Complications Including Capsular Contracture in Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction With Textured Anatomical Versus Smooth Round Implants: A Single Center Retrospective Analysis / 한국유방암학회지

Purpose@#Implant-based breast reconstruction is the most common reconstruction method used after mastectomy in breast cancer patients. Many studies have compared the smooth round implants and textured anatomical implants. This study aimed to compare the complications, including capsular contracture, between these two implants used in direct-toimplant (DTI) breast reconstruction. @*Methods@#This retrospective chart review was performed using a prospectively maintained database from a single center. We identified patients who underwent mastectomy with DTI single-stage breast reconstruction at our hospital between August 2011 and June 2021. The overall complications, including capsular contracture, postoperative infection, seroma, hematoma, implant rupture, implant exposure, rippling, implant malposition, and nipple necrosis, were analyzed. @*Results@#In total, 340 breasts of 323 patients were reconstructed by the DTI approach using either textured anatomical (n = 203) or smooth round (n = 137) implants. The incidence of overall complications and capsular contracture was significantly lower with smooth round implants than with textured anatomical implants. Multivariate analysis showed that smooth round implants were associated with a reduced risk of overall complications (odds ratio [OR], 0.465; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.265–0.813) and capsular contracture (OR, 0.475; 95% CI, 0.235–0.962). Particularly, smooth round implants were associated with a decreased risk of overall complications in patients not receiving adjuvant chemotherapy and a decreased risk of capsular contracture in patients with body mass index < 25 kg/m2 and in those not receiving adjuvant radiotherapy. @*Conclusion@#Smooth round implants demonstrated a decreased risk of overall complications and capsular contracture when compared with textured anatomical implants. These results may be utilized in counseling patients regarding the advantages and disadvantages of smooth round implants in DTI breast reconstruction.

Fabrication of 3D-Printed Implant for Two-Stage Ear Reconstruction Surgery and Its Clinical Application

Purpose@#Ear reconstruction is one of the most difficult areas in the field of reconstructive surgery. Due to limitations of the current practice, a novel method of auricular reconstruction is needed. Major advancements in three-dimensional (3D) printing technique have rendered the process of ear reconstruction more favorable. Herein, we present our experience in designing and clinically using 3D implants in both 1st and 2nd stage ear reconstruction surgery. @*Materials and Methods@#After obtaining 3D CT data from each patient, a 3D geometric ear model was created using mirroring and segmentation processes. The 3D-printed implant design resembles but does not exactly match the normal ear shape, and can be inserted in harmony with the currently used surgical technique. The 2nd stage implant was designed to minimize dead space and support the posterior ear helix. The 3D implants were finally fabricated with a 3D printing system and used in ear reconstruction surgery in our institute. @*Results@#The 3D implants were manufactured for application to the currently used two-stage technique while maintaining the shape of the patient’s normal ear. The implants were successfully used for ear reconstruction surgery in microtia patients. A few months later, the 2nd stage implant was used in the 2nd stage operation. @*Conclusion@#The authors were able to design, fabricate, and apply patient-specific 3D-printed ear implants for 1st and 2nd stage ear reconstruction surgeries. This design, combined with 3D bioprinting technique, may be a future alternative for ear reconstruction.

Breast Tissue Reconstruction Using Polycaprolactone Ball Scaffolds in a Partial Mastectomy Pig Model

BACKGROUND@#Breast cancer patients suffer from lowered quality of life (QoL) after surgery. Breast conservancy surgery (BCS) such as partial mastectomy is being practiced and studied as an alternative to solve this problem. This study confirmed breast tissue reconstruction in a pig model by fabricating a 3-dimensional (3D) printed Polycaprolactone spherical scaffold (PCL ball) to fit the tissue resected after partial mastectomy. @*METHODS@#A 3D printed Polycaprolactone spherical scaffold with a structure that can help adipose tissue regeneration was produced using computer-aided design (CAD). A physical property test was conducted for optimization. In order to enhance biocompatibility, collagen coating was applied and a comparative study was conducted for 3 months in a partial mastectomy pig model. @*RESULTS@#In order to identify adipose tissue and fibroglandular tissue, which mainly constitute breast tissue, the degree of adipose tissue and collagen regeneration was confirmed in a pig model after 3 months. As a result, it was confirmed that a lot of adipose tissue was regenerated in the PCL ball, whereas more collagen was regenerated in the collagen-coated Polycaprolactone spherical scaffold (PCL–COL ball). In addition, as a result of confirming the expression levels of TNF-a and IL-6, it was confirmed that PCL ball showed higher levels than PCL–COL ball. @*CONCLUSION@#Through this study, we were able to confirm the regeneration of adipose tissue through a 3-dimensional structure in a pig model. Studies were conducted on medium and large-sized animal models for the final purpose of clinical use and reconstruction of human breast tissue, and the possibility was confirmed.

