Ginecomastia: Consideraciones médicas y quirúrgicas en cirugía general / Gynecomastia: Medical and surgical considerations in general surgery

La ginecomastia, definida como el crecimiento del tejido glandular mamario en los hombres, aparece desde la etapa neonatal hasta la senil, puede ser unilateral o bilateral, y es de causa multifactorial, incluyendo aquellos pacientes asociados al uso de medicamentos, donde predomina un desbalance en la relación testosterona­estrógeno. Relativamente, la idiopática es la más frecuente. La mayoría involucionan espontáneamente, las neonatales por perdida del influjo transplacentario en las primeras semanas, y las puberales entre 12 a 24 meses. Se presenta como un aumento del tamaño mamario, asintomático o con hipersensibilidad por inflamación durante el crecimiento del tejido fibroglandular mamario, con una repercusión psicológica enorme, sobre todo en la etapa de la adolescencia. El estudio y manejo es interdisciplinario y se ofrece de acuerdo con las condiciones y la etiología. Aquellos pacientes púberes en quienes no involuciona reciben tratamientos médicos, o tratamientos quirúrgicos cuando falla la terapéutica o hay presión social, e incluso radioterapia en casos donde desarrollan ginecomastia con hipersensibilidad al tratamiento hormonal del cáncer de próstata

Gynecomastia, defined as the growth of breast glandular tissue in men, appears from the neonatal to senile stage, can be unilateral or bilateral, and is of multifactorial cause, including those patients associated with the use of medications, where an imbalance in the testosterone ­ estrogen ratio. Relatively, idiopathic is the most common. Most regress spontaneously, neonatals due to loss of transplacental influx in the first weeks, and pubertal ones between 12 to 24 months. It presents as an increase in breast size, asymptomatic or with hypersensitivity due to inflammation during the growth of the mammary fibroglandular tissue, with an enormous psychological repercussion, especially in adolescence. The study and management is interdisciplinary and offered according to conditions and etiology. Those pubertal patients in whom it does not regress receive medical treatments, or surgical treatments when therapy fails or there is social pressure, and even radiotherapy in cases where they develop gynecomastia with hypersensitivity to hormonal treatment of prostate cancer

Effects of Illness Perception and Health Beliefs on the Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Patients in the Yanbian Area of China

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify the effects of illness perception and health beliefs on the quality of life (QOL) of breast cancer patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected using questionnaires administered to 200 patients admitted for chemotherapy after a partial or total mastectomy at a university hospital in Yanji City. The data were analyzed using t-tests, analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and hierarchical regression analysis. RESULTS: The QOL of the breast cancer patients was significantly correlated with health beliefs and a subfactor of illness perception. The significant factors influencing QOL were understanding illness and feeling threatened, accounting for 31.7% of the variance in QOL. CONCLUSION: Illness perception of breast cancer patients had a negative influence on QOL, whereas health beliefs affected it positively. An implication of this study's findings is that interventions to reduce negative illness perception can improve the QOL among breast cancer patients.

Early Rehabilitation after Total Mastectomy and Immediate Reconstruction with Tissue Expander Insertion in Breast Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Case-control Study / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: To prevent surgical site complications, many plastic surgeons use the so-called “conventional protocol,” which immobilizes the shoulder and upper arm for 1 month after reconstruction. In an effort to improve the shoulder mobility of patients who received immediate breast reconstruction with tissue expander insertion (TEI), we introduced an early rehabilitation protocol with a short-term immobilization period of 2 weeks. This study aims to compare this early rehabilitation exercise program with the conventional protocol and to determine factors affecting shoulder mobility and quality of life of patients after immediate breast reconstruction. METHODS: A total of 115 patients with breast cancer who underwent reconstructive surgery were retrospectively reviewed. For patients who underwent reconstruction before January 2017, the conventional protocol was followed with immobilization of their shoulder for over 4 weeks. Patients who underwent reconstruction after January 2017 were educated to undergo a self-exercise program after a short-term immobilization period of 2 weeks. We compared shoulder mobility, pain, quality of life, and complications at postoperative 1 and 2 months between the groups. RESULTS: Patients who received early rehabilitation showed greater shoulder flexion and abduction range at postoperative 1 month than those who received the conventional protocol. This increased shoulder abduction range continued until postoperative 2 months. There were no significant surgical site problems in both groups during the 2 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: To enhance the recovery of shoulder mobility, early rehabilitation with a shorter immobilization period should be recommended to patients with breast cancer undergoing reconstruction surgery with TEI. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03541161

