Three-dimensional Simulation on Patient-reported Outcomes Following Oncoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery of the Breast: A Randomized Trial.

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) imaging using computer simulations is an evolving technology. There is a lack of strong data on the use of this technology for oncoplastic (OP) and reconstructive surgery. Methods: A prospective, randomized, single-center trial including breast cancer patients undergoing OP or mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction with implant (IBR) enrolled from November 2019 to October 2021 at the Hospital Nossa Senhora das Graças, Breast Unit in Curitiba, Brazil. Both patients undergoing OP and those in the IBR group were randomized to undergo 3D imaging and simulation of postoperative results (intervention group) or 3D imaging without simulation (control group). All patients were invited to complete a patient-reported outcome (BREAST-Q) expectations module and breast reconstruction or reduction/mastopexy module before and 6 months after surgery. Results: A total of 96 patients were enrolled. Sixty-nine patients (45 OP and 24 IBR) completed the pre- and postoperative questionnaires and were randomized for the simulation. Women in the OP group had higher expectations for breast appearance when clothed than those in the IBR implant group (93.4 ± 16.3 versus 82.9 ± 26.5; P = 0.03). The intervention group was more satisfied with information than the control group (P = 0.021). Both patients who underwent OP and IBR believed that the 3D simulation helped them understand the surgical process (86.6% and 75%, respectively). Conclusions: Preoperative 3D simulation significantly improved patient's satisfaction with information and did not decrease postoperative satisfaction with the outcomes. The incorporation of preoperative 3D simulation may be a valuable tool in breast reconstruction.

Prospective study: Impact of breast magnetic resonance imaging on oncoplastic surgery and on indications of mastectomy in patients who were previously candidates to breast conserving surgery.

Background: Routine use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the staging of patients with early breast cancer is still controversial. Oncoplastic surgery (OP) allows for wider resections without compromising the aesthetic results. This study aimed to assess the impact of preoperative MRI on surgical planning and on indications of mastectomy. Methods: Prospective study including T1-T2 breast cancer patients treated between January 2019 and December 2020 in the Breast Unit of the Hospital Nossa Senhora das Graças in Curitiba, Brazil. All patients had indication for breast conserving surgery (BCS) with OP and did a breast MRI after conventional imaging. Results: 131 patients were selected. Indication for BCS was based on clinical examination and conventional imaging (mammography and ultrasound) findings. After undergoing breast MRI, 110 patients (84.0%) underwent BCS with OP and 21 (16.0%) had their surgical procedure changed to mastectomy. Breast MRI revealed additional findings in 52 of 131 patients (38%). Of these additional findings, 47 (90.4%) were confirmed as invasive carcinoma. Of the 21 patients who underwent mastectomies, the mean tumor size was 2.9 cm (± 1,7cm), with all having additional findings on breast MRI (100% of the mastectomies group vs 28.2% of the OP, p<0.01). Of the 110 patients submitted to OP, the mean tumor size was 1,6cm (± 0,8cm), with only 6 (5.4%) presenting positive margins at the final pathology assessment. Conclusion: Preoperative breast MRI has an impact on the OP scenario, bringing additional information that may help surgical planning. It allowed selecting the group with additional tumor foci or greater extension to convert to mastectomy, with a consequent low reoperation rate of 5.4% in the BCS group. This is the first study to assess the impact of breast MRI in the preoperative planning of patients undergoing OP for the treatment of breast cancer.

Prepectoral Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction without Placement of Acellular Dermal Matrix or Mesh after Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to report the results of prepectoral direct-to-implant reconstruction in nipple-sparing mastectomy without acellular dermal matrices or mesh. METHODS: A multicenter cohort of patients undergoing prophylactic or therapeutic nipple-sparing mastectomy was included from 2013 to 2020. All sizes and types of breasts were included, except those with previously failed reconstruction, previous radiotherapy with severe skin damage, locally advanced breast cancer, gigantomasty, severe degree of ptosis, tumors close to the nipple-areola complex (<1 cm on magnetic resonance imaging), or combined autologous-based reconstruction. RESULTS: A total of 280 immediate breast reconstructions were performed in 195 patients. The mean age was 45 years and 32.8 percent of patients were postmenopausal. The mean follow-up period was 16.5 (±17.43) months. Eighty-five patients (43.6 percent) underwent bilateral mastectomy; 116 mastectomies (41.4 percent) were prophylactic and 164 (58.6 percent) were therapeutic. Sixty-eight reconstructions (24 percent) had at least one acute complication, the most common being implant explantation (9.2 percent), which was more frequent in smokers. Late complications included rippling (grades 3 and 4) in seven cases (3.8 percent) and capsular contracture (Baker II through IV) in 29 cases (15.7 percent) [22 Baker II (11.9 percent), six Baker III (3.3 percent), and one Baker IV (0.5 percent)]. One implant rotation was observed. No deformity animation was observed. Cosmetic results were considered good or excellent in 87.3 percent of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Overall complications were similar to those reported in acellular dermal matrices, mesh, or subpectoral series, except for a higher explantation rate. This technique is safe and economically advantageous, as it is a one-stage technique without acellular dermal matrices and mesh. These are preliminary data and larger and comparative studies are needed. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

