A Systematic Review of Microsurgical Pedicle Lengthening in Free Tissue Transfer.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic injuries that require free tissue flaps for reconstruction may require vascular pedicle extension between the flap and recipient vessels to form a clear anastomosis. Currently, a variety of techniques are used, each with their own potential benefits and harms. In addition, reports in the literature conflict on the reliability of pedicle extensions of vessels in free flap (FF) surgery. The objective of this study is to systematically assess the available literature about outcomes of pedicle extensions in FF reconstruction. METHODS: A comprehensive search was performed for relevant studies published up to January 2020. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias assessment tool and a set of predetermined parameters was extracted by 2 investigators independently for further analysis. The literature review yielded 49 studies investigating pedicled extension of FF. Studies meeting inclusion criteria underwent data extraction focusing on demographics, conduit type, microsurgical technique, and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: The search yielded 22 retrospective studies totaling 855 procedures from 2007 to 2018 in which 159 complications (17.1%) were reported in patients aged between 39 and 78 years. Overall heterogeneity of articles included in this study was high. Free flap failure and thrombosis were the 2 most prevalent major complications noted: vein graft extension technique had the highest rate of flap failure (11%) in comparison with the arterial graft (9%) and arteriovenous loops (8%). Arteriovenous loops had a rate of thrombosis of 5% versus 6% in arterial grafts and 8% in venous grafts. Bone flaps maintained the highest overall complication rates per tissue type at 21%. The overall success rate of pedicle extensions in FFs was 91%. Arteriovenous loop extension resulted in a 63% decrease in the odds of vascular thrombosis and a 27% decrease in the odds of FF failure when compared with venous graft extensions (P < 0.05). Arterial graft extension resulted in a 25% decrease in the odds of venous thrombosis and a 19% decrease in the odds of FF failure when compared with venous graft extensions (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review strongly suggests that pedicle extensions of the FF in a high-risk complex setting are a practical and effective option. There may be a benefit to using arterial versus venous conduits, although further examination is warranted given the small number of reconstructions reported in the literature.

Do Socioeconomic Status and Race Impact the Safety and Efficacy of Breast Reconstruction?

INTRODUCTION: Immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy has increased in recent years when compared with delayed reconstruction. Despite this encouraging trend, racial and socioeconomic disparities in the receipt of postmastectomy breast reconstruction have been well documented. We sought to assess the effect of race, socioeconomic status, and patient comorbidities on muscle sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous outcomes at our safety net hospital institution in the southeast. METHODS: The database of a tertiary referral center was queried for patients who received free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps for immediate reconstruction after mastectomy meeting inclusion criteria from 2006 to 2020. Patient demographics and outcomes were compared based on socioeconomic status. The primary outcome (reconstructive success) was defined as breast reconstruction without flap loss. Statistical analysis included analysis of variance and χ2 tests were appropriate using Rstudio. RESULTS: Three-hundred fourteen patients were included in the study, with 76% White, 16% Black, and 8% other. Overall complication rate at our institution was 17% and reconstructive success was 94%. Non-White race, older age at time of breast cancer diagnosis, higher body mass index, and presence of comorbid conditions including current smoking and hypertension were all associated with low socioeconomic status. Despite this, surgical complication rates were not predicted by non-White race, older age, or presence of diabetes mellitus. When analyzing major and minor complications based on radiation received or reconstructive success, there was no significant difference regardless of radiation treatment with the group overall achieving a 94% success rate (P = 0.229). CONCLUSIONS: This study aimed to characterize the impact of socioeconomic status and race/ethnic status of patients on breast reconstruction outcomes at an institution in the South. We found that despite the greater morbidity in low income and ethnic/minority patients that when treated by a comprehensive safety net institution, they had excellent reconstructive outcomes due to low complications and minimal reoperations.

The Safety of Fat Grafting: An Institutional Retrospective Review.

BACKGROUND: Autologous fat grafting is a popular technique for volume replacement in the breast and face. The efficacy, safety, and complication rate of this technique at the division of plastic surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham will be described in this review. METHODS: An institutional review board-approved retrospective review of patients undergoing fat grafting procedures from January 2015 to July 2018 was performed. Records were reviewed for fat graft recipient site, donor site, amount grafted, and complications. Continuous variables were compared using either a t test or one-way analysis of variance test. Categorical data were compared using χ2 test. A P value of 0.05 or less was considered statistically significant for all comparisons. RESULTS: A total of 396 patients who underwent fat grafting procedures of the face and body from January 2015 through July 2018 met inclusion criteria. Average amount of fat grafted for all grafts was 124.4 +/- 6.74 grams. Two hundred fifty of the grafts (62.7%) involved the bilateral breasts with an average of 140.6 +/- 93.97 g used, 70 per side. Of the 396 patients, 110 (27.8%) experienced complications. Forty three of the complications (10.9%) were considered to be major, which included hematomas/seromas, fat necrosis, dermatitis/cellulitis, and infection. No statistical differences were seen among recipient site complication rate. Types of minor complications were statistically significant per recipient sites with bilateral breasts more likely to experience asymmetry than the other recipient sites (20% for bilateral breasts vs 16% overall, P < 0.05). Fifty nine of the 110 patients (53.6%) had the complications reported to be resolved. CONCLUSIONS: Fat grafting is a reliable method for volumization of the breasts and face. Minor complications were not infrequent in this case series; however, no life-threatening complications were observed. Continued work needs to be done to use fat grafting beyond traditional measures.

Comorbidity Trends in Patients Requiring Sternectomy and Reconstruction: Updated Data Analysis From 2005 to 2020.

INTRODUCTION: Comorbidity trends after median sternectomy were studied at our institution by Vasconze et al (Comorbidity trends in patients requiring sternectomy and reconstruction. Ann Plast Surg. 2005;54:5). Although techniques for sternal reconstruction have remained unchanged, the patient population has become more complex in recent years. This study offers insight into changing trends in this patient population. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent median sternectomy followed by flap reconstruction at out institution between 2005 and 2020. Comorbidities, reconstruction method, average laboratory values, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 105 patients were identified. Comorbidities noted were diabetes (27%), immunosuppression (16%), hypertension (58%), renal insufficiency (23%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (16%), and tobacco utilization (24%). The most common reconstruction methods were omentum (45%) or pectoralis major flaps (34%). Thirty-day mortality rates were 10%, and presence of at least 1 complication was 34% (hematoma, seroma, osteomyelitis, dehiscence, wound infection, flap failure, and graft exposure). Univariate analysis demonstrated that sex (P = 0.048), renal insufficiency, surgical site complication, wound dehiscence, and flap failure (P < 0.05) had statistically significant associations with mortality. In addition, body mass index, creatinine, and albumin had a significant univariate association with mortality (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Similar to the original study, there is an association between renal insufficiency and mortality. However, the mortality rate is decreased to 10%, likely because of improved medical management of patients with increasing comorbidities (80% with greater than one comorbidity). This has led to the increased use of omentum as a first-line option. Subsequent wound dehiscence and flap failure demonstrate an association with mortality, suggesting that increasingly complex patients are requiring a method of reconstruction once used a last resort as a first-line option.

Preoperative computed tomography angiogram to predict patients with favorable anatomy for superficial inferior epigastric artery flap breast reconstruction.

Superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap breast reconstruction has advantages over deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP) and muscle sparing transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous flap (TRAM) reconstructions with less donor site morbidity and less complicated flap dissection. Not all patients have an adequate SIEA and superficial inferior epigastric vein (SIEV) to support free tissue breast reconstruction, and dissection of the SIEA in all patients can be time consuming. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) angiograms can be used to identify the SIEA and SIEV in patients planning to undergo free abdominal tissue breast reconstruction and direct more efficient dissection in patients with a large SIEA. Retrospective analysis of free abdominal tissue flap breast reconstruction from a single plastic surgeon was performed. All patients undergoing free abdominal tissue breast reconstruction had a preoperative CT angiogram using a protocol for the evaluation of the abdominal wall perforating arteries. CT scans were reviewed by the surgeon preoperatively and evaluated for the presence, caliber, and image quality of the SIEA and SIEV. All patients, regardless of CT angiogram findings, had operative dissection and evaluation of the SIEA and SIEV. A total of 177 free flaps were performed on 113 patients who underwent preoperative CT angiogram and free abdominal tissue breast reconstruction. Of them, 64 patients had bilateral breast reconstruction. Twelve SIEA flaps (10.6%) were performed on 12 patients. During preoperative CT angiographic evaluation, 49 patients (43%) were noted to have at least one visible SIEA, whereas only 24 of those patients (21%) were felt to have an SIEA of adequate caliber. No flaps were lost during the postoperative period. All 12 SIEA flaps performed had an adequate SIEA when observed on preoperative CT angiogram. Overall, 50% of patients found to have at least one adequate SIEA on CT angiogram had a single breast reconstructed with an SIEA flap. If the SIEA was not visualized on CT angiogram, no usable SIEA was found during surgery. Preoperative CT angiogram of the abdominal wall perforating arteries can help predict which patients may have adequate anatomy for an SIEA-based free flap. This information may help direct more efficient dissection of the abdominal flaps by selecting out patients who do not have an adequate SIEA.

Mastectomy with breast reconstruction in previously augmented patients: indications for implant removal.

Surgeons performing breast reconstruction in previously augmented patients can either leave the preexisting implant in place and incorporate the implant into the reconstruction, or remove the implant, usually performing an implant exchange. The focus of this study is to identify indications for implant removal in previously augmented patients undergoing mastectomy with breast reconstruction. We performed a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent breast reconstruction from 1997-2007 at University of Alabama, Birmingham Medical Center. Of these patients, 54 had previous augmentation with silicone or saline implants. Twenty-two of these underwent bilateral breast reconstruction, making a total of 76 reconstructed breasts. Patients were followed for a mean of 2.1 years (range 0.1-5.1 years). The mean body mass index was 23.0 (range 18-30). Implants were explanted in all but one patient. Reasons for implant removal or exchange included subglandular position (n = 39), aged silicone implant (n = 50), rupture or leak (n = 24), implant exposure (n = 1), and infection (n = 1). Some patients had more than one reason for explantation. We recommend removal of preexisting implants for patients who have implants in a subglandular position, ruptures or leaks, site infections, implant exposures, capsular contractures, pain, indolent seromas, aged silicone implants, poor cosmesis, plans for or history of radiotherapy, and close proximity of tumor to implant. We also remove implants to respect patient preferences and to achieve symmetry in our reconstruction. Consequently, we find in our practice that most of previously augmented patients who undergo breast reconstruction will also undergo implant removal.

Distally based superficial sural fasciomusculocutaneous flap: a reliable solution for distal lower extremity reconstruction.

The objective of this study is to present a simple and rapid approach to elevate a consistent superficial sural fasciomusculocutaneous flap and show its clinical applications. All the patients with lower limb defects who underwent reconstruction using the distally based fasciomusculocutaneous sural flap were included in the study. The flap was elevated with a cuff of gastrocnemius muscle under the skin paddle, and the distal pedicle was dissected until 5 cm over the lateral malleolus. The donor site is primarily closed or skin-grafted. From March 2004 to August 2006, this distally based superficial sural fasciomusculocutaneous flap was applied to nine patients. All the defects resulted from traumatic injuries of the distal third of the leg, ankle, or foot, combined with bone or tendon exposure. Two flaps developed minor distal skin necrosis that recovered uneventfully with conservative therapy. The other flaps had an adequate postoperative evolution with good blood supply, contour, and function. The superficial sural fasciomusculocutaneous flap is a simple and consistent alternative for distal lower limb reconstruction, particularly when microsurgery is not available.

Ischemic complications in pedicle, free, and muscle sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps for breast reconstruction.

Muscle sparing and perforator flaps techniques for breast reconstruction have focused in reducing the donor site morbidity. Theoretically this may result in a less robust blood supply to the flap. The purpose of this study was to assess flap ischemic complications with the pedicle, free, and the different muscle sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAMs) flaps for breast reconstruction and determine the factors associated with these complications. A total of 301 consecutive patients that underwent 399 breast reconstructions were retrospectively reviewed. Patient, oncologic, and reconstruction data were recorded. A flap ischemic complication scale was design including: wound healing problems, skin flap necrosis, fat necrosis, partial flap loss, and total flap loss. Analysis of donor site complications, bilateral and unilateral reconstructions were also performed. There were 147 pedicle TRAM and 154 free TRAM with the following subgroup distribution: MS-0 = 102; MS-1 = 37; and MS-2 = 15 patients. The groups were comparable in relation to age, comorbidities, cancer stage, and treatment. The overall complication rate after reconstruction had no statistical differences between the groups. The variables related to flap ischemia were statistically lower in the free TRAM. Mild and severe fat necrosis were the indicators with a statistical difference. The MS-0 group had lower ischemic complications and fat necrosis than the pedicled group, but no differences were observed for the MS-1 and MS-2 groups. The same results were seen in the unilateral reconstructions but not in the bilateral ones. No differences in donor site bulging or hernia were observed between the groups. In our study, the free TRAM flap demonstrated lower ischemic complications than the pedicle TRAM. A trend for decreased flap blood supply when more muscle is preserved and less number of perforators are used with a constant tissue volume was observed.

Immediate nipple reconstruction on a free TRAM flap breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of the nipple-areola complex is usually deferred until breast mound reconstruction is complete. The authors review their experience with a technique that allows for shaping of a free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap and immediate nipple reconstruction and compare this technique with delayed nipple reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective chart review demonstrated 21 patients who underwent immediate nipple reconstruction, 10 of whom had complete photographs and records for review. Ninety patients underwent delayed nipple reconstruction. Twenty of these patients were chosen for comparison, 15 of whom had complete photographs and records. Age, body mass index, comorbidities, procedures required, complications, and time to completion were reviewed. A multiobserver, multicharacteristic, standardized photographic review of cosmetic outcomes was conducted. RESULTS: Time from mastectomy to completion of reconstruction, not including areolar tattooing, was 1 day (median) versus 125 days (median) in the immediate and delayed groups, respectively (p = 0.003). The number of procedures required to complete reconstruction before areolar tattooing was one (median) in the immediate group and two (median) in the delayed group (p < 0.001). Complication rates were similar in both groups. Subjective review demonstrated no difference in the aesthetic outcome of the breast mound or nipple-areola complex reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Patients having immediate nipple reconstruction in the setting of a free TRAM breast reconstruction completed their reconstruction earlier, required fewer procedures, and had aesthetic results comparable to patients having traditional delayed nipple reconstruction. Complications and revision rates were comparable.

Comorbidity trends in patients requiring sternectomy and reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: The predisposing risk factors for sternal wound infection have been well delineated. However, the indications and comorbidity of patients who require cardiac surgery via the median sternotomy approach have changed over time and subsequently have changed the patient population presenting with sternal wound complications. These trends in cardiac surgery may require an adjustment of the plastic surgical approach and methods to optimize outcomes in the patient population. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed to identify patients who had undergone sternectomy or sternal debridement followed by flap coverage. A total of 93 cases performed between 1999 and 2004 examined to collect data about the initial presentation, operative procedure, and postoperative care of each patient. The data were then analyzed to identify population characteristics using logistic regression variables to determine univariate and adjusted (multivariable) measures of association with mortality. RESULTS: Results of the review indicated that 53% of the patients were male and 47% were female, with a median age of 62 years. Preoperative comorbidities included 64% of the patients were over age 60, 43% had diabetes, 51% had hypertension, 13% had renal insufficiency, and 6% were transplant recipients. The method of reconstruction varied, but the majority were pectoralis advancement flaps. Of the patients who underwent debridement and reconstruction, there was a 16% 30-day mortality. Among these mortalities, the distribution was 33% (5/15) male and 66% (10/15) female. CONCLUSIONS: Though the incidence of sternal wound problems is rare (about 1%-5%), there is a significant population of older, renal-insufficient, malnourished patients who present days or weeks after one would normally diagnose and treat a deep sternal wound infection who have a significant mortality rate. Appropriate identification of risk factors, preoperative management and timing for aggressive surgical treatment is required to maximize successful outcomes in this problematic patient population.

Retrospective review of the internal Doppler probe for intra- and postoperative microvascular surveillance.

The purpose of this review was to evaluate the utility of the 20 MHz microvascular implantable Doppler probe for free-tissue transfer, both intra- and postoperatively. Over a 15-month period, the Doppler probe was used in a total of 260 anastomoses, including 118 arterial and 142 venous microanastamoses. In these 260 anastomoses, there were six false positive results and eight true positives, resulting in one flap loss. The free flap success rate was 99 percent, the re-exploration rate was 8 percent, and the salvage rate was 83 percent. The internal Doppler offers an easy and reliable way to monitor microvascular free-tissue transfer both intra- and postoperatively. This study demonstrates the continued increase in survival, as well as salvage, of free-tissue transfer.

Abdominoplasty repair for abdominal wall hernias.

The objectives of abdominal hernial repair are to reconstruct the structural integrity of the abdominal wall while minimizing morbidity. Current techniques include primary closure, staged repair, and the use of prosthetic materials. Techniques for abdominoplasty include the use of the transverse lower abdominal incision and the resection of excess skin. By incorporating these aspects into hernial repairs, the procedures are made safer and the results are improved. The medical records were reviewed of 123 consecutive patients who underwent hernial repair. Seventy-six of these patients underwent a total of 82 herniorrhaphies using an abdominoplasty approach. This included using a transverse lower abdominal incision with or without extending it into an inverted-T incision. The hernial defect was then identified and isolated. Repair was obtained with primary fascial closure and plication, primary fascial approximation and reinforcement with absorbable Vicryl mesh, or placement of permanent mesh with or without fascial approximation. Overall, 8 of 82 hernias recurred. Most complications were minor and could be managed with local wound care only. Major complications included one enterocutaneous fistula, one occurrence of skin flap necrosis requiring operative debridement and skin grafting, and one delayed permanent mesh extrusion 2 years after repair. The abdominoplasty approach isolates the incision from the hernial defect and repair. This technique is safe with a low risk of complications and a low rate of recurrence. It is particularly helpful in obese patients, in patients with multiple hernias, and in those patients with recurrent hernias.

Clinical analysis of malar fat pad re-elevation.

Primary suture suspension of the malar fat pad has been described as a safe and simple component of global facial rejuvenation. This review evaluates the efficacy and indications for re-elevation of the malar fat pad elevation. A retrospective review of the medical records of patients who underwent malar fat pad elevation was performed between 1994 and 2000. Of 472 procedures, 14 involved re-elevation of the malar fat pad. These cases were examined for complications, risks, and results. Secondary midface elevation was performed using a subcutaneous approach to the malar fat pad through a pre-hairline incision and vertical suspension of the malar fat pad to the temporoparietal fascia. The indications for re-elevation of the malar fat pad included nasolabial asymmetry, malar fat pad malposition, and malar fat pad asymmetry. Primary elevation of the malar fat was performed in 472 patients. Fourteen of these patients had suboptimal results that necessitated re-elevation of their malar fat pads. Their average age was 57.5 years. Of the 14 malar fat pad elevations, 12 included SMAS procedures, nine were combined with platysmal plication/submental lipectomy, six with forehead lift, and three with eyelid procedures. The average interval between original malar fat pad elevation and the re-elevation was 40 months. Average follow-up was 15 months. Complications were seen in five patients, with the most significant being persistent eye irritation. Two patients had some minimal scar hypertrophy, which was self-limiting. Minor preauricular skin slough developed in one patient. Restoration of the youthful position of the deep structures in patients with a previous mid-facelift was successfully achieved by re-elevating the malar fat pad in a vertical direction. Re-elevation of the malar fat pad demonstrated effective and reliable long-term results. It is appropriate in the small number of patients who require revision or improvement of midface rejuvenation using the malar fat pad suspension technique.

Rejuvenation of the midface by elevating the malar fat pad: review of technique, cases, and complications.

The midface is an area where definite and consistent improvement is still hard to achieve. Vertical suspension of the malar fat pad is an effective midface lift that complements facial rejuvenation to obtain an overall appearance of youth and beauty while maintaining the personal features of the patient. To substantiate its effectiveness, the authors evaluated the complications and long-term results of the malar fat pad elevation proper and in conjunction with other facial procedures. A retrospective review of the medical records of 458 consecutive patients who underwent malar fat pad elevation by the senior author (B.C.D.) from January of 1994 to January of 2000 was conducted. Because 14 patients had their malar fat pad re-elevated, the number of midface lifts totaled 472. Of these, 437 had a combined superficial musculoaponeurotic system excision and tightening, 19 had a combined limited superficial musculoaponeurotic system plication/imbrication, and 16 had elevation of the malar fat pad only. Elevating the malar fat pad appears to be a sound, straightforward, and effective means of rendering a youthful midface. It consistently reshapes the malar eminence, softens the nasolabial fold, and rejuvenates the lower eyelid. This technique provides lasting results, with an acceptable complication rate. Facial nerve injury, in particular, was infrequent and temporary. In addition, the prehairline scar happened to be quite inconspicuous, especially in patients older than 55 years. This experience confirms that malar fat pad elevation is a safe and effective method to rejuvenate the central third of the face.

Endoscopic forehead lift: review of technique, cases, and complications.

Endoscopy has provided a significant improvement in the surgical rejuvenation of the upper face. It offers a minimally invasive alternative that avoids many of the undesirable effects associated with the coronal approach. The standard minimal access forehead endoscopic procedure consists of a subperiosteal undermining through three small triangular prehairline incisions. To successfully elevate the eyebrows, it is essential to release the periosteum at the level of the supraorbital rims and ablate the brow depressor muscles of the glabella. Until the periosteum reattaches itself, elevation is maintained by a temporary suspension suture between staples at the incision sites and 5 cm posterior to the hairline. The transverse closure of the triangular skin incisions achieves some additional elevation. The biplanar approach adds a partial subcutaneous undermining of the forehead to the endoscopic technique and allows plication of the frontalis muscle and excision of excess forehead skin. It is offered to patients with very ptotic eyebrows, deep transverse wrinkles, or a high forehead. The prehairline incision is a disadvantage but is tolerated quite well in older patients. The medical records of 393 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic forehead lift from 1994 to 2000 were reviewed. Because seven patients had the endoscopic forehead lift repeated, the number of forehead endoscopies totaled 400. The complication rate was quite acceptable and did not markedly increase when a forehead lift was performed in combination with other facial procedures. The endoscopic forehead lift consistently attenuated the transverse forehead wrinkles, reduced the glabellar frown lines, and raised the eyebrows. It provided an appearance that was less tired and angry in addition to opening the area around the eyes. Long-term follow-up has shown that the endoscopic forehead lift produces lasting and predictable results.

Factors associated with local recurrence after skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction for invasive breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the incidence of local recurrence (LR) and factors associated with it in a population of patients who underwent skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) and immediate reconstruction for invasive carcinoma. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The efficacy of SSM has been challenged by concerns about increased risks of LR. METHODS: A consecutive series of 173 patients (176 cancers) with invasive carcinoma underwent SSM and immediate breast reconstruction (June 1986 to December 1997). Data were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method, the log-rank statistic test, and the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 47 +/- 9 years (27% were 40 or younger). The AJCC stages were 1 = 43%, 2 = 52%, and 3 = 5%. Thirty percent of tumors were poorly differentiated. With a median follow-up of 73 months, the LR rate was 4.5%. The mean local relapse-free interval was 26 months. Seventy-five percent of patients who presented with LR developed distant metastases and died of disease within a mean of 21 months. On univariate analysis, factors associated with higher LR rate were tumor stage 2 or 3, tumor size larger than 2 cm, node-positive disease, and poor tumor differentiation. Actuarial 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 98%, 94%, and 88%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, factors associated with decreased survival were advanced stage, presence of LR, and absence of hormone therapy. LR was a highly significant predictor of tumor-related death. CONCLUSIONS: There is a low incidence of LR after SSM, and it is associated with advanced disease at presentation. LR is an independent risk factor for tumor-related death.