Additional lesions seen in magnetic resonance imaging of breast cancer patients: the role of second-look ultrasound and imaging-guided interventions

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the final outcomes of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-identified additional lesions (MRALs) in breast cancer patients and the role of second-look ultrasound (SLUS) and imaging-guided interventions. METHODS: We analyzed breast cancer patients with MRALs on preoperative MRI between January and June 2012. MRALs were defined as additional lesions suspected on MRI but not suspected on mammograms or ultrasound. The malignancy rate of MRALs, MRI-based Breast Imaging Reporting and Database System (BI-RADS) category, positional relationship with the index cancer, MRI-concordant lesion visibility on SLUS, performance of imaging-guided interventions, and total mastectomy (TM) rates were evaluated for the confirmed lesions. RESULTS: Among the 119 confirmed lesions, SLUS and imaging-guided interventions were performed in 94 (79.0%) and 82 cases (68.9%), respectively. The malignancy rate was 68.1% (81 of 119), and was significantly higher in BI-RADS 4C-5 lesions than in 4A-4B lesions (94.6% vs. 56.1%, P < 0.01) and in ipsilateral same-quadrant lesions than in contralateral lesions (84.2% vs. 33.3%, P < 0.01). The lesion visibility rate on SLUS was 90.4%. The malignancy rate was not significantly different according to lesion visibility on SLUS. The TM rate in the 98 cases with ipsilateral MRALs was 37.8%, while it was significantly lower in patients who underwent an imaging-guided intervention than in those who did not (27.9% vs. 54.1%, P=0.017). CONCLUSION: MRALs show a high probability of malignancy, especially if they are ipsilateral. SLUS and imaging-guided interventions can eliminate many unnecessary TMs.

Multimodal analgesia with multiple intermittent doses of erector spinae plane block through a catheter after total mastectomy: a retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND: Although case reports have suggested that the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) may help analgesia for patients after breast surgery, no study to date has assessed its effectiveness. This retrospective observational study analyzed the analgesic effects of the ESPB after total mastectomy. METHODS: Forty-eight patients were divided into an ESPB group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 28). Twenty patients in the control group were selected by their propensity score matching the twenty patients in the ESPB group. Patients in the ESPB group were injected with 30 mL 0.375% ropivacaine, followed by catheter insertion for further injections of local anesthetics every 12 hours. Primarily, total fentanyl consumption was compared between the two groups during the first 24 hours postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included pain intensity levels (visual analogue scale) and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). RESULTS: Median cumulative fentanyl consumption during the first 24 hours was significantly lower in the ESPB (33.0 μg; interquartile range [IQR], 27.0–69.5 μg) than in the control group (92.8 μg; IQR, 40.0–155.0 μg) (P = 0.004). Pain level in the early postoperative stage (<3 hr) and incidence of PONV (0% vs. 55%) were also significantly lower in the ESPB group compared to the control (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Intermittent ESPB after total mastectomy reduces fentanyl consumption and early postoperative pain. ESPB is a good option for multimodal analgesia after breast surgery.

