Pressure Masks for Facial Scar Treatment after Oncological Reconstruction: Long-Term Patient Satisfaction and Quality of Life.

INTRODUCTION: With increasing incidence of facial skin cancer, more patients undergo facial reconstruction following Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). Aesthetically unpleasing, thickened facial flaps, and disturbing scars can be treated with a pressure mask with inner silicone lining to help improve functional and aesthetic outcomes. However, data on long-term patient satisfaction and quality of life (QoL) following this treatment are lacking. METHODS: We aimed to assess long-term satisfaction and QoL of patients who underwent local flap reconstruction following MMS. Patients treated between January 2012 and October 2020 were invited to answer FACE-Q and SCAR-Q questionnaires. Demographic data, skin cancer type and location, type of reconstruction, postoperative complications, duration of pressure mask therapy, daily compliance, and additional scar treatment were collected to explore possible predictors. RESULTS: Of 92 eligible patients, 50 responded. Eighteen respondents were male (36%) and 32 were female (64%). Mean duration of pressure mask therapy was 10.20 ± 4.61 months. Patients were 61.14 ± 32.91 months after completion of pressure mask therapy upon participation. Patients whose reconstruction consisted of multiple flaps had significantly worse outcomes in social function (p = 0.012), scar appearance (p = 0.045), and scar symptoms (p = 0.008). A trend of increasing time since therapy completion predicting better outcomes was observed for all scales, and it was a significant predictor for better scar appearance (p = 0.001) and less scar symptoms (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Pressure mask treatment for facial flaps and scars following MMS results in good long-term patient satisfaction and QoL. Multiple local flaps, reflecting a larger skin defect postexcision, is a predictor for worse outcomes in social function, scar appearance, and symptoms. Increasing time is associated with increasing satisfaction, which reflects satisfactory and stable long-term effects of treatment, possibly combined with more acceptance of the result over time.

Aesthetic Evaluation of Breast Reconstruction with Autologous Fat Transfer vs. Implants.

BACKGROUND: Autologous fat transfer (AFT) seems to be a new minimal invasive method for total breast reconstruction, yet how patients, surgeons, and laymen evaluate cosmesis is lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the aesthetic outcome of AFT (intervention group) for total breast reconstruction post-mastectomy, as compared to implant-based reconstruction (IBR) (control group). METHODS: A random and blinded 3D photographic aesthetic outcome study was performed on a selection of 50 patients, scored by three panels: plastic surgeons, breast cancer patients, and laymen. Secondary outcomes included agreement within groups and possible patient characteristics influencing scoring. RESULTS: Breast cancer patients and plastic surgeons did not differ in the aesthetic scores between the treatment groups. In contrast, the laymen group scored AFT patients lower than IBR patients (- 1.04, p < 0.001). Remarkably, mean given scores were low for all groups and overall agreement within groups was poor (ICC < 0.50). Higher scores were given when subjects underwent a bilateral reconstruction and if a mamilla was present. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of aesthetic outcomes varies greatly. Hence, aesthetic outcome remains a very personal measure and this emphasizes the importance of thorough patient counseling including information on achievable aesthetic results before starting a reconstructive procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: 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 .

Donor Site Satisfaction Following Autologous Fat Transfer for Total Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: With evolving breast cancer survival and patient preferences, it is essential that reconstructive surgeons worldwide continue searching for the best reconstruction technique for patients. Autologous fat transfer (AFT) is a relatively new technique for total breast reconstruction that has already proven to be effective and safe with all advantages of autologous tissue. However, little is known about the aesthetic results and satisfaction concerning donor sites. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to measure donor site satisfaction following AFT for total breast reconstruction in breast cancer patients. METHODS: Between May and August of 2021, participants of the BREAST- trial who were at least 24 months after their final reconstruction surgery were invited to complete an additional survey concerning donor sites. The BODY-Q was utilized for data collection. Results of AFT patients were compared with a control group of implant-based reconstruction patients who did not have a donor site. RESULTS: A total of 51 patients (20 control, 31 intervention) completed the questionnaire. Satisfaction with body did not statistically differ between the groups. The most frequent complaint was contour irregularities (31 reports, 60.8%), with the least favorable donor site being thighs (23 reports, 53.5%) in the AFT group. CONCLUSIONS: Satisfaction with body did not differ between breast cancer patients receiving AFT or implant-based reconstruction, meaning that large-volume liposuction does not aesthetically affect the utilized donor sites. Nevertheless, reconstructive surgeons should be aware of possible donor site complications, especially contour irregularities at the thighs, and discuss this with their patients.