Exposed Implant after Immediate Breast Reconstruction - Presentation and Analysis of a Clinical Management Protocol.

OBJECTIVE: Infection and exposure of the implant are some of the most common and concerning complications after implant-based breast reconstruction. Currently, there is no consensus on the management of these complications. The aim of the present study was to review our cases and to present a clinical protocol. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of consecutive patients submitted to implant-based breast reconstruction between 2014 and 2016. All patients were managed according to a specific and structured protocol. RESULTS: Implant exposure occurred in 33 out of 277 (11.9%) implant-based reconstructions. Among these, two patients had history of radiotherapy and had their implant removed; Delayed reconstruction with a myocutaneous flap was performed in both cases. Signs of severe local infection were observed in 12 patients, and another 5 presented with extensive tissue necrosis, and they were all submitted to implant removal; of them, 8 underwent reconstruction with a tissue expander, and 2, with a myocutaneous flap. The remaining 14 patients had no signs of severe infection, previous irradiation or extensive tissue necrosis, and were submitted to primary suture as an attempt to salvage the implant. Of these, 8 cases (57.1%) managed to keep the original implant. CONCLUSION: Our clinical protocol is based on three key points: history of radiotherapy, severe infection, and extensive tissue necrosis. It is a practical and potentially-reproducible method of managing one of the most common complications of implant-based breast reconstruction.

OBJECTIVO: Infecção e exposição da prótese são algumas das complicações mais comuns e preocupantes após reconstrução da mama com implantes. Atualmente, ainda não há consenso quanto ao manejo destas complicações. O objetivo deste estudo foi o de revisar os casos da nossa instituição e apresentar um protocolo clínico. MéTODOS: Realizou-se uma revisão retrospectiva de todos os casos consecutivos submetidos a reconstrução mamária imediata com prótese entre 2014 e 2016. Todos os casos foram conduzidos de acordo com um protocolo específico e estruturado. RESULTADOS: A exposição do implante ocorreu em 33 de 227 reconstruções (11,9%). Dentre estas, duas pacientes tinham histórico de radioterapia, e foram submetidas a remoção da prótese e posterior reconstrução com retalho miocutâneo. Sinais de infecção local grave foram observados em 12 pacientes, e, em 5, necrose extensa de tecido, e todas foram submetidas a remoção dos implantes; destas, 8 foram reconstruídas com expansor, e 2, com retalho miocutâneo. As 14 pacientes remanecentes não haviam sido submetidas previamente à radioterapia, não tinham sinais de infecção, nem necrose extensa; portanto, foram submetidas a sutura primária em uma tentativa de salvar a prótese. Dessas, 8 pacientes (57,1%) conseguiram manter os implantes originais. CONCLUSãO: Nosso protocolo clínico é baseado em três pontos principais: histórico de radioterapia, infecção grave, e necrose extensa de tecido. Ele constitui um método prático e potencialmente reprodutível de manejo de uma das complicações mais comuns da reconstrução mamária com implantes.