Reconstrução mamária com implantes e tela sintética / Breast reconstruction with implants and synthetic mesh

Introdução: As mastectomias com reconstruções mamárias imediatas podem proteger a paciente de um período de estresse psicossocial, imagem corporal negativa e insatisfação sexual. O advento e utilização de novos materiais como os implantes, expansores e matrizes dérmicas acelulares também contribuíram para o sucesso das reconstruções mamárias. Porém, o uso das matrizes dérmicas acelulares é restrito no Brasil pela legislação e seu alto custo. O objetivo do estudo foi relatar a experiência do autor na reconstrução mamária com implantes e tela sintética como uma alternativa às matrizes dérmicas acelulares. Método: Foi realizada uma análise retrospectiva de 12 pacientes consecutivas (20 mamas reconstruídas) que foram submetidas à reconstrução mamária imediata ou tardia pela técnica descrita com implantes e tela sintética, entre novembro de 2015 e dezembro de 2016. Resultados: Doze pacientes (20 mamas) foram operadas pela técnica apresentada no estudo. O tempo médio de follow-up foi de 14 meses. Nesta série, 15% apresentaram complicações menores como hematoma, deiscência de sutura e rippling. O número de complicações, apesar do número restrito de casos, é compatível com a literatura. O grau de satisfação global com a cirurgia foi, em média, de 75,2 pontos em uma escala de 0-100, sendo a nota mais alta atribuída à aparência das mamas (85 pontos). Conclusão: A reconstrução mamária com implantes e tela sintética se mostrou uma técnica com baixo índice de complicações, alto grau de satisfação das pacientes com o resultado estético e com menores custos em relação ao uso de matrizes dérmicas acelulares.

Introduction: Mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction may prevent patients from experiencing a period of psychosocial stress, negative body image, and sexual dissatisfaction. The advent and implementation of novel materials such as implants, expanders, and acellular dermal matrices have also contributed to the success of breast reconstruction procedures. However, the use of acellular dermal matrices in Brazil is restricted by law and by their high cost. The objective of the present study was to report the author's experience in breast reconstruction with implants and synthetic mesh as an alternative to acellular dermal matrices. Method: This was a retrospective analysis of 12 consecutive patients (20 reconstructed breasts) who underwent immediate or delayed breast reconstruction using the described technique with implants and synthetic mesh between November 2015 and December 2016. Results: Twelve patients (20 breasts) were operated on using the technique described in this report. The mean time of follow-up was 14 months. In this series, 15% of patients had minor complications, including hematoma, suture dehiscence, and rippling. The rate of complications was similar to the rates reported in the literature, despite the limited number of cases. The average degree of overall satisfaction with the surgery was 75.2 points on a scale of 0-100, and the highest score was given to breast appearance (85 points). Conclusion: Breast reconstruction with implants and synthetic mesh was shown to be a technique with a low rate of complications, high degree of patient satisfaction with the cosmetic result, and decreased cost relative to acellular dermal matrices.

Trends in breast reconstruction: Implications for the National Health Insurance Service

BACKGROUND: Breast reconstruction has become more common as mastectomy has become more frequent. In Korea, the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) began covering breast reconstruction in April 2015. This study aimed to investigate trends in mastectomy and breast reconstruction over the past 10 years and to evaluate the impact of NHIS coverage on breast reconstruction. METHODS: Nationwide data regarding mastectomy and breast reconstruction were collected from the Korean Breast Cancer Society registry database. Multiple variables were analyzed in the records of patients who underwent breast reconstruction from January 2005 to March 2017 at a single institution. RESULTS: At Seoul National University Hospital, the total number of reconstruction cases increased 13-fold from 2005 to 2016. The proportion of immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) cases out of all cases of total mastectomy increased from 4% in 2005 to 52.0% in 2016. The proportion of delayed breast reconstruction (DBR) cases out of all cases of breast reconstruction and the overall number of DBR cases increased from 8.8% (20 cases) in 2012 to 18.3% (76 cases) in 2016. After NHIS coverage was initiated, the proportions of IBR and DBR showed statistically significant increases (P < 0.05). Among the IBR cases, the percentage of prosthesis-based reconstructions increased significantly (P < 0.05), but this trend was not found with DBR. Total mastectomy became significantly more common after the expansion of NHIS coverage (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Over the last decade, there has been an increase in mastectomy and breast reconstruction, and the pace of increase accelerated after the expansion of NHIS coverage. It is expected that breast reconstruction will be a routine option for patients with breast cancer under the NHIS.