Autologous Breast Reconstruction With a Delay Procedure of the Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Flap Because of Venous Congestion of the Flap on Pedicle: A Case Series.

The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is one of the most used free flaps for the reconstruction of the breast after a mastectomy. Despite careful selection of the patients and preoperative imaging, difficulties in vascularization of the flap can occur in some cases. Although multiple vascular connections (bipedicled, turbocharged, or stacked) can be made in selected cases, there can still be venous congestion before the flap is transferred.Between 2016 and 2018, 4 cases in our series of 281 patients experienced such problems. Three of 4 patients had undergone preoperative imaging of the perforators by a magnetic resonance angiography or computed tomography angiography, in which a good perforator was seen. All 4 patients had a venous problem of blood circulation in the flap intraoperatively. The flaps were left to rest to decide on its venous status. Without improvement after this period of 20 to 30 minutes, the surgeons decided to withhold the translocation of the flap to the chest wall and sutured the flap back into the donor side. The final anastomosis of the DIEP flap occurred on average 8 days after the prefabrication. The translocation of the DIEP flap to the chest in this second operation went uncomplicated in all cases. Postoperatively, all patients had adequate arterial inflow and venous outflow of the flap. There were no postoperative complications.In case a DIEP flap shows venous problems before translocation, a delay procedure can be applied. In this way, the vascularization of the flap can be improved, and the translocation of the DIEP flap in a second operation can be successfully performed.

Quality of Life of Patients After Immediate or Delayed Autologous Breast Reconstruction: A Multicenter Study.

INTRODUCTION: It is known that breast reconstruction improves quality of life (QoL) in women who underwent mastectomy. Previous studies showed that autologous immediate breast reconstruction is as safe as delayed breast reconstruction. However, there is not much known about the influence of the timing of the breast reconstruction on QoL. Therefore, this study aims to assess the effect of timing of the breast reconstruction on QoL, using the BREAST-Q questionnaire. METHODS: A total of 543 patients aged 18 years or older who underwent deep inferior epigastric perforator flap reconstruction after mastectomy (for prophylactic or oncological reasons) at least 12 months ago were selected in 3 hospitals in the Netherlands and invited to complete the BREAST-Q. Mean QoL outcomes were compared between patients who underwent immediate or delayed breast reconstruction. Furthermore, QoL outcomes were compared with recently published normative data of the BREAST-Q. RESULTS: Patients who underwent immediate reconstruction reported higher scores on satisfaction with psychosocial well-being, sexual well-being, physical well-being of the chest, and physical well-being of the abdomen. Patients who underwent delayed reconstruction reported higher scores on satisfaction with breasts, outcome, and nipples. However, after adjusting for potentially influencing factors, none of the differences were significant. Compared with the normative BREAST-Q data, both of our patient groups reported higher scores on satisfaction with breasts, psychological well-being, and sexual well-being, whereas they reported lower scores on satisfaction with physical well-being of the chest and the abdomen. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that patients who underwent immediate or delayed deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction have comparable QoL more than 1 year after surgery, irrespective of the timing of the breast reconstruction.

European Survey Study Among Plastic/Breast Surgeons on the Use of and Opinion Toward Autologous Fat Transfer: With Emphasis on Breast Surgery.

Objective. The aim of this study is to examine the experience of European surgeons on autologous fat transfer (AFT) and highlight differences between countries and levels of experience. Background Data. The popularity of AFT causes an increase in sophisticated scientific research and clinical implementation. While results from the former are well-documented, important aspects of the latter are far less recognized. Methods. An international survey study about surgeon background, besides AFT familiarity, technique, and opinion, was distributed among surgeons from 10 European countries. The differences between countries and levels of experience were analyzed using a logistic regression model. Results. The mean respondent age, out of the 358 completed questionnaires, was 46 years. Ninety-seven percent of the respondents were plastic surgeons, who practiced AFT mostly in breast surgery and considered themselves experienced with the technique. The thigh and abdomen were less favored harvest locations by the Belgium and French respondents, respectively, and both the French and Austrian respondents preferred manual aspiration over liposuction in harvesting the fat. Despite minor differences between countries and experience, the intraglandular space was injected in all subgroups. Conclusions. The expanding use of AFT in Europe will lead to more experience and heterogeneity regarding the technique. However, despite an obvious adherence to Coleman's method, deviations thereof become more apparent. An important example of such a deviation is the ongoing practice of intraglandular AFT despite being a contraindication in various European guidelines. These unsafe practices should be avoided until scientific clarification regarding oncological safety is obtained and should therefore be the focus of surgeon education in Europe.

