DIEP flap perfusion assessment using microdialysis versus Doppler ultrasonography: A comparative study.

BACKGROUND: The increasing number of buried free-tissue transfer procedures and the need for an objective method to evaluate vascular complications of free flaps has led to the development of new technologies. Microdialysis has been used to monitor free flaps using interstitial biological markers. Previous uses mainly focused on muscular flaps. Our aim is to compare external Doppler ultrasonography (EDU) evaluation versus microdialysis in the early follow-up of adipocutaneous flaps, and propose an efficient postoperative monitoring protocol. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed 68 consecutive DIEP flaps (50 patients) performed between January 2019 and March 2021. All flaps received standardized post-operative monitoring using clinical signs, EDU and microdialysis. Glucose and lactate concentrations were assessed using glucose <1 mmol/L and lactate >6 mmol/L as ischemic trend thresholds. We calculated Glucose/Lactate ratio as a new parameter for the assessment of flap viability. RESULTS: Among all the 68 flaps, two flaps returned to the operative theater when a combination of unsatisfactory microdialysis values and clinical/EDU signs identified vascular impairment; only one developed total flap necrosis. Reoperation rate was 2.94% with an overall flap success rate of 98.53%. External Doppler ultrasonography had 100% sensitivity and 82% specificity, while microdialysis had 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: Microdialysis values proved flap viability sooner than external Doppler ultrasonography, making it an excellent tool for post-operative monitoring. With the appropriate thresholds for glucose and lactate concentrations, and glucose/lactate ratio used as a new parameter, it can help potentially avoiding unnecessary re-explorations, and reducing flap ischemia times.

Epidemiology of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma in the United States: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Although textured implants represent fewer than 10% of implants used in the United States, the country reports the highest incidence of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to perform a systematic literature review on US-based epidemiology to update knowledge on BIA-ALCL in the United States. METHODS: Publications on US BIA-ALCL epidemiology were searched between September 2022 and March 2023 on MEDLINE (National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, MD), Embase (Elsevier, Amsterdam, the Netherlands), Web of Science (Clarivate, London, UK), and SCOPUS (Elsevier, Amsterdam, the Netherlands). The US numerator was obtained by averaging the FDA MAUDE database and the PSF PROFILE registry, while the denominator was estimated from chest X-rays, and included female transgender individuals. Prevalence and risk were assessed accordingly, but the incidence rate (IR) could not be updated due to the lack of available follow-up data. RESULTS: Out of 987 identified manuscripts, 10 were included. The US prevalence of BIA-ALCL in the literature ranged from 1:300 to 1:500,000 and the IR from 4.5 per 10,000 to 31.1 per 100 million persons per year. A mean value of 453.5 BIA-ALCL cases was calculated. From a denominator of 4,264,618 individuals, which includes all breast implant surfaces, we calculated 414,521 individuals with textured implants, indicating a textured prevalence of 109.4 cases per 100,000 individuals and a risk of 1:913. CONCLUSIONS: BIA-ALCL IR, prevalence, and risk has increased when calculated exclusively for patients with textured devices. Although US macrotextured implants were recalled by the FDA, these findings may influence the surveillance of existing patients and the use of macrotextured implants in other parts of the world where they remain widespread.

Immediate prepectoral breast reconstruction using an ADM with smooth round implants: A prospective observational cohort study.

Prepectoral breast reconstruction using acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) is well established and used in candidates for nipple/skin-sparing mastectomies; it is based on many different matrices and a great variability in breast implant selection. We describe our experience and clinical outcomes using Braxon® ADMs and smooth round breast implants. Females aged 18-80 years who underwent mastectomies with immediate prepectoral reconstruction between April 2019 and April 2021 were prospectively included. Complications were classified as mastectomy-related (hematoma, necrosis) or reconstruction-related (seroma, infection, red breast syndrome). Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to assess correlation between complication rate and selected variables, which were analyzed per breast with Kruskal-Wallis H test. Fifty-eight patients (102 breasts) received 45 bilateral and 12 unilateral procedures. Drains collected 485.9 cc [range: 100-1260] and were removed 15.7 days [range: 6-29] postoperatively. We report 41 complications (40.2%): 33 mastectomy-related, 8 reconstruction-related. Reoperation occurred in 14 patients: 7 wound debridement and revisions under local anesthesia; and 7 explantation. Implant loss rate was 6.8%. Mastectomy and reconstruction complications were not correlated with any variable. In conclusion, we found prepectoral reconstruction with Braxon® ADMs and smooth round implants to be associated with acceptable complication rates that are not influenced by any patient- or surgery-related factors. Drainage volume is comparable to other breast implant reconstructive techniques, but drains are left in place for longer.