Predictors of Positive or Close Surgical Margins in Breast-Conserving Surgery for Patients with Breast Cancer

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the clinical and pathological factors associated with a higher rate of positive or close margins after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) by comparing these patients to patients with a negative margin. The second aim was to evaluate intraoperative resection margin status and reoperation rates for margin control in patients who underwent BCS. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical and pathological data of all women diagnosed with invasive breast carcinoma (IBC) and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) at our institution between January 2006 and December 2016. RESULTS: During the 10-year study period, 785 patients were diagnosed with either IBC or DCIS, and 402 of these patients had undergone a total mastectomy as the primary treatment. The remaining 383 patients who underwent BCS were included in the final analysis. Of these, 100 patients (26.1%) had intraoperative positive or close margins. The remaining 283 patients (73.9%) had a negative margin intraoperatively, but 32 of these patients had positive or close margins on permanent sections. In the multivariate analyses, microcalcifications on mammograms (vs. none; odds ratio [OR], 1.911; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.156−3.160), in situ carcinomas larger than 2.0 cm (vs. ≤2.0 cm; OR, 3.106; 95% CI, 1.193−8.086), and lumpectomy (vs. quadrantectomy; OR, 2.863; 95% CI, 1.268−6.622) showed a significant association with a positive or close surgical margins. Patients with intraoperative positive or close margins underwent more reoperation than those with negative margins (5.0% vs. 2.8%). CONCLUSION: After BCS, microcalcifications on mammograms, large-sized in situ carcinomas, and lumpectomy were more likely to have positive or close margins.

A simple calculation for the preoperative estimation of transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous free flap volume in 2-stage breast reconstruction using a tissue expander

BACKGROUND: Flap volume is an important factor for obtaining satisfactory symmetry in breast reconstruction with a transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) free flap. We aimed to develop an easy and simple method to estimate flap volume. METHODS: We performed a preoperative estimation of the TRAM flap volume in five patients with breast cancer who underwent 2-stage breast reconstruction following an immediate tissue expander operation after a simple mastectomy. We measured the height and width of each flap zone using a ruler and measured the tissue thickness by ultrasound. The volume of each zone, approximated as a triangular or square prism, was then calculated. The zone volumes were summed to obtain the total calculated volume of the TRAM flap. We then determined the width of zone II, so that the calculated flap volume was equal to the required flap volume (1.2×1.05×the weight of the resected mastectomy tissue). The TRAM flap was transferred vertically so that zone III was located on the upper side, and zone II was trimmed in the sitting position after vascular anastomosis. We compared the estimated flap width of zone II (=X) with the actual flap width of zone II. RESULTS: X was similar to the actual measured width. Accurate volume replacement with the TRAM flap resulted in good symmetry in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: The volume of a free TRAM flap can be straightforwardly estimated preoperatively using the method presented here, with ultrasound, ruler, and simple calculations, and this technique may help reduced the time required for precise flap tailoring.

Leiomyosarcoma of the breast in a 48-year old male

@#<p style="text-align: justify;">This is a case of a 48-year old male with left-sided 9.0cm x 8.0cm exophytic, foul-smelling, bleeding breast mass. Core needle biopsy revealed a malignant phylloides tumor. He underwent total mastectomy and final histopathology showed a primary breast leiomyosarcoma staining positive for smooth muscle actin. A review of cases of primary breast leiomyosarcoma was done and to date, there are only 70 documented. The treatment of breast sarcomas still follows those strategies for soft tissue sarcomas in other locations. An important prognosticating factor is complete resection on initial treatment. Lymph node metastasis is rare for sarcomas in general.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>