Autologous Fat Transfer After Augmentation and Reconstruction of the Female Breast: An International, Cross-Sectional Photo-Comparison Study Among Different Physician and Laymen Study Groups.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare the cosmetic evaluation of autologous fat transfer (AFT) for various indications between surgeons and different laymen groups. BACKGROUND DATA: Despite the upsurge in AFT scientific/clinical interest, objectifying satisfaction has only recently progressed beyond simple Likert-type/Visual Analog Scales. Furthermore, differences in satisfaction between laymen and surgeons has not been thoroughly studied. METHOD: A photo comparison study between European plastic surgeons and different laymen groups was conducted to investigate agreement on cosmetic evaluation of AFT. Three sets of preoperative/postoperative photographs illustrating patients treated with External Vacuum Expansion (EVE) + AFT for various indications in breast surgery were scored according to the Harris Scale, and the interrater agreement was analyzed using Cohen's κ. RESULTS: The overall agreement between the surgeons and the groups of former augmentation, control group, and deep inferior epigastric artery perforator patients was fair, moderate, and substantial, respectively. Interrater agreements among different laymen groups and surgeons from different countries among themselves was substantial to almost perfect. Finally, we found that laymen are generally more optimistic about postoperative results than surgeons. CONCLUSION: In our study, former augmentation patients showed the lowest agreement with surgeons, in the cosmetic appreciation of EVE + AFT and this group might benefit from a more thorough preoperative consultation regarding expectations when choosing AFT. However, overall laymen tend to be more optimistic about postoperative results and surgeon education in general does not seem influenced by surgeon nationality. The significant differences between surgeons and laymen in the cosmetic evaluation of EVE + AFT justifies further studies that focus on the qualitative aspects of these differences to further balance patients' and surgeons' expectations.

Lymphatico-venous anastomosis as treatment for breast cancer-related lymphedema: a prospective study on quality of life.

PURPOSE: Lymphedema is a chronic and disabling sequel of breast cancer treatment that can be treated by lymphatico-venous anastomosis (LVA). Artificial connections between the venous and lymphatic system are performed supermicrosurgically. This prospective study analyses the effect of LVA on quality of life. METHODS: A prospective study was performed between November 2015 and July 2016 on consecutive patients in the Maastricht University Medical Centre. Quality of life was considered as the primary outcome, and the Lymphedema International Classification of Functioning (Lymph-ICF) questionnaire was used. Discontinuation of compressive stockings and arm volume, using the Upper Extremity Lymphedema index (UEL-index), were the secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Twenty women with early-stage breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) were included. The mean age was 55.9 ± 4 years and the median BMI was 25.1 [21-30] kg/m2. The mean follow-up was 7.8 ± 1.5 months. Statistically significant improvement in quality of life was achieved in the total score and for all the quality of life domains after one year of follow-up (p < 0.05). The discontinuation rate in compressive stockings use was 85%. The difference in mean relative volume did not show a statistically significant decrease. CONCLUSIONS: LVA for early-stage BCRL resulted in a significant improvement in quality of life and a high rate in stocking discontinuation.

The non-operative correction of ear anomalies in infants using the EarWell infant corrective system in the Netherlands.

BACKGROUND: Congenital ear anomalies are regular but often overlooked occurrences. The golden standard of treatment has been to surgically correct these anomalies at a minimum age of 5 to 7 years. As of the last century, ear molding has developed to be a safe, reliable, and effective treatment method. Different treatment methods are still under investigation. This study aims to investigate the use of the EarWell Infant Corrective System in the Dutch population. METHODS: Children aged 0-12 weeks were included in the Zuyderland Medical Center to be treated with the EarWell Infant Corrective System in case of ear deformations. Every 2 weeks, the system was replaced and correction was evaluated by both physician and parents. RESULTS: Seventy-three participants were included, of whom 123 ears in total were treated. Age at initiation was 35.5 days on average; treatment lasted an average of 59 days. Parents and physicians both reported an amelioration of all ear anomalies after treatment, scoring the correction grade an 8.8. Overall satisfaction with the treatment method was 9 or higher for both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The EarWell Infant Corrective System is a safe, reliable, and effective treatment method for the correction of ear anomalies in infants.

Imaging findings after a total reconstructed breast with autologous fat transfer: what the radiologist needs to know.