IMPACT OF PREOPERATORY MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING IN ONCOPLASTIC SURGERY / Impacto da ressonância magnética pré-operatória na cirurgia oncoplástica

Objective: There is no data about magnetic resonance image (MRI) impact in oncoplastic surgery (OP). The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of MRI on the surgical planning and the changes of conduct in patients with initial breast cancer and candidates to perform the OP. Methods: This is a prospective cohort of 60 patients who were candidates to OP between January 2013 and July 2014. All of them underwent to a preoperative MRI, in addition to mammography (MG) and ultrasound (US). Any additional tumor in the MRI classified as BIRADS 4-5 were biopsied or marked with carbon and radiotracer in order to be localized during the surgery. Surgical impact of additional MRI findings were evaluated as to changes of approach to mastectomy or to wider resection. Results: Of the patients, 29/60 (48.3%) had additional findings on MRI, 16/29 (55%) were multifocal tumors, 1/29 (3.4%) was multicentric, 5/29 (17%) were contralateral tumors, and 9/29 (31%) presented tumor size larger than 10 mm in the MRI. Of 22 patients who showed additional lesions on MRI, 15 (68.2%) had invasive carcinomas in the definitive anatomopathological exam. Sensibility of MRI was higher in the estimation of the tumor size. Of the patients, 12/60 (20%) underwent to mastectomy, and 17/60 (28.3%) to wider resections. Only 5% of patients had positive margins in the entire group, and in the group of patients that had additional findings on MRI only 3.4% had positive margins. Conclusions: MRI is better than MG and US in evaluating the extension of the tumor, and in the detection of multicentricity, multifocality and bilaterality. In consequence, it contributed in this series for a better surgical planning in OP with a low rate of compromised margins and re-operations.

Objetivo: Não há dados sobre o impacto da imagem de ressonância magnética (RM) na cirurgia oncoplástica. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o impacto da RM no planejamento cirúrgico e nas mudanças de conduta em pacientes com câncer de mama inicial e candidatas a realizar a cirurgia oncoplástica. Métodos: Trata-se de uma coorte prospectiva de 60 pacientes que foram candidatas à cirurgia oncoplástica entre janeiro de 2013 e julho de 2014. Todos elas foram submetidas a uma RM pré-operatória, além de mamografia (MG) e ultrassom (US). Qualquer tumor adicional na RM classificada como BIRADS 4-5 foi biopsiado ou marcado com carvão e ROLL para serem localizados durante a cirurgia. O impacto cirúrgico dos achados adicionais da RM foi avaliado quanto a mudanças para mastectomia ou ressecção mais ampla. Resultados: Das pacientes, 29/60 (48,3%) apresentaram achados adicionais na ressonância magnética, 16/29 (55%) foram tumores multifocais, 1/29 (3,4%) foi multicêntrico, 5/29 (17%) foram tumores contralaterais e 9/29 (31%) apresentaram tamanho de tumor maior que 10 mm na RM. Das 22 pacientes que apresentaram lesões adicionais na RM, 15 (68,2%) apresentaram carcinomas invasivos no exame anatomopatológico definitivo. A sensibilidade da RM foi maior na estimativa do tamanho do tumor. Das pacientes, 12/60 (20%) foram submetidas à mastectomia e 17/60 (28,3%) a ressecções mais amplas. Apenas 5% das pacientes apresentaram margens positivas em todo o grupo. No grupo de pacientes que apresentaram resultados adicionais na RM, apenas 3,4% tiveram margens positivas. Conclusões: A RM é melhor que a MG e o US na avaliação da extensão do tumor e na detecção de tumores multicêntricos, multifocais e bilaterais. Em consequência, contribuiu nesta série para um melhor planejamento cirúrgico na cirurgia oncoplástica com baixa taxa de margens comprometidas e reexcisão.

Prospective study evaluating oncological safety of axillary reverse mapping.

BACKGROUND: Axillary reverse mapping (ARM) is a new technique developed with the aim of reducing lymphedema rates by preserving lymphatic drainage of the upper limbs during sentinel lymph node biopsy and axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). However, it is unclear whether preservation of these lymph nodes affects oncological risk. The present study evaluated the presence of metastases in ARM nodes. METHODS: A total of 45 patients underwent ARM during ALND. Blue dye was used for ARM nodes localization. All axillary lymph nodes, including ARM nodes, were removed and sent separately for pathological evaluation of metastases. RESULTS: ARM identification was achieved in 40/45 patients (88.9 %). The average number of removed ARM nodes was 1.9. ARM nodes metastasis occurred in 10 of 40 patients (25 %). Patients with an axilla extensively affected by cancer had an elevated risk of metastasis to the arm's lymph nodes (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of arm lymph nodes compromised by metastases calls into question the viability of the ARM technique. Larger studies may point to particular patient profiles for which ARM can be safely use.

Oncoplastic principles in breast conserving surgery.