Free-style technique versus computed tomographic angiography-guided perforator selection in deep inferior epigastric perforator flap harvest: A prospective clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) is the preferred diagnostic tool in preoperative deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap assessment, though some surgeons prefer approaching perforator selection with intraoperative findings alone. METHODS: This prospective observational study conducted between 2015 and 2020 assessed our intraoperative decision-making "free-style" technique for DIEP flap harvest. Any patient with indication for immediate or delayed breast reconstruction using abdominally based flaps and who received preoperative CTA was enrolled. Only unilateral cases performed by the same surgeon were considered. Allergy to iodine-based contrast media, renal impairment and claustrophobia were other exclusion criteria. Primary endpoint consisted in comparing operative times and complication rates between free-style technique and CTA-guided approach. Secondary endpoints included evaluation of agreement rate between intraoperative findings and CTA, and identification of variables affecting operative time and complication rate. Demographics, surgical information, agreement versus non-agreement and complications were collected. RESULTS: Starting from 206 patients, 100 were enrolled. Fifty were assigned to Group A, receiving DIEP flap with free-style technique. The other 50 were assigned to Group B, receiving DIEP flap with CTA-guided perforators selection. Study groups' demographics were homogenous. Operative time was statistically lower (p = .036) in free-style group (252.4 ± 44.77 min vs. 265.6 ± 31.67 min). Complication rates were higher in CTA-guided group (10% vs. 2%) though this was not significant (p = .092). Overall agreement rate in dominant perforator selection between intraoperatively and CTA-based assessment was 81%. Multiple regression analysis showed no variable increased complication rate, though CTA-guided approach, BMI > 30 and harvesting more than one perforator were respectively associated with B-coefficient of 17.391 (2.430-32.351, 95% CI) [p = .023], 3.50 (0.640-6.379, 95% CI) [p = .017] and 18.887 (6.232-31.542, 95% CI) [p = .004], predicting increased operative time. CONCLUSIONS: The free-style technique proved to be a useful tool for guiding DIEP flap harvest with good sensibility in detecting the dominant perforator suggested by CTA without statistically increasing surgery duration and complications.

Determining Breast Implant Prevalence: A Population Study of Italian Chest Radiographs.

BACKGROUND: Current breast implant prevalence within the general population remains elusive. An accurate prevalence is critical to serve as the denominator for any assessment of breast implant-related complication. The purpose of this manuscript is to assess this prevalence in women aged 20-70 years in Italy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight reviewers, demonstrating a mean sensitivity of 87.0% and specificity of 97.0%, were recruited for retrospective identification of implants on chest radiographs from a tertiary academic hospital in a major urban setting. Three final reviewers were selected, and they assessed all eligible chest radiographs collected between January and December 2019. The hospital-based population was compared to epidemiological data at a local, regional and national level to demonstrate homogeneity of age structures using the phi correlation coefficient. RESULTS: We identified 3,448 chest X-rays which yielded 140 implants, with an overall prevalence of 4.1% for women aged 20-70. Implants were bilateral in 76% of cases and unilateral in 24%. They were placed cosmetically in 47.1% cases and used for reconstruction in 52.9% cases. Phi correlation coefficient found no differences across hospital-based, local, regional and national populations. CONCLUSION: A validated method was performed to estimate implant prevalence from an academic hospital in a major urban setting at 4.1% and was used to estimate national prevalence in Italy. The implications of this epidemiologic study may reach across national borders for improved understanding of breast implant epidemiology and in predicting the total number of patients within a given population that may be affected by device complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: 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 .

Comment on the Invited Discussion on "Assessment of Risk Factors for Rupture in Breast Reconstruction Patients with Macrotextured Breast Implants".