Autologous fat transfer (AFT) is an upcoming technique for total breast reconstruction. Consequently, radiological imaging of women with an AFT reconstructed breast will increase in the coming years, yet radiological experience and evidence after AFT is limited.The surgical procedure of AFT and follow-up with imaging modalities including mammography (MG), ultrasound (US), and MRI in patients with a total breast reconstruction with AFT are summarized to illustrate the radiological normal and suspicious findings for malignancy.Imaging after a total breast reconstruction with AFT appears to be based mostly on benign imaging findings with an overall low biopsy rate. As higher volumes are injected in this technique, the risk for the onset of fat necrosis increases. Imaging findings most often are related to fat necrosis after AFT. On MG, fat necrosis can mostly be seen as oil cysts. The occurrence of a breast seroma after total breast reconstruction with AFT is an unfavourable outcome and may require special treatment. Fat deposition in the pectoral muscle is a previously unknown, but benign entity. Although fat necrosis is a benign entity, it can mimic breast cancer (recurrence).In symptomatic women after total breast reconstruction with AFT, MG and US can be considered as first diagnostic modalities. Breast MRI can be used as a problem-solving tool during later stage. Future studies should investigate the most optimal follow-up strategy, including different imaging modalities, in patients treated with AFT for total breast reconstruction.

Superior Sensibility after Full Breast Reconstruction with Autologous Fat Transfer.

BACKGROUND: With developments in screening and treatment, survival rates of breast cancer patients are increasing, and so is the number of women opting for breast reconstruction to improve their quality of life. One factor that could play an important role in improving the quality of life is breast sensibility. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore breast sensibility in participants of the Breast Reconstruction with External Preexpansion and Autologous Fat Transfer versus Standard Therapy trial: an ongoing randomized controlled trial comparing breast reconstruction with autologous fat transfer (AFT) versus implant-based reconstruction (IBR). METHODS: This study was conducted on participants of the Breast Reconstruction with External Preexpansion and Autologous Fat Transfer versus Standard Therapy trial who were at least 12 months after final surgery. Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments were used to measure skin sensibility in breast cancer patients who underwent breast reconstruction with either AFT or IBR following their mastectomy. RESULTS: A total of 46 patients were included in this study, resulting in 62 breast reconstructions (28 AFT breasts and 34 IBR breasts). Significantly higher mean monofilament values were found for skin sensibility after AFT (-0.7; P < 0.001), clinically correlating to "diminished protective function," as opposed to the IBR group, with clinical values indicating "loss of protective function." CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the authors found that breast cancer patients who underwent a mastectomy had a significantly better sensibility of the breast following AFT for total breast reconstruction as compared with IBR. Larger studies that include null measurements are required to further explore these noteworthy results of AFT. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.

Calciphylaxis - a challenging & solvable task for plastic surgery? A case report.

BACKGROUND: Calciphylaxis (calcific uremic arteriolopathy) is rare and its pathogenesis is not fully understood. Indeed, Calciphylaxis presents a challenge through the course of its management which involve different specialities but unfortunately this disease so far has a poor prognosis. We herein present, in this case report, a multidisciplinary approach involving plastic surgeons with special regards to reconstructive approach after debridement procedures. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 21 years old male with a BMI of 38,2, who was transferred to our department from another hospital. Calciphylaxis has been diagnosed after receiving anticoagulation with phenprocoumon after a single event of pulmonary embolism. The INR on admission was 1,79. He had necrotic spots on both sides of the abdominal wall and on both thighs medially. During this time he underwent several reconstructive procedures in our department. CONCLUSION: It can be suggested that this agonizing disease needs indeed a multidisciplinary approach involving Nephrologists, Dermatologists, Intensive Care Physicians and Plastic Surgeons, taking into consideration that surgical correction can achieve further improvement in a specialized centre. Notwithstanding, further cohort studies should be approached clinically to insight the light on this disease with special regard to the prognosis after this approach.