Dual cortical tunneling method for endoscopic forehead lift

Background@#Endoscopic forehead lift with cortical tunneling is an effective option for rejuvenation of the upper third of the face. Although it has been considered safe and reliable, with relatively consistent long-term results, relapse and weakening of adhesion have been common problems. @*Methods@#We suggest the dual-tunneling method for overcoming these limitations. A total of 100 patients aged 17 to 65 years underwent forehead lifting with cortical tunneling by the senior author from August 2016 to December 2017. The single-tunnel method was applied in one half of the patients and the dual-tunnel method in the other half. Bilateral brow positions were measured immediately following surgery and 6 months later. @*Results@#For all cases, cortical tunneling was done at the central incision and both paramedian incisions; therefore, three tunnels were used in the control group and six tunnels in the experimental group. In the single-tunnel group, relapse distances were 2.39±0.83 mm for the medial brow and 3.26±0.91 mm for the lateral brow (6 months postoperatively; n=100). The dual-tunnel group showed significantly smaller (P<0.001) relapse distances, with values of 1.69±0.46 mm and 2.17±0.59 mm for the medial and lateral brow, respectively (6 months postoperatively; n=100). The experimental group did not show an increase in complications. @*Conclusions@#The dual-tunneling method, designed to minimize the cheese-wiring effect, uses a triangular plane to avoid a focal fixation. The fixation also includes the periosteum to hold the forehead tissue in place, inducing stronger adhesion.

Single-port robot-assisted prosthetic breast reconstruction with the da Vinci SP Surgical System: first clinical report

Robot-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction is currently performed in an attempt to seek smaller and indistinct incisions. Robotic surgery system has been evolving under the concept of minimal invasive technique which is a recent trend in surgery. One of the latest version is the da Vinci SP Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical). In this report, we will share our experiences. Two patients underwent robot-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy, each followed by immediate robot-assisted expander insertion and prepectoral direct-to-implant breast reconstruction, respectively. There was no open conversion or major postoperative complication. One patient experienced mild infection, which was resolved by intravenous antibiotic treatment. Simple docking process, multi-joint instruments, and third-arm functionality are among the new surgical system’s advantages. The present cases suggest that robot-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using the da Vinci SP Surgical System is feasible and safe. The promising features and potential application of da Vinci SP in breast reconstruction need further study.

Anterolateral thigh free flaps and radial forearm free flaps in head and neck reconstruction: A 20-year analysis from a single institution

Background@#Reconstruction after removal of a malignant tumor in the head and neck region is crucial for restoring tissue integrity, function, and aesthetics. We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent intraoral reconstruction surgery using radial forearm free flaps (RFFF) and anterolateral thigh free flaps (ALT) at a single institution to provide more information supporting the choice of a reconstruction method after removal of head and neck cancer. @*Methods@#The charts of 708 patients who underwent head and neck reconstruction between 1998 and 2018 at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. Patients’ age, sex, and history of radiation therapy, diabetes mellitus, and smoking were retrieved. The primary cancer site, types of defects, and complications were investigated. @*Results@#Overall, 473 and 95 patients underwent reconstruction surgery with RFFF and ALT, respectively. RFFF was more often used in patients with cancers of the pharynx, larynx, esophagus, or tonsil, while ALT was more frequently used in patients with cancers of the mouth floor with tonsil or tongue involvement. The proportion of patients undergoing ALT increased gradually. Flap failure and donor site morbidities did not show significant differences between the two groups. @*Conclusions@#RFFF and ALT flaps resulted in similar outcomes in terms of flap survival and donor site morbidity. ALT can be an option for head and neck reconstruction surgery in patients with large and complex defects or for young patients who want to hide their donor site scars.

