A UK consensus statement on thromboprophylaxis for autologous breast reconstruction.

Microsurgical breast reconstruction accounts for 22% of breast reconstructions in the UK. Despite thromboprophylaxis, venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurs in up to 4% of cases. Using a Delphi process, this study established a UK consensus on VTE prophylaxis strategy, for patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction using free-tissue transfer. It captured geographically divergent views, producing a guide that reflected the peer opinion and current evidence base. METHODS: Consensus was ascertained using a structured Delphi process. A specialist from each of the UK's 12 regions was invited to the expert panel. Commitment to three to four rounds of questions was sought at enrollment. Surveys were distributed electronically. An initial qualitative free-text survey was distributed to identify likely lines of consensus and dissensus. Each panelist was provided with full-text versions of key papers on the topic. Initial free-text responses were analyzed to develop a set of structured quantitative statements, which were refined via a second survey as a consensus was approached. RESULTS: The panel comprised 18 specialists: plastic surgeons and thrombosis experts from across the UK. Each specialist completed three rounds of surveys. Together, these plastic surgeons reported having performed more than 570 microsurgical breast reconstructions in the UK in 2019. A consensus was reached on 27 statements, detailing the assessment and delivery of VTE prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first study to collate current practice, expert opinion from across the UK, and a literature review. The output was a practical guide for VTE prophylaxis for microsurgical breast reconstruction in any UK microsurgical breast reconstruction unit.

A meta-analysis of the efficacy of vascularised lymph node transfer in reducing limb volume and cellulitis episodes in patients with cancer treatment-related lymphoedema.

BACKGROUND: Lymphoedema after cancer treatment is a chronic and disabling complication that presents a significant health care burden during survivorship with limited treatment options. Vascularised lymph node transfer (VLNT) can reconstruct lymphatic flow to reduce limb volumes, but limited higher-order evidence exists to support its effectiveness. AIM: The aim of the study was to systematically review and meta-analyse the effectiveness of VLNT in reducing upper limb (UL) or lower limb (LL) volume and cellulitis episodes in patients with cancer treatment-related lymphoedema (CTRL). METHODS: PubMed, Medline (Ovid) and Embase databases were searched between January 1974 and December 2019. Full-length articles where VLNT was the sole therapeutic procedure for CTRL, reporting volumetric limb, frequency of infection episodes and/or lymphoedema-specific quality-of-life data, were included in a random-effects meta-analysis of circumferential reduction rate (CRR). Methodological quality was assessed using STROBE/CONSORT, and a novel, lymphoedema-specific scoring tool was used to assess lymphoedema-specific methodological reporting. Sensitivity analyses on the site of VLNT harvest and recipient location were performed. RESULTS: Thirty-one studies (581 patients) were eligible for inclusion. VLNT led to significant limb volume reductions in UL (above elbow pooled CRRs [CRRP] = 42.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 36.5-48.8]; below elbow CRRP = 34.1% [95% CI: 33.0-35.1]) and LL (above knee CRRP = 46.8% [95% CI: 43.2-50.4]; below knee CRRP = 54.6% [95% CI: 39.0-70.2]) CTRL. VLNT flaps from extra-abdominal donor sites were associated with greater volume reductions (CRRP = 49.5% [95% CI: 46.5-52.5]) than those from intra-abdominal donor sites (CRRP = 39.6% [95% CI: 37.2-42.0]) and synchronous autologous breast reconstruction/VLNT flaps (CRRP = 32.7% [95% CI: 11.1-54.4]) (p < 0.05). VLNT was also found to reduce the mean number of cellulitis episodes by 2.1 episodes per year (95% CI: -2.7- -1.4) and increased lymphoedema-specific quality-of-life scores (mean difference in Lymphoedema-Specific Quality of Life (LYMQOL) "overall domain" = +4.26). CONCLUSIONS: VLNT is effective in reducing excess limb volume and cellulitis episodes in both UL and LL lymphoedema after cancer treatment. However, significant heterogeneity exists in outcome reporting, and standardisation of reporting processes is recommended.

Refining our knowledge of macrovascular arteriovenous shunts (MAS): Anatomical and pathological studies.