Bilateral breast infection following total breast reconstruction with autologous fat transfer (AFT): A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Total breast reconstruction with autologous fat transfer (AFT) has a low complication rate. Fat necrosis, infection, skin necrosis and hematoma are the most common complications. Infections are usually mild and manifested by a unilateral red painful breast and treated with oral antibiotics with or without superficial irrigation of the wound. CASE PRESENTATION: One of our patients reported an ill-fitting pre-expansion device several days after surgery. This was due to a severe bilateral breast infection following a session of total breast reconstruction with AFT despite perioperative and postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis. Surgical evacuation was performed in combination with both systemic and oral antibiotic treatment. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Most infections can be prevented in the early post-operative period with antibiotic prophylaxis. If an infection does occur, it is treated with antibiotics or superficial irrigation of the wound. A delay in identification of an alarming course could be reduced by monitoring the fit to the EVEBRA device, implementing video consultations on indication, limiting the means of communication and better informing the patient on what complications to monitor. The recognition of an alarming course following a subsequent session of AFT is not guaranteed after a session without complication. CONCLUSION: Besides temperature and redness of the breast, a pre-expansion device that doesn't fit can be an alarming sign. Patient communication should be adapted as severe infections can be insufficiently recognized by phone. Evacuation should be considered when an infection does occur.

Effect of Total Breast Reconstruction With Autologous Fat Transfer Using an Expansion Device vs Implants on Quality of Life Among Patients With Breast Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: There is a need for a new, less invasive breast reconstruction option for patients who undergo mastectomy in their breast cancer treatment. Objective: To investigate quality of life (QoL) among patients undergoing a new breast reconstruction technique, autologous fat transfer (AFT), compared with that among patients undergoing implant-based reconstruction (IBR). Design, Setting, and Participants: The BREAST trial was a randomized clinical trial conducted between November 2, 2015, and October 31, 2021, performed in 7 hospitals across the Netherlands. Follow-up was 12 months. Referrals could be obtained from general practitioners and all departments from participating or nonparticipating hospitals. The patients with breast cancer who had undergone mastectomy and were seeking breast reconstruction were screened for eligibility (radiotherapy history and physique) by participating plastic surgeons. Patients receiving postmastectomy radiotherapy were excluded. Interventions: Breast reconstruction with AFT plus expansion or 2-phased IBR. Randomization was done in a 1:1 ratio. Main Outcomes and Measures: The statistical analysis was performed per protocol. The predefined primary outcome was QoL at 12 months after final surgery. This was measured by the BREAST-Q questionnaire, a validated breast reconstruction surgery questionnaire. Questions on the BREAST-Q questionnaire are scored from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating greater satisfaction or better QoL (depending on the scale). Secondary outcomes were breast volume and the safety and efficacy of the techniques. Results: A total of 193 female patients (mean [SD] age, 49.2 [10.6] years) 18 years or older who desired breast reconstruction were included, of whom 91 patients in the AFT group (mean [SD] age, 49.3 [10.3] years) and 80 in the IBR group (mean age, 49.1 [11.0] years) received the allocated intervention. In total, 64 women in the AFT group and 68 women in the IBR group completed follow-up. In the IBR group, 18 patients dropped out mainly due to their aversion to implant use while in the AFT group 6 patients ended their treatment prematurely because of the burden (that is, the treatment being too heavy or tiring). The BREAST-Q scores were higher in the AFT group in all 5 domains and significantly higher in 3: satisfaction with breasts (difference, 9.9; P = .002), physical well-being: chest (difference; 7.6; P = .007), and satisfaction with outcome (difference, 7.6; P = .04). Linear mixed-effects regression analysis showed that QoL change over time was dependent on the treatment group in favor of AFT. The mean (SD) breast volume achieved differed between the groups (AFT: 300.3 [111.4] mL; IBR: 384.1 [86.6] mL). No differences in oncological serious adverse events were found. Conclusions and Relevance: This randomized clinical trial found higher QoL and an increase in QoL scores over time in the AFT group compared with the IBR group. No evidence was found that AFT was unsafe. This is encouraging news since it provides a third, less invasive reconstruction option for patients with breast cancer. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02339779.

Evidence for the use of peri- and post-operative antibiotic prophylaxis in autologous breast reconstruction: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Autologous breast reconstruction has become standard of care, but there is no consensus on prophylactic antibiotic regimens for this surgical procedure. This review aims to present evidence on the best prophylactic antibiotic protocol to lower the risk of surgical site infections in autologous breast reconstructions. METHODS: The search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library on 25th of January 2022. Data on the number of surgical site infections, breast reconstruction type (pedicled or free flap) and reconstruction timing (immediate or delayed), as well as data on the type, dose, route of administration, timing, and duration of antibiotic treatment were extracted. All included articles were additionally assessed for potential risk of bias by using the revised RTI Item Bank tool. RESULTS: 12 studies were included in this review. No evidence is found that giving post-operative antibiotics for a prolonged period longer than 24 h after surgery is useful in lowering infection rates. This review could not distinguish between the best choice of antimicrobial agent. DISCUSSION: Although this is the first study that collected current evidence on this topic, the quality of evidence is limited due to a small number of available studies (N = 12) with small study populations. The included studies have high heterogeneity, no adjustment for confounding, and interchangeably used definitions. Future research is highly recommended with predefined definitions, and a sufficient number of included patients. CONCLUSION: Antibiotic prophylaxis up to a maximum of 24 h is useful in lowering infection rates in autologous breast reconstructions.

