Trends and variations in post-mastectomy breast reconstruction rates in Australia over 10 years.

BACKGROUND: Offering breast reconstruction (BR) at the time of mastectomy is standard of care in Australia with proven quality-of-life benefits. Previously BR rates in Australia have been low compared to similar countries. Accurate up-to-date information is needed to promote equity in access to BR and inform future planning of services. This study analysed recent trends and variations of BR uptake in Australia. METHOD: Data from the BreastSurgANZ Quality Audit (BQA) were used to identify patients who underwent mastectomy with or without reconstruction for invasive or in situ breast carcinoma from 2010 to 2019. The association between BR uptake and the variables of jurisdiction (state or territory), age, hospital type and remoteness, and remoteness of patients' home addresses were analysed. RESULTS: A total 41 880 women underwent mastectomy between 2010 to 2019. The national BR rate steadily increased from 12.8% in 2010 to 29% in 2019, with a 10-year national average of 21.3%. Statistically significant differences in BR uptake (P < 0.001) were found between states with higher rates in New South Wales and Victoria, with BR more likely in private hospitals and in younger women (P < 0.001), and less likely in remote areas (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The Australian BR rate has increased over the 10-year period, but significant variation still exists between states. BR is lower in older women and those living in regional and remote areas. While the steady increase in BR uptake is encouraging, barriers that exist to equitable provision of reconstructive surgical services for all women living with breast cancer still need to be corrected.

Trends in outcomes with adoption of indocyanine green angiography in postmastectomy reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) aims to reduce ischaemic complications by supplementing intraoperative perfusion assessment of mastectomy flaps. Learning curves for this technology have not been analysed. We evaluated changes in patient outcomes with increasing case volume after ICGA adoption in postmastectomy reconstruction. METHODS: Single-institution retrospective analysis of 320 implant-based reconstructions following mastectomy using ICGA from 2015, when it was introduced, to 2021. Cases chronologically divided into tertiles and complications amongst groups evaluated. Trends in ischaemic complications plotted using weighted moving average. CUSUM analysis determined after how many cases plateau was reached. Number of ischaemic complications prior to plateau calculated with AUC analysis. RESULTS: Ischaemic complications decreased over time (Group 1, 15.1%; Group 2, 11.2%; Group 3, 4.7%, P = 0.034). Cases of delayed reconstruction increased over time (Group 1, 6.6%; Group 2, 28%; Group 3, 22.4%; P < 0.001). Our institution reached plateau of 10% ischaemic complications after 160 cases. Mean incidence of ischaemic complications decreased from 16.9% during the first 160 cases to 3.8% after plateau was reached (P < 0.001). Eleven extra breasts (6.9%) experienced ischaemic complications, that may have been avoided if operated by surgeons after the first 160 cases. CONCLUSIONS: There was increased tendency towards a conservative approach of delaying reconstruction and decreased rates of ischaemic complications with increasing case volume after ICGA implementation. A significant number of cases were needed to reach plateau of minimal ischaemic complications. This data could encourage development of standardized protocols for this technology to shorten learning curves for improved patient outcomes.

Patterns of ischaemia and reperfusion in nipple-sparing mastectomy reconstruction with indocyanine green angiography.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative assessment of mastectomy flaps and nipple-areola complex (NAC) with indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) for decision-making in delayed breast reconstruction after nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) remains to be fully elucidated. We evaluated patterns of ischaemia and reperfusion in NSM with delayed breast reconstruction and their outcomes. METHOD: Single-institution retrospective study of delayed implant-based breast reconstructions following NSM due to poor perfusion analysis on ICGA. Intraoperative ICGA perfusion values and fluorescence patterns during the delayed and subsequent reconstruction operations were analysed. RESULTS: Fifty-six (45 patients) delayed breast reconstructions following NSM were performed. The median time to reconstruction was seven days (range, 4-21 days). A total of 112 fluorescence images were reviewed. Four patterns of ischaemia were identified during initial mastectomy (Type I, diffuse ischaemia; Type II, geographic ischaemia; Type III, incisional ischaemia; Type IV, NAC only ischaemia). All, but 1 breast, had adequate reperfusion during delayed reconstruction. Obesity (BMI ≥ 30) was associated with Type I ischaemia (p < 0.001). Mean ICGA absolute and relative perfusion values during initial mastectomy were significantly lower than the perfusion values during delayed reconstruction (absolute value 6.7 versus 40.2 units, p < 0.001; relative value 10% versus 44%, p < 0.001, respectively). There were no cases of partial-thickness or full-thickness necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Delaying breast reconstruction for NSM with ischaemia predicted by ICGA may allow blood supply to the flap and NAC to improve, reducing the risk for necrosis. Distinct patterns of ischaemia and low perfusion values with ICGA may be used in the decision to delay reconstruction.

Cost-effectiveness of indocyanine green angiography in postmastectomy breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Mastectomy skin flap necrosis is a major complication of skin- or nipple-sparing mastectomy. Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) is a novel technology that can identify flaps at risk of necrosis, but there is paucity of cost-effectiveness data particularly in the Australian context. We evaluated its cost-effectiveness in breast reconstruction surgery. METHODS: Single-institution retrospective study of 295 implant-based breast reconstructions using ICGA compared with 228 reconstructions without ICGA from 2015 to 2020. Costs were calculated using Medicare item numbers and micro-costing analysis. Break-even point analysis determined the number needed to break-even. Cost-utility analysis compared probabilities of ischaemic complications and utility estimates derived from surveys of surgeons to fit into a decision model. RESULTS: There were 295 breast reconstructions using ICGA with a total cost of AU$164,657. The average cost of treating an ischaemic complication was AU$21,375. Use of ICGA reduced the ischaemic complication rate from 14.9% to 8.8%. Ischaemic complications were prevented in 18 breasts resulting in gross cost savings of AU$384,745 and net savings of AU$220,088. Three hundred eighteen cases using ICGA are needed to break-even. The decision model demonstrated a baseline cost difference of AU$1,179, a quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) difference of 1.77, and an incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) of AU$656 per QALY favouring ICGA. CONCLUSIONS: Routine use of ICGA during implant-based breast reconstruction is a cost-effective intervention for the reduction of ischaemic complications in the Australian setting. ICGA use was associated with a gain of 1.77 additional years of perfect health at a cost of AU$656 more per year.