BACKGROUND: The macrovascular arteriovenous shunt (MAS) connecting the deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) and superficial inferior epigastric vein (SIEV) in the abdominal wall has already been identified as an important structure, and further study has been deemed necessary to establish its role and function. METHODS: Review of CT angiograms (CTA) of 38 female patients was undertaken, by means of analysis of fine-cut axial images and three-dimensional image reconstructions of the cutaneous vasculature of the deep and superficial vasculature. In vivo dissection of the structure was also performed to establish its communications. Lastly, a histopathological analysis was carried out to investigate its intrinsic structure and function. RESULTS: The MAS was identified in both sides of the abdomen in all subjects and the diameter ranges from 0.72 to 2.81 mm with a median diameter of 1.28 mm. In vivo dissection revealed it as a distinct structure connecting the DIEA and SIEV. Pathological analysis showed that it has characteristics of both elastic and muscular arteries, which constitutes a new vessel. CONCLUSION: These further investigations have yielded a better understanding of the MAS shunt, its position, structure and function. This can be of crucial importance to reconstructive surgeons when raising the DIEP flap.

A Comparison of the Short-term Outcomes of Three Flap Reconstruction Techniques Used After Beyond Total Mesorectal Excision Surgery for Anorectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Surgery for advanced or recurrent pelvic malignancy can result in perineal defects that cannot be closed by wound edge approximation. Myocutaneous flaps can fill the defect and accelerate healing. No reconstruction has been proven to be superior to the others. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare 3 flap procedures after beyond total mesorectal excision surgery. DESIGN: This is a retrospective analysis of a prospective database, according to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement. SETTINGS: This study was performed at a tertiary hospital. PATIENTS: Consecutive series of patients who required flap reconstruction after beyond total mesorectal excision surgery between 2007 and 2016 were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Short-term outcomes after oblique rectus abdominis flap vs vertical rectus abdominis flap vs inferior gluteal artery perforator flap reconstruction were evaluated. RESULTS: Included are 65 (59%) oblique rectus abdominis flap, 30 (27.3%) vertical rectus abdominis flap, and 15 (13.7%) inferior gluteal artery perforator flap outcomes. Sacrectomy was performed in 12 (18.5%), 10 (33.3%), and 8 (53.3%) patients (p = 0.016). Preoperative radiotherapy was used in 60 (92.3%), 26 (86.7%), and 11 (73.3%) patients (p = 0.11). Flap infection and dehiscence occurred in 7 (10.8%), 1 (3.3%), and 4 (26.7%) patients. There was an increased risk of flap complication with inferior gluteal artery perforator flap vs vertical rectus abdominis flap (p = 0.036). Inferior gluteal artery perforator flap (OR, 6.26; p = 0.02) and obesity (OR, 4.96; p = 0.02) were associated with flap complications. Only complications of the oblique rectus abdominis flap decreased significantly over time (p = 0.03). The length of stay and complete (R0) resection rate were not different between the groups. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited because of its retrospective nature and because it was conducted at a single center. CONCLUSIONS: The techniques appear comparable. The approaches should be considered complementary, and the choice should be individualized. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B141. COMPARACIÓN DE RESULTADOS A CORTO PLAZO DE TRES TÉCNICAS DE RECONSTRUCCIÓN CON COLGAJO UTILIZADAS DESPUÉS DE LA CIRUGÍA DE ESCISIÓN MESORRECTAL TOTAL EXTENDIDA PARA EL CÁNCER ANORRECTAL: La cirugía para malignidad pélvica avanzada o recurrente puede provocar defectos perineales, que no pueden cerrarse por aproximación de los bordes de la herida. Los colgajos miocutáneos pueden llenar el defecto y acelerar la curación. Ninguna reconstrucción ha demostrado ser superior a las demás.Comparar tres procedimientos de colgajo después de una cirugía de escisión mesorrectal total extendida.Análisis retrospectivo de una base de datos prospectiva, de acuerdo con la Declaración de Fortalecimiento de los informes de estudios observacionales en epidemiología.Hospital de tercer nivel.Series consecutivas de pacientes que requirieron reconstrucción con colgajo después de una cirugía de escisión mesorrectal total extendida entre 2007 y 2016.Resultados a corto plazo después del colgajo oblicuo recto abdominal versus colgajo vertical recto abdominal versus reconstrucción del colgajo perforador de la arteria glútea inferior.Se incluyen 65 (59%) colgajo oblicuo recto abdominal oblicuo, 30 (27.3%) colgajo vertical recto abdominal y 15 (13.7%) colgajo perforador de la arteria glútea inferior. Sacrectomía se realizó en 12 (18.5%), 10 (33.3%) y 8 (53.3%) pacientes respectivamente (p = 0.016). La radioterapia preoperatoria se utilizó en 60 (92.3%), 26 (86.7%) y 11 (73.3%) (p = 0,11). La infección del colgajo y la dehiscencia ocurrieron en 7 (10.8%), 1 (3.3%) y 4 (26.7%). Hubo un mayor riesgo de complicación con el colgajo perforador de la arteria glútea inferior en comparación al colgajo vertical del recto abdominal (p = 0.036). El colgajo perforador de la arteria glútea inferior (OR 6.26, p = 0.02) y la obesidad (OR 4.96, p = 0.02) se asociaron con complicaciones del colgajo. Solo las complicaciones del colgajo oblicuo recto abdominal disminuyeron significativamente con el tiempo (p = 0.03). La duración de la estancia hospitalaria y la tasa de resección completa (R0) no fue diferente entre los grupos.Estudio retrospectivo en centro único.Las técnicas parecen comparables. Los enfoques deben considerarse complementarios y la elección individualizada. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B141.

Real-time ex vivo perfusion of human lymph nodes invaded by cancer (REPLICANT): a feasibility study.

Understanding how breast cancer (BC) grows in axillary lymph nodes (ALNs), and refining how therapies might halt that process, is clinically important. However, modelling the complex ALN microenvironment is difficult, and no human models exist at present. We harvested ALNs from ten BC patients, and perfused them at 37 °C ex vivo for up to 24 h. Controlled autologous testing showed that ALNs remain viable after 24 h of ex vivo perfusion: haematoxylin and eosin-stained histological appearance and proliferation (by Ki67 immunohistochemistry) did not change significantly over time for any perfused ALN compared with a control from time-point zero. Furthermore, targeted gene expression analysis (NanoString PanCancer IO360 panel) showed that only 21/750 genes were differentially expressed between control and perfused ALNs (|log2 FC| > 1 and q < 0.1): none were involved in apoptosis and metabolism, but rather all 21 genes were involved in immune function and angiogenesis. During perfusion, tissue acid-base balance remained stable. Interestingly, the flow rate increased (p < 0.001) in cancer-replaced (i.e. metastasis occupied more than 90% of the surface area on multiple levels) compared to cancer-free nodes (i.e. nodes with no metastasis on multiple sections). CXCL11 transcripts were significantly more abundant in cancer-replaced nodes, while CXCL12 transcripts were significantly more abundant in cancer-free nodes. These cytokines were also detected in the circulating perfusate. Monoclonal antibodies (nivolumab and trastuzumab) were administered into a further three ALNs to confirm perfusion efficacy. These drugs saturated the nodes; nivolumab even induced cancer cell death. Normothermic ALN perfusion is not only feasible but sustains the tumour microenvironment ex vivo for scientific investigation. This model could facilitate the identification of actionable immuno-oncology targets. © 2019 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Comparison of Immediate versus Delayed DIEP Flap Reconstruction in Women Who Require Postmastectomy Radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The authors investigated aesthetic outcome and patient satisfaction in women who have undergone deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap reconstruction in the setting of postmastectomy radiotherapy. Patients who underwent DIEP flap reconstruction without postmastectomy radiotherapy were the control group. METHODS: Participants who had undergone DIEP flap reconstruction between September 1, 2009, and September 1, 2014, were recruited, answered the BREAST-Q, and underwent three-dimensional surface-imaging. A panel assessed the aesthetic outcome by reviewing these images. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-seven women participated. Eighty women (48 percent) underwent immediate DIEP flap reconstruction and no postmastectomy radiotherapy; 28 (17 percent) underwent immediate DIEP flap reconstruction with postmastectomy radiotherapy; 38 (23 percent) underwent simple mastectomy, postmastectomy radiotherapy, and DIEP flap reconstruction; and 21 (13 percent) underwent mastectomy with temporizing implant, postmastectomy radiotherapy, and DIEP flap reconstruction. Median satisfaction scores were significantly different among the groups (p < 0.05). Post hoc comparison demonstrated that women who had an immediate DIEP flap reconstruction were significantly less satisfied if they had postmastectomy radiotherapy. In women requiring radiotherapy, those undergoing delayed reconstruction after a simple mastectomy were most satisfied, but there was no significant difference between the immediate DIEP flap and temporizing implant groups. Median panel scores differed among groups, being significantly higher if the immediate reconstruction was not subjected to radiotherapy. There was no significant difference in panel assessment among the three groups of women who had received radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who avoid having their immediate DIEP flap reconstruction irradiated are more satisfied and have better aesthetic outcome than those who undergo postmastectomy radiotherapy. In women requiring radiotherapy and who wish to have an immediate or "delayed-immediate" reconstruction, there were no significant differences in panel or patient satisfaction. Therefore, immediate DIEP flap reconstruction or mastectomy with temporizing implant then DIEP flap surgery are acceptable treatment pathways in the context of post-mastectomy radiotherapy.