Donor site complications and satisfaction in autologous fat grafting for breast reconstruction: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in females worldwide. One option for total breast reconstruction following total breast amputation is autologous fat transfer (AFT). However, this is still an upcoming reconstruction technique, and little is known about the donor site complications and their influence on the patient's overall satisfaction. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aims to review the current literature regarding donor site complications and donor site satisfaction following AFT for total breast reconstruction. SEARCH METHODS: A literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane, TRIP pro, and Prospero. All published original literature reporting on complications or satisfaction at the donor site in patients who underwent liposuction, followed by high-volume lipofilling was considered. MAIN RESULTS: This systematic review resulted in the inclusion of 21 cohort studies, consisting of 2241 participants. None of the studies reported donor site satisfaction scores of any kind. The most frequently reported donor site complication was ecchymosis (268 cases), followed by pain (122 cases), haematoma (58 cases), irregularities (12 cases), burns (four cases), and infection (three cases). Reports on follow-up and management of donor site complications were generally lacking. AUTHOR'S CONCLUSIONS: Results regarding the donor site are inconclusive. Pre-specified complications, a standardized manner of reporting, long-term follow-up, and patient-reported outcome measures are lacking in most of the studies. The impact of the donor site on quality of life after autologous fat grafting in breast reconstruction remains a blind spot. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020222870.

Breast-related and body-related quality of life following autologous breast reconstruction is superior to implant-based breast reconstruction - A long-term follow-up study.

INTRODUCTION: The better survival rates after breast cancer allow for setting of long-term goals, such as Quality of Life (QoL) and aesthetic outcomes following breast reconstruction. Studies find a higher breast-related QoL and greater satisfaction with breasts following autologous breast reconstruction (ABR) compared to implant-based breast reconstruction (IBR). However, aesthetic results from donor sites can influence body image. This concern is little addressed in the literature. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the long-term breast-related and body-related QoL of women who underwent ABR to women who underwent IBR. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A multicenter, cross-sectional survey was conducted between November and December 2020 among women who underwent postmastectomy breast reconstruction between January 2015 and December 2018. A general questionnaire, the BREAST-Q, and the BODY-Q were used to collect data. Multivariable linear regression was performed to adjust differences in Q-scores for potential confounders. RESULTS: In total, 336 patients were included (112 IBR, 224 ABR). Autologous reconstruction resulted in significantly higher mean scores in all subdomains of the BREAST-Q. On the BODY-Q, IBR scored significantly higher on scars, while ABR scored moderately to significantly higher on all other scales. Despite a lower mean score on Hips & outer thighs in women with Lateral Thigh Perforator (LTP) flap reconstruction, no negative influence on body image was found in these women. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term breast-related and body-related outcomes of ABR are superior to IBR. Donor site aesthetic does not adversely affect body image in women who underwent free flap breast reconstruction.

Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor-An Innovative Indicator for Free Flap Ischemia after Microsurgical Reconstruction.

(1) Background: Nowadays, the use of microsurgical free flaps is a standard operative procedure in reconstructive surgery. Still, thrombosis of the microanastomosis is one of the most fatal postoperative complications. Clinical evaluation, different technical devices and laboratory markers are used to monitor critical flap perfusion. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a structurally unique cytokine with chemokine-like characteristics, could play a role in predicting vascular problems and the failure of flap perfusion. (2) Methods: In this prospective observational study, 26 subjects that underwent microsurgical reconstruction were observed. Besides clinical data, the number of blood leukocytes, CRP and MIF were monitored. (3) Results: Blood levels of MIF, C-reactive protein (CRP) and leukocytes increased directly after surgery. Subjects that needed surgical revision due to thrombosis of the microanastomosis showed significantly higher blood levels of MIF than subjects without revision. (4) Conclusion: We conclude that MIF is a potential and innovative indicator for thrombosis of the microanastomosis after free flap surgery. Since it is easy to obtain diagnostically, MIF could be an additional tool to monitor flap perfusion besides clinical and technical assessments.