We here present a few comments on the invited discussion of Dr. van Heijningen on the paper "Assessment of Risk Factors for Rupture in Breast Reconstruction Patients with Macrotextured Breast Implants". Dr. van Heijningen made some reservations regarding paper conclusions due to the high dropout rate, the adopted exclusion criteria and the location and mechanism of implant rupture. First of all, a high dropout rate is not unbeknown to researchers in surveys-based studies and may be expected when recalling in 6 months a population observed during last 20 years. In our study data are missing at random not affecting the risk of bias, while the population accurately depicts the people we care, mainly but not only reconstructive. Patients who did not respond to the questionnaire could not participate to the survey, while those who did not hold recent imaging were excluded because of the risk of false negative due to possible silent rupture, accounting to 10% in some reports. MRI imaging often shows that implants fold back on their selves when capsular contracture reduces implant pocket. As the use of the underwire bra prevents implant inferior displacement, repeated muscular contraction may worsen implant folds and the chronic wear-and-tear mechanism may be responsible for the rupture. Finally, folding is presumably easier to occur at the upper quadrants where anatomical implant shell is thinnest and gel concentration reduced than the opposite, therefore is not surprising that the higher percentage of ruptures is located in the upper implant quadrants.Level of evidence V 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 .

Assessment of Risk Factors for Rupture in Breast Reconstruction Patients with Macrotextured Breast Implants.

BACKGROUND: Breast implants (BI) are widely used in plastic surgery, though they are not lifetime devices. Average life before rupture is reported to be around 10-15 years. No consensus exists regarding which factors are involved. OBJECTIVES: Following FDA recommendations, this study aims at identifying potential risk factors by evaluating their effect on BI rupture cases. METHODS: In this observational study, 763 BI patients were operated between 2003 and 2019, with a mean implant indwelling of 12.2 years. Patients that returned for follow-up were administered a questionnaire regarding postoperative lifestyle and habits. Implant rupture rate was 15.1%, while BI lifespan was 10.1 years. We obtained complete data from 191 breast implant patients (288 implants). Twenty-three potential risk factors were evaluated and divided in four categories: patient-related, surgery-related, postoperative complications/symptoms, and postoperative care/lifestyle habits. Odds Ratio (OR) for each factor was calculated. Linear regression analysis was calculated for those with a significant OR. RESULTS: We report 120 patients (195 implants) with intact and 71 (93 implants) with ruptured devices. BIs were macrotextured in 95.1% of cases (86.8% Allergan BIOCELL). OR was significant for underwire bra use (OR: 2.708), car seat belts (OR: 3.066), mammographic imaging (OR: 2.196), weightlifting (OR: 0.407) and carry-on heavy purses and backpacks (OR: 0.347). CONCLUSION: Wearing underwire bras, seat belts and undergoing mammography increases the risk of rupture. Weightlifting and carry heavy bags do not increase that risk. Implant rupture is directly linked with time of indwelling. Postoperative recommendations in BI patients should consider findings from our study, though larger multicenter studies should be encouraged. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: 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 .

Mortality Rate in Breast Implant Surgery: Is an Additional Procedure Worthwhile to Mitigate BIA-ALCL Risk?

BACKGROUND: Because of poor knowledge of risks and benefits, prophylactic explantation of high BIA-ALCL risk breast implant (BI) is not indicated. Several surgical risks have been associated with BI surgery, with mortality being the most frightening. Primary aim of this study is to assess mortality rate in patients undergoing breast implant surgery for aesthetic or reconstructive indication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective observational cohort study, Breast Implant Surgery Mortality rate (BISM) was calculated as the perioperative mortality rate among 99,690 patients who underwent BI surgery for oncologic and non-oncologic indications. Mean age at first implant placement (A1P), implant lifespan (IL), and women's life expectancy (WLE) were obtained from a literature review and population database. RESULTS: BISM rate was 0, and mean A1P was 34 years for breast augmentation, and 50 years for breast reconstruction. Regardless of indication, overall mean A1P can be presumed to be 39 years, while mean BIL was estimated as 9 years and WLE as 85 years. CONCLUSION: This study first showed that the BISM risk is 0. This information, and the knowledge that BI patients will undergo one or more revisional procedures if not explantation during their lifetime, may help surgeons in the decision-making process of a pre-emptive substitution or explant in patients at high risk of BIA-ALCL. Our recommendation is that patients with existing macrotextured implants do have a relative indication for explantation and total capsulectomy. The final decision should be shared between patient and surgeon following an evaluation of benefits, surgical risks and comorbidities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: 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 .