Bilateral breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps in slim patients.

BACKGROUND: Slim women are not always considered candidates for bilateral autologous breast reconstruction. The study aims to assess the volume considerations and complications of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap in bilateral breast reconstruction among slim patients. METHODS: All patients undergoing bilateral DIEP breast reconstruction at the Royal Marsden Hospital, London, September 2007-March 2015, were reviewed. Flap weight was compared to mastectomy weight (weight ratio) and complications were recorded. Subgroup analyses according to Body Mass Index (BMI) were performed. RESULTS: One-hundred seventy patients (340 flaps) were included. There were 42 in the slim-group (BMI <25) (84 flaps), 70 in the traditional (BMI = 25.0-29.9) (140 flaps), and 58 in the obese (BMI >30) (116 flaps). There were no significant differences in reconstruction weight ratio between the slim and the traditional groups (1.04 ± 0.31 versus 0.95 ± 0.38, p = .267). When comparing the slim to obese group the ratio was lower for the obese group, inferring that a larger reconstruction was performed (p = .016). Complications was less frequent in the slim group compared to the traditional and the obese groups (31% compared to 50% and to 53% (p = .060 and p = .021, respectively). Donor-site specific complications did not differ between groups (29% 26% and 29%; p = .823 and .830, respectively). CONCLUSION: The DIEP flaps may be a safe option for bilateral breast reconstruction among patients with BMI <25 without sacrifice in volume or increase in donor-site complications; low BMI does not in itself contraindicate bilateral DIEP breast reconstruction.

New treatment sequence protocol to reconstruct locally advanced breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Current treatment for locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) includes neoadjuvant chemotherapy and post-mastectomy radiotherapy, which may be deleterious for immediate reconstruction. A few trials have instead combined neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by preoperative radiotherapy. If safe and oncologically efficacious, mastectomy with immediate free autologous reconstruction (transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM)/deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap) could then achieve a shorter, simpler reconstructive journey with better cosmesis. No trials have been performed combining this neoadjuvant regime with free autologous reconstruction as an assessment end point. METHODS: We performed a Pubmed/Medline search for oncological efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by preoperative radiotherapy and flap reconstruction of the breast. A new treatment sequencing protocol is proposed in which patients suitable for neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by preoperative radiotherapy and likely mastectomy are selected. Positive chemotherapeutic response is followed by radiotherapy then surgery within 6 weeks comprising mastectomy/axillary clearance and immediate reconstruction (TRAM/DIEP). Non-responders are offered mastectomy, tissue expander reconstruction, adjuvant radiotherapy then delayed autologous reconstruction. Local/systemic recurrence rates, disease-free survival, complications, patient satisfaction and aesthetics are examined. RESULTS: Between 1995 and 2012, 10 trials treated LABC patients using combined neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by preoperative radiotherapy. Compared with chemotherapy alone, increased complete pathological response, complete clinical remission, median survival and tumour-free survival were observed. DISCUSSION: Our new treatment sequence protocol offers a simpler, more advantageous approach to LABC. We hypothesize equivalent oncological efficacy, optimized oncological management and surgical planning. The aim was to shorten and simplify the reconstructive journey through a single operation including gold-standard reconstruction, offering better cosmesis, fewer complications and reduced costs.

Exploring the myth of the valveless internal mammary vein--a cadaveric study.

Over the last thirty years the internal mammary system has become the recipient of choice when performing free tissue transfer breast reconstruction. The cranial ends of the internal mammary artery and vein are safely and reliably used for anastomosis following division. Using these cranial vessels maintains their normal antegrade direction of flow. As the complexity of reconstruction has increased, use of the caudal end of the internal mammary vein (IMV) has been cited as a convenient option for additional venous drainage. This requires blood flow in a retrograde fashion. The literature to date suggests that this is possible based on the principle that there are no valves in the internal mammary vein. This will be shown to be incorrect. In this study, the internal mammary veins of 32 formalin-preserved cadavers were dissected to specifically look for and to map valves. 21 valves were discovered in the internal mammary veins of 14 of the 32 cadavers (99 internal mammary veins and major branches). 20 of these were bicuspid in nature, one being tricuspid. Valves were found before or after the branching point of the IMVs, and at multiple sites within some individuals. The significance of valve position relative to rib-space and arborisation of parent IMVs is discussed. Whereas existing data support the use of retrograde IMVs to provide a source of additional venous drainage, we would urge caution in using them exclusively. A proportion of IMVs appear to have valves between the commonly used 2nd or 3rd rib-spaces, and the next draining side-branch.