and hairlessness; it allows preservation of the ulnar neurovascular bundle with an acceptable donor site morbidity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Dual-Plane Retro-pectoral Versus Pre-pectoral DTI Breast Reconstruction: An Italian Multicenter Experience.

BACKGROUND: The use of conservative mastectomies has risen significantly during the last few years. The reconstructive choice of direct-to-implant reconstruction has become more practicable with modern mastectomy techniques. The initial trend in Italian centers was to use dual-plane hybrid reconstruction. However, a high level of complications has been registered. From 2015 onward, in our centers, a pre-pectoral approach has been adopted. The authors sought to describe the Italian trend to gradually discard the sub-pectoral technique with lower lateral pole coverage of the prosthesis using ADMs comparing it with the pre-pectoral approach with ADMs, without any muscle dissection, in terms of complication rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter retrospective clinical study was performed from January 2010 to June 2018. The enrolled patients were divided into two groups: Cases with an ADM-only coverage pre-pectoral reconstruction made up the first group (Group 1). Those with the retro-pectoral muscular position + ADM implant coverage comprised the second one (Group 2). Complications such as seroma, hematoma, wound dehiscence, surgical site infection, reconstruction failure, animation deformity and capsular contracture were recorded. RESULTS: We performed 716 direct-to-implant reconstructions: 509 were partially sub-pectoral and 207 were pre-pectoral. Minimum follow-up was 1 year. Incidence of complications was higher in dual-plane reconstructions. There were statistical significant differences in the rates of seroma and hematoma. CONCLUSION: Using the pre-pectoral approach, the authors have experienced favorable aesthetics and superior clinical and functional outcomes. Retro-pectoral muscular ADM implant coverage has to be considered only in specific complicated second-stage surgeries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .