RESUMEN
Background: Due to variations in perforator vasculature, deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap preoperative imaging can minimize operative time required to locate the most suitable perforators. Dedicated computed tomography angiography (CTA) has been the gold standard; however, many patients have already undergone a staging computed tomography (CT) per oncologic workup. The benefits from CTA may also be realized with a staging CT or CT with IV contrast. Methods: Ten patients who underwent DIEP flap reconstruction with staging CT and CTA within 3 years of one another were included in this study. Reviewers evaluated axial views of both imaging modalities separately to identify each visible perforator in reference to the pubic symphysis from the xiphoid to the pubic symphysis. An intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to determine agreement in location of perforators between the two imaging studies. Statistical analysis was performed using an ICC and Wilcoxon signed rank-tests. Results: The identified perforators within the patient cohort had an excellent correlation between their location on CT and CTA based upon ICC. The mean number of perforators identified in the CT group was 15.3 (SD 4.9) and in the CTA group was 18.8 (SD 6.4), which was not statistically different (P = 0.247). Conclusions: CT has similar efficacy in identifying number of perforators and perforator location to dedicated CTA for preoperative planning in DIEP flaps. This has the potential for decreased patient contrast and ionizing radiation exposure as well as improved patient and healthcare resource utilization.
RESUMEN
We present a case of a giant phyllodes tumor (PT) requiring simple mastectomy with en bloc pectoralis major resection and immediate deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap reconstruction. This patient presented with a four-year history of an enlarging breast mass with ultrasound-guided biopsy results consistent with atypical fibroepithelial proliferation that was highly concerning for a borderline phyllodes tumor. In this large, rare breast tumor that required en bloc pectoralis major resection, we describe the novel use of an immediate single pedicled DIEP flap for the resulting chest wall defect. The patient's postoperative course was uncomplicated, and she reported satisfactory cosmetic and functional outcomes at her initial postoperative follow-up visits. Our findings support the use of simple mastectomy with en bloc resection and immediate single-pedicled DIEP flap for the definitive treatment of giant phyllodes tumors. Our experience shows this is a safe and effective technique for achieving adequate oncologic resection while maintaining postoperative function and cosmesis, which are essential for patient quality of life.
RESUMEN
Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) offers improved cosmesis for women undergoing mastectomy; however, there is increased risk for complications with this technique. We sought to determine if standard anatomic measurements could be used to predict complications of NSM. We performed a retrospective review of NSM for which anthropometric measurements of sternal notch to nipple distance, base width, and inframammary fold to nipple distance were available, and compared outcomes by anatomic measurements. We identified 102 cases of NSM with measurements available for study performed in 55 patients. Areola necrosis was associated with base width of greater than 15 cm (42.9% vs 10.9%, P = 0.02), infections were more likely with inframammary fold to nipple distance of more than 10 cm (29.2% vs 10.3%, P = 0.02), hematomas were more likely with sternal notch to nipple distance more than 30 cm (22.2% vs 4.3%, P = 0.03), and delayed wound healing was more likely with sternal notch to nipple distance of more than 25 cm (10.3% vs 1.6%, P = 0.03). There were no significant differences in nipple necrosis, skin flap necrosis, wound care requirements, or operative intervention based on anatomic measurement. Standard anatomic measurements are inconsistent predictors of outcome from NSM and should not be used alone to exclude attempts at NSM.