Stromal vascular fraction injection to treat intractable radiation-induced rectovaginal fistula

Rectovaginal fistula, which can arise after an injury to the vaginal canal or rectum, is a troublesome obstacle for patients’ everyday life. In most cases, it can be covered with a local flap, but previous radiation therapy increases the recurrence rate, making it especially difficult to cure. As the application of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) obtained from enzymatically digested autologous adipose tissue has become increasingly common, several reports have advocated its effectiveness for the treatment of refractory wounds. In light of the angiogenic, regenerative characteristics of SVF, it was incorporated as a treatment option in two cases of rectovaginal fistula discussed here. As described in this report, irradiated rectovaginal fistulas in rectal cancer patients were successfully treated with SVF injection, and we suggest SVF as a feasible treatment option for cases of rectovaginal fistula that would otherwise be very difficult to cure.

Treatment strategy for skin and soft tissue infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria following various procedures

Background@#The early diagnosis and treatment of skin and soft tissue infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are important, especially as infections with rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) are rare and difficult to diagnose and treat. Recently, we identified 22 cases of NTM infections; in this study, we suggest treatment strategies by analyzing the demographic characteristics and treatment progress of these patients. @*Methods@#A retrospective study of patients with NTM infections from 2009 to 2019 was conducted. To identify NTM infections, acid-fast bacillus (AFB) staining, Gram staining, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and cultures of mycobacteria were performed. Empirical treatment with a combination of antibiotics or surgery was performed; species identification and drug susceptibility tests were performed by the Korean National Tuberculosis Association. The final regimen was determined after obtaining the test results. @*Results@#The mean incubation time of NTM was 4.32±2.88 weeks. RGM were detected in mycobacterial cultures in 21 of the 22 NTM patients. The results of AFB staining were negative in all patients, although PCR was positive for NTM in one patient. Fourteen patients were hospitalized for treatment with intravenous antibiotics and surgery. Treatment with a combined regimen of oral antibiotics was maintained for a mean of 5.41±1.85 months. @*Conclusions@#The unusual clinical manifestations of skin and soft tissue infections caused by NTM make them difficult to diagnose. Suspicion of NTM based on clinical presentation and a detailed examination should be followed by proper treatment involving multiple antibiotics and surgery in these patients.

Ultrasonic dissection versus electrocautery for immediate prosthetic breast reconstruction

Background@#Ultrasonic dissection devices cause less thermal damage to the surrounding tissue than monopolar electrosurgical devices. We compared the effects of using an ultrasonic dissection device or an electrocautery device during prosthetic breast reconstruction on seroma development and short-term postoperative complications. @*Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent implant-based reconstruction following mastectomy between March 2017 and September 2018. Mastectomy was performed by general surgeons and reconstruction by plastic surgeons. From March 2017 to January 2018, a monopolar electrosurgical device was used, and an ultrasonic dissection device was used thereafter. The other surgical methods were the same in both groups. @*Results@#The incidence of seroma was lower in the ultrasonic dissection device group than in the electrocautery group (11 [17.2%] vs. 18 [31.0%]; P=0.090). The duration of surgery, total drainage volume, duration of drainage, overall complication rate, surgical site infection rate, and flap necrosis rate were comparable between the groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that the risk of seroma development was significantly lower in the ultrasonic dissection device group than in the electrocautery group (odds ratio for electrocautery, 3.252; 95% confidence interval, 1.242–8.516; P=0.016). @*Conclusions@#The findings of this study suggest that the incidence of seroma can be reduced slightly by using an ultrasonic dissection device for prosthesis-based breast reconstruction. However, further randomized controlled studies are required to verify our results and to assess the cost-effectiveness of this technique.