The use of Fat-Augmented Latissimus Dorsi (FALD) flap for male Poland Syndrome correction: a case report.

We present a 23-year-old male patient with severe PS, characterized by marked left thoracic wall deformity. Reconstruction was performed using the Fat-Augmented Latissimus Dorsi flap, which was fixed to the chest wall hollowing corresponding to where the pectoralis major muscle was missing. Patient was satisfied with final aesthetic and functional result.

Oncologic Outcome of 1000 Postmastectomy Breast Reconstructions with Fat Transfer: A Single-Center, Matched Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Autologous fat transfer has an important role in breast reconstructive surgery. Nevertheless, some concerns remain with regard to its oncologic safety. The authors present a single-center, case-matching study analyzing the impact of autologous fat transfer in the cumulative incidence of local recurrences. METHODS: From a prospectively maintained database, the authors identified 902 patients who underwent 1025 breast reconstructions from 2005 to 2017. Data regarding demographics, tumor characteristics, surgery details, and follow-up were collected. Exclusion criteria were patients with distant metastases at diagnosis, recurrent tumor, or incomplete data regarding primary tumor; and patients who underwent prophylactic mastectomies and breast-conserving operations. Statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of the variables on the incidence of local recurrence. A value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: After 1: n case-matching, we selected 919 breasts, of which 425 patients (46.2 percent) received at least one autologous fat transfer session versus 494 control cases (53.8 percent). Local recurrences had an overall rate of 6.8 percent, and we found local recurrences in 14 autologous fat transfer cases (3.0 percent) and 54 controls (9.6 percent). Statistical analysis showed that autologous fat transfer did not increase the risk of local recurrences (hazard ratio, 0.337; CI, 0.173 to 0.658; p = 0.00007). Multivariate analysis identified invasive ductal carcinoma subtype and lymph node metastases to have an increased risk of local recurrences (hazard ratio >1). Conversely, positive hormonal receptor status was associated with a reduced risk of events (hazard ratio <1). CONCLUSIONS: Autologous fat transfer was not associated with a higher probability of locoregional recurrence in patients undergoing breast reconstruction; therefore, it can be safely used for total breast reconstruction or aesthetic refinements. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, II.

Total breast reconstruction with the fat-augmented latissimus dorsi (FALD) flap: High safety in a single-center uncontrolled case series.

According to ASPS, 107,238 breast reconstructions (BR) have been performed in the United States this year. The latissimus dorsi (LD) flap is used for breast reconstruction (BR), either with an implant or an extended flap harvest. Implant-enhanced LD is associated with 50% reoperation rates. To avoid implant-related complications, we introduced the Fat-Augmented LD (FALD) flap. Several authors report 92% patient satisfaction and 36% complication rates (CR). The aim of our study is to present a single-center uncontrolled case series with long follow-up assessing CR and esthetic results. Women with small-to-moderate breasts requiring immediate or delayed BR were included, whereas athletic and paraplegic women or patients with contraindication for free flap BR were excluded. Clinical and surgical data were analyzed. Esthetic analysis was performed using a panel of independent observers. Between December 2010 and November 2019, 100 patients underwent 148 FALD-based BR. Average operative time was 193.5 min for unilateral procedure and 290.6 min for bilateral procedure. Mean immediate AFT volume was 105.3 cc (range 60-170) per breast. Major complication (total or partial flap necrosis > 30%) rate was 0%, and minor complication (partial flap necrosis < 30%, fat necrosis hematoma, seroma, donor site dehiscence, and chronic pain) rate was 6.76%. Esthetic analysis garnered satisfactory results for all types of mastectomies. For variables regarding skin texture (p = 0.001), scar location (p = 0.005), and total score (p = 0.001), patients undergoing Modified Radical Mastectomy scored lower than Skin-Sparing Mastectomy and Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy. We were able to confirm that the FALD flap is a safe with a low complication rate and high patient satisfaction. Level of Evidence IV.

Long-Term Clinical and Aesthetic Results of a Systematic Fat Transfer Protocol for Total Breast Reconstruction after Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy.

BACKGROUND: Autologous fat transfer can be safely offered for total breast reconstruction after nipple-sparing mastectomy. The aim of this study was to extend a fat transfer protocol to smokers and compare the long-term results among them and irradiated and nonirradiated patients. METHODS: One hundred seventeen breasts after nipple-sparing mastectomy were prospectively enrolled and stratified in group A (25 irradiated), group B (21 smokers), or group C (71 controls). A standardized fat transfer protocol was used. Data collected were patient demographics, surgery information, and aesthetic analysis. Continuous and categorical variables were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test, and the Cohen Kappa test was used to test interrater variability for the aesthetic analysis. RESULTS: Groups were homogeneous for demographics ( p > 0.05) but significantly different in number of fat transfer sessions ( p < 0.001), mean volume of the first two treatments ( p = 0.003), and mean total volume of injected fat ( p = 0.002). Volume, shape, position of the breast mound, inframammary fold, and scar location subscales obtained high score evaluations without a significant difference among groups ( p > 0.05), whereas skin texture subscale showed a lower score evaluation in group A ( p = 0.003). Although a significant difference for total subscales was worse in group A ( p = 0.004), the global score had a high rate evaluation in all groups ( p = 0.145). Interrater reliability showed substantial agreement among all categories. CONCLUSION: Although further investigation is required, the authors confirm the efficacy of their fat transfer protocol for both irradiated and nonirradiated nipple-sparing mastectomy patients and propose its indication to smokers with comparable clinical and aesthetic results. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, II.

History of breast implants: Back to the future.

Modern breast implants are a staple of plastic surgery, finding uses in esthetic and reconstructive procedures. Their history began in the 1960s, with the first generation of smooth devices with thick silicone elastomer, thick silicone gel, and Dacron patches on the back. They presented hard consistency, high capsular contracture rates and the patches increased the risk of rupture. In the same decade, polyurethane coating of implants was implemented. A second generation was introduced in the 1970s with a thinner shell, less viscous gel filler and no patches, but increased silicone bleed-through and rupture rates. The third generation, in the early 1980s, featured implants with a thicker multilayered elastomer shell reinforced with silica to reduce rupture risk and prevent silicone bleed-through. A fourth generation from the late 1980s combined thick outer elastomer shells, more cohesive gel filler, and implemented for the first-time outer shell texturing. In the early 1990s, the fifth generation of devices pioneered an anatomical shape with highly cohesive form-stable gel filler and a rough outer shell surface. Surface texturing was hampered by the discovery of Breast Implant Associated-Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma and its link with textured devices. From the 2010s, we have the era of the sixth generation of implants, featuring innovations regarding the surface, with biomimetic surfaces, more resistant shells and variations in gel consistency. The road to innovation comprises setbacks such as the FDA moratorium in 1992, the PIP scandal, the Silimed CE mark temporary suspension and the FDA-requested voluntary recall of the Allergan BIOCELL implants.

Low-vacuum negative pressure wound therapy protocol for complex wounds with exposed vessels.

OBJECTIVE: Treating high-risk surgical patients with complex wounds over exposed blood vessels is a challenge. Guided wound healing may be the only treatment possible. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is not recommended in these cases. The authors challenged these current recommendations and share their preliminary experience. METHOD: The authors adapted a NPWT protocol that uses low-vacuum continuous pressure (-80mmHg) with a silicone sheath and gauze/foam dressing between the wound bed and the device. They monitored the clinical features of patients' wounds to detect bleeding/ischaemia early on. Dressings were changed every 72-96 hours. RESULTS: This protocol was followed in five male patients (aged 23-68 years) with complex wounds over exposed vessels. Two cases were foot crush injuries, one midfoot amputation, one hand self-subamputation and one vascular bypass infection. Comorbidities included monoarterial limbs/stump, severe arteriopathy and psychiatric disorder. The exposed vessels were femoral, radial and ulnar, anterior and posterior tibial arteries and veins. Mean treatment lasted 37 days (range 20-61 days). No episodes of severe bleeding/ischaemia of the extremities were observed. Treatment was discontinued once debridement was complete and granulation tissue allowed spontaneous closure/grafting. All wounds appeared stable at 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: The low-vacuum NPWT protocol was successful in solving five difficult cases. This regimen reduces risks associated with NPWT use on wounds with exposed vessels. The authors believe further validation is required to strengthen the evidence. However, preliminary data are encouraging and might help to change future NPWT recommendations by extending the indications for its use to exposed vessels.