Oncoplastic surgery (OP) represents a major advance in breast cancer surgery. It is based on three principles: ideal oncology surgery with free margins and adequate local control of disease, immediate breast reconstruction and symmetry, with the transposition of plastic surgery techniques into breast cancer surgery. Its original focus was to improve the quality of life of patients undergoing oncological treatments that can be more effective from the aesthetic-functional point of view than the traditional breast conserving techniques. As it happens with all changes of paradigms, it brings new challenges for the traversal formation of all involved in the treatment of breast cancer. Besides that, it opens to new perspectives of surgical research related to the aesthetic results, quality of life and local control, as well as optimization of operative timing and reduction of both adverse effects and costs. The aim of this review was to present the principles of this approach and the main techniques applied, evaluating its indications and limits in conservative breast cancer surgery.

Immediate breast reconstruction in pregnancy and lactation / Reconstrução mamária imediata na gestação e na lactação

Introduction: Pregnancy-associated breast cancer(PABC) incluides breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy and within a year after delivery. At least 10% of the patients with breast cancer who are younger than 40 years of age are pregnant at their diagnosis. Although mastectomy is the most frequent indication, there are no data about immediate breast reconstruction, and most authors recommend delayed reconstruction. Objective: The purpose of this paper was to present a model that allows immediate breast reconstruction in this complex group of patients, which no compromise neither oncologic treatment nor the fetus evolution. Methods: This study was carried out as retrospective and prospective analysis of consecutive PABC patients who had undergone mastectomy, axillary dissection and immediate breast reconstruction in the Breast Unit of Nossa Senhora das Graças Hospital, in Curitiba (PR), Brazil, from March 2004 until July 2008. Results: From a total number of 598 cases of invasive breast cancer, 10 PABC cases (1.7%) were selected. These patients were younger and with more aggressive tumors than non-pregnant ones. Breast reconstructions were performed following a specific decision model designed in our Unit. First trimester patient (n=1) was submitted to immediate reconstruction in one-step surgery with breast implants and contra-lateral symmetry. Second and third trimester patients (n=2) were submitted to temporary expanders. Lactation patients (n=5) were submitted to temporary expanders, or one-step surgery with implants in cases of lactation ceased at least three months ago (n=l). No surgical complications or delay in adjuvant therapy were observed. Only one patient needed postoperative radiotherapy, resulting in Baker 2 capsular contracture. Conclusions: All the patients were alive without disease in this group, and the fetus evolutions were not compromised by the surgery. This reconstructive approach minimizes the effects of mastectomy...

Introdução: Câncer de mama associado à gestação (CAG) inclui todos aqueles casos diagnosticados durante o período da gestação até aqueles detectados um ano depois, no período da lactação. Até 10% das pacientes diagnosticadas com câncer de mama antes dos 40 anos estão grávidas. Embora a mastectomia seja a indicação mais frequente nesse grupo, não existem dados sobre a reconstrução mamária imediata, e a maioria dos autores indica que se adie a reconstrução. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi apresentar um modelo que permite a reconstrução mamária imediata nesse grupo complexo de pacientes, sem comprometimento para o tratamento oncológico ou para a evolução fetal. Métodos: Trata-se de uma série de pacientes consecutivas com CAG, acompanhadas de maneira retrospectiva e prospectiva, e submetidas à mastectomia e reconstrução mamária imediata na Unidade de Mama do Hospital Nossa Senhora das Graças em Curitiba, no período entre Março de 2004 até Julho de 2008. Resultados: Entre um total de 598 casos de carcinomas invasivos, 10 (1,7%) CAG foram selecionados para este estudo. Essas pacientes eram mais jovens e com tumores biologicamente mais agressivos do que as pacientes fora do período associado com a gestação. A decisão sobre a reconstrução mamária imediata seguiu um protocolo específico criado dentro da unidade. Uma paciente do primeiro trimestre (n=1) foi submetida à reconstrução mamária imediata com prótese definitiva e simetrização. Duas pacientes do segundo e terceiros trimestres (n=2) foram submetidas à reconstrução mamária imediata com expansores. As pacientes diagnosticadas durante a lactação foram submetidas à reconstrução imediata com expansores temporários (n=5) e uma (n=1), cuja lactação tinha cessado há três meses, foi submetida à reconstrução mamária imediata com prótese definitiva e simetrização imediata. Não foram observadas complicações ou atraso no início do tratamento adjuvante neste grupo de pacientes. Uma paciente necessitou...