Analysis of factors that affect drainage volume after expander-based breast reconstruction

Background@#Closed-suction drains are widely used in expander-based breast reconstruction. These drains are typically removed using a volume-based criterion. The drainage volume affects the hospital stay length and the recovery time. However, few studies have analyzed the factors that influence drainage volume after expander-based breast reconstruction. @*Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed data regarding daily drainage from patients who underwent expander-based breast reconstruction between April 2014 and January 2018 (159 patients, 176 expanders). Patient and operative factors were analyzed regarding their influence on total drainage volume and drain placement duration using univariate and multivariate analyses and analysis of variance. @*Results@#The mean total drainage volume was 1,210.77±611.44 mL. Univariate analysis showed correlations between total drainage volume and age (B=19.825, P<0.001), body weight (B=17.758, P<0.001), body mass index (B=51.817, P<0.001), and specimen weight (B=1.590, P<0.001). Diabetes history (P<0.001), expander type (P<0.001), and the surgical instrument used (P<0.001) also strongly influenced total drainage. The acellular dermal matrix type used did not affect total drainage (P=0.626). In the multivariate analysis, age (B=11.907, P=0.004), specimen weight (B=0.927, P<0.001), and expander type (B=593.728, P<0.001) were significant predictors of total drainage. @*Conclusions@#Our findings suggest that the total drainage and the duration of drain placement needed after expander-based breast reconstruction can be predicted using preoperative and intraoperative data. Patient age, specimen weight, and expander type are important predictors of drainage volume. Older patients, heavier specimens, and use of the Mentor rather than the Allergan expander corresponded to a greater total drainage volume and a longer duration of drain placement.

Sex-related and racial variations in orbital floor anatomy

Background@#Repair of the orbital floor following trauma or tumor removal remains a challenge because of its complex three-dimensional shape. The purpose of the present study is to understand normal orbital floor anatomy by investigating its differences across four groups (Caucasian American and East Asian, males and females) via facial bone computed tomography (CT). @*Methods@#A total of 48 orbits in 24 patients between 20 and 60 years of age were evaluated. Although most patients underwent CT scanning following trauma, the orbital walls were intact in all patients. Linear and angular measurements of the orbital floor were obtained from CT images. @*Results@#Orbital floor width, length, angle between the orbital floor and medial wall, and distance from the inferior orbital rim to the lowest point of the orbital floor did not show a statistically significant difference between groups. Angles made by the infraorbital rim, the lowest point of the floor, and the anterior border of the infraorbital fissure were statistically significantly wider in East Asian females than in male groups. The floor depth in East Asian females was significantly smaller compared to all the other groups. @*Conclusion@#East Asian female population had smaller curvature and depth of an orbital floor than the other groups, which means racial and sex-related differences should be considered in the orbital floor reconstruction.

Correction of an animation deformity that developed from breast implant removal

Subpectoral implant insertion is considered to be the standard procedure for breast augmentation and reconstruction. However, in some patients who have undergone breast augmentation or reconstruction surgery with a prosthesis, implant removal may be required for various reasons, including infection or implant rupture. According to a literature review, the standard technique for implant removal has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to report the case of a patient who developed animation deformity after implant removal and to suggest a technique for preventing such complications. A 51-year-old woman underwent breast augmentation surgery with silicone implants. However, the patient complained of an unpleasant foreign body sensation; hence, the implant was removed 6 months after the first operation. After removal of the implant, undesirable movement of the chest wall on both breasts occurred. Revision surgery under general anesthesia was planned 18 months after implant removal. Capsulectomy was performed on both sides, and the pectoralis major muscle was completely isolated and repositioned. The undesirable movement in the skin of the chest wall disappeared postoperatively. This case suggests the need for capsulectomy and repositioning of the pectoralis muscle to its original position during implant removal.