Facial Transplantation: Nonimmune-Related Hyperacute Graft Failure-The Role of Perfusion Injury: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to report the first case of acute facial allograft transplantation (facial allograft transplantation) failure with allograft removal and autologous free-flap reconstruction. METHODS: A 49-year-old female patient affected by neurofibromatosis type 1 with a massive neurofibroma infiltrating the whole left hemiface was planned for FAT for the left hemiface including the auricle, all skin and soft tissues from the temporal region, periorbital and nasal region, and up to the perioral area. The maxillary process of the zygomatic bone, left hemimaxilla, and hemimandible from contralateral parasyphysis to the incisura mandibulae were also included. RESULTS: Total surgical time was 26 hours. There were 2 intraoperative arterial thromboses that were solved with new anastomoses and sufficient flap perfusion. On postoperative day 2, the allograft became pale with suspected arterial occlusion and the patient returned to the operative room for exploration no flow into the FAT was found. The allograft was removed and the recipient site reconstructed with a skin-grafted composite left latissimus dorsi-serratus anterior flap. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperacute loss of FAT is a very dramatic event, and the activation of a backup surgical plan is crucial to save patient's life, give a reasonable temporary reconstruction, and return on the waiting-list for a second face transplantation.

Guiding Nipple-Areola Complex Reconstruction: Literature Review and Proposal of a New Decision-Making Algorithm.

BACKGROUND: Nipple-areola complex reconstruction (NAR) most commonly represents the finishing touch to breast reconstruction (BR). Nipple presence is particularly relevant to the patient's psyche, beyond any shadow of doubt. Many reconstructive options have been described in time. Surgery is easy, but final result is often disappointing on the long run. METHODS: The goal of this manuscript is to analyze and classify knowledge concerning NAR techniques and the factors that influence success, and then to elaborate a practical evidence-based algorithm. Out of the 3136 available articles as of August 8th, 2020, we selected 172 manuscripts that met inclusion criteria, which we subdivided into 5 main topics of discussion, being the various NAR techniques; patient factors (including patient selection, timing and ideal position); dressings; potential complications and finally, outcomes/patient satisfaction. RESULTS: We found 92 articles describing NAR techniques, 41 addressing patient factors (out of which 17 discussed patient selection, 14 described ideal NAC location, 10 described appropriate timing), 10 comparing dressings, 7 studying NAR complications, and 22 addressing outcomes and patient satisfaction. We elaborated a comprehensive decision-making algorithm to help narrow down the choice among NAR techniques, and choose the correct strategy according to the various scenarios, and particularly the BR technique and skin envelope. CONCLUSIONS: No single NAR technique provides definitive results, which is why we believe there is no "end-all be-all solution". NAR must be approached as a case-by-case situation. Furthermore, despite NAR being such a widely discussed topic in scientific literature, we still found a lack of clinical trials to allow for more thorough recommendations to be elaborated. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. 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.

Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia: an unsuspected cause of anisomasty.

Breast asymmetry can be congenital or developmental, however a tumorous growth may be the cause of this condition after puberty. A 19-year-old female presented with a slowly developing breast asymmetry pre-operatively diagnosed as Pseudoangiomatous Stromal Hyperplasia (PASH). The patient underwent tumour excision with breast gland remodelling. Postoperative course was uneventful.

A Simple Method for Quantitative Assessment of Suction Drains.

Suction drains are widely used in surgical practice, but a consensus is yet to be found around their use in plastic surgery. Nowadays, patients are frequently discharged from hospitals with drains still in place. Soft drains are easier to manage at home because of the reduced weight and size. The content can be disposed of when the container is full, but volume assessment is only possible when the reservoir is inflated. Evaluating the total drained volume alone is a flawed assessment method, as it might lead to erroneously decide whether a drain should be kept or removed. What we should use as a reference instead is the output quantity from the last 24 h. We can precisely determine the amount of collected material on a daily basis by closing the clip of the tubing, opening the exit valve to inflate the container, measuring and then emptying the container. However, this whole process can be complicated and put the sterile environment at risk of contamination, which is why it cannot be performed by the patient at home. We ask our patients to weigh the container daily using a kitchen scale and to write down the obtained values. When the patient returns for a postoperative checkup, they can report their measurements, thus making it easier for the surgeon to decide whether to remove the drain or not. We believe that this simple method can be safely implemented to track drains in the postoperative period after the patient is discharged. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: 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.