Dimensional changes in reconstructed nipples: autologous versus prosthetic breast reconstruction

PURPOSE: The creation of the nipple-areola complex is the final stage in breast reconstruction and highly affects patient satisfaction. The neo-nipple is well known to shrink over time, particularly in the nipple projection. Currently, no reconstruction technique is clearly superior in terms of nipple size maintenance. We evaluated nipple size changes among several methods of breast mound reconstruction. METHODS: Seventy-eight patients received nipple-areola complex reconstruction secondarily after breast reconstruction. C-V flap nipple reconstructions were performed using a free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap in 25 cases (TRAM group), a latissimus dorsi (LD) myocutaneous flap in 27 cases (LD group), and an implant in 26 cases (implant group). The circumference and projection of the neo-nipple were measured using a flexible ruler, immediately after reconstruction and average 10 months after surgery. RESULTS: The overall circumference and projection at the final measurement were 91.43% ± 7.11% and 62.16% ± 21.55%, respectively, of immediate postoperative values. The change in circumference did not significantly differ among the 3 groups. In contrast, the change in projection was significantly worse in implant group compared to that in TRAM and LD groups. In addition, among the patients in implant group, greater inflation was significantly associated with greater decrease in the nipple projection. CONCLUSION: Breast mound reconstruction with autologous musculocutaneous flap techniques achieves better long-term maintenance of the neo-nipple projection compared to that achieved with expanded tissue and implantation. Considering the prospective loss of long-term nipple dimension, the preoperative design should be oversized in accordance with its origin in mound reconstruction.

Immediate Breast Reconstruction Does Not Have a Clinically Significant Impact on Adjuvant Treatment Delay and Subsequent Survival Outcomes / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: The use of immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) has been debated because it may be a causative factor in adjuvant treatment delay and may subsequently increase the probability of recurrence. We investigated whether IBR was related to adjuvant treatment delay and survival outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the duration from operation to adjuvant treatment administration and survival outcomes according to IBR status among patients with breast cancer who underwent mastectomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy from January 2005 to December 2014. Propensity score matching was performed to balance the clinicopathologic baseline characteristics between patients who did and did not undergo IBR. RESULTS: Of 646 patients, 107 (16.6%) underwent IBR, and the median follow-up was 72 months. The median duration from surgery to adjuvant chemotherapy was significantly longer in patients who underwent IBR than in those who did not (14 vs. 12 days, respectively, p = 0.008). Based on propensity score matching, patients who underwent IBR received adjuvant therapy 3 days later than those who did not (14 vs. 11 days, respectively, p = 0.044). The duration from surgery to post-mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) did not significantly differ between the 2 groups. Local recurrence-free survival, regional recurrence-free survival, systemic recurrence-free survival, and overall survival were also not significantly different between the 2 groups (p = 0.427, p = 0.445, p = 0.269, and p = 0.250, respectively). In the case-matched cohort, survival outcomes did not change. CONCLUSION: IBR was associated with a modest increase in the duration from surgery to chemotherapy that was statistically but not clinically significant. Moreover, IBR had no influence on PMRT delay or survival outcomes, suggesting that it is an acceptable option for patients with non-metastatic breast cancer undergoing mastectomy.

Radially patterned polycaprolactone nanofibers as an active wound dressing agent

BACKGROUND: The objectives of this study were to design polycaprolactone nanofibers with a radial pattern using a modified electrospinning method and to evaluate the effect of radial nanofiber deposition on mechanical and biological properties compared to non-patterned samples. METHODS: Radially patterned polycaprolactone nanofibers were prepared with a modified electrospinning method and compared with randomly deposited nanofibers. The surface morphology of samples was observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The tensile properties of nanofibrous mats were measured using a tabletop uniaxial testing machine. Fluorescence-stained human bone marrow stem cells were placed along the perimeter of the radially patterned and randomly deposited. Their migration toward the center was observed on days 1, 4, and 7, and quantitatively measured using ImageJ software. RESULTS: Overall, there were no statistically significant differences in mechanical properties between the two types of polycaprolactone nanofibrous mats. SEM images of the obtained samples suggested that the directionality of the nanofibers was toward the central area, regardless of where the nanofibers were located throughout the entire sample. Florescence images showed stronger fluorescence inside the circle in radially aligned nanofibers, with significant differences on days 4 and 7, indicating that migration was quicker along radially aligned nanofibers than along randomly deposited nanofibers. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we successfully used modified electrospinning to fabricate radially aligned nanofibers with similar mechanical properties to those of conventional randomly aligned nanofibers. In addition, we observed faster migration along radially aligned nanofibers than along randomly deposited nanofibers. Collectively, the radially aligned nanofibers may have the potential for tissue regeneration in combination with stem cells.

Characteristics of adhesion areas between the tissue expander and capsule in implant-based breast reconstruction

BACKGROUND: The use of anatomic implants has improved the aesthetic results of breast surgery; however, implant malrotation is an uncommon, but serious complication of these procedures. Nevertheless, little research has explored implant adhesion. In this study, we investigated adhesion between the expander and the capsule. METHODS: Seventy-nine cases of immediate breast reconstruction via two-stage implant-based reconstruction performed between September 2016 and November 2017 were evaluated. Mentor CPX4 expanders were used in 14 breasts, and Natrelle expanders in 65. We analyzed areas of adhesion on the surfaces of the tissue expanders when they were exchanged with permanent implants. We investigated whether adhesions occurred on the cephalic, caudal, anterior, and/or posterior surfaces of the expanders. RESULTS: Total adhesion occurred in 18 cases, non-adhesion in 15 cases, and partial adhesion in 46 cases. Of the non-adhesion cases, 80% (n=12) were with Mentor CPX4 expanders, while 94.4% (n=17) of the total adhesion cases were with Natrelle expanders. Of the partial adhesion cases, 90.7% involved the anterior-cephalic surface. The type of tissue expander showed a statistically significant relationship with the number of attachments in both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses (P<0.001) and with total drainage only in the univariate analysis (P=0.015). CONCLUSIONS: We sought to identify the location(s) of adhesion after tissue expander insertion. The texture of the implant was a significant predictor of the success of adhesion, and partial adhesion was common. The anterior-cephalic surface showed the highest adhesion rate. Nevertheless, partial adhesion suffices to prevent unwanted rotation of the expander.

Cryptotia recurrence lowering technique with additional acellular dermal matrix graft

BACKGROUND: Cryptotia is a congenital anomaly in which the upper part of the retroauricular sulcus is absent and buried underneath the temporal skin. Various surgical techniques have been reported for the correction of cryptotia following Kubo’s V-Y plasty in 1933. Conventional methods using a local skin flap, skin grafting, tissue expansion, Z-plasty, and any of these combined approaches can result in skin deficiency of the upper auricle. The aim of this study was to develop a new method that improves cosmetic results and has fewer complications. METHODS: This study involved four patients in whom five cryptotia deformities were corrected using V-Y plasty and Z-plasty. After elevation of the flap, acellular dermal matrix (ADM; MegaDerm) that was over 5 mm in thickness was applied to the cephalo-auricular angle and positioned to enhance the projection of the ear. Lastly, the flap was transposed to complete the repair. RESULTS: Between January 2014 and February 2018, cryptotia correction with ADM graft was performed in four patients. None of the patients developed a recurrence of cryptotia, and there were no postoperative complications such as wound infection, seroma formation, and dehiscence. In addition, the procedures resulted in a favorable cosmetic appearance. CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, i.e., no recurrence and a favorable cosmetic result, when using an ADM graft, it is suggested that this technique could be an alternative method of cryptotia correction. It could also lessen donor-site morbidity when compared to autologous cartilage grafting and be more cost-effective than using cartilage from a cadaver.

Effect of Relaxin Expression from an Alginate Gel-Encapsulated Adenovirus on Scar Remodeling in a Pig Model

PURPOSE: Relaxin (RLX) is a transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) antagonist that is believed to function as a potent collagen re-arranger and a major suppressor of extracellular matrix components. Adenoviruses (Ads) are accepted vectors for cancer gene therapy. However, repeated treatments of Ad are limited by short-term biological activity in vivo. The efficacy of sustained RLX expression to scar remodeling was assessed using an injectable alginate gel-matrix system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pig scar tissue was treated with relaxin-expressing Ad loaded in alginate gel (gel/Ad-RLX). Surface areas, color, and pliability of scars were compared, and various factors influencing scar formation and collagen arrangement were analyzed. RESULTS: Gel/Ad-RLX decreased scar size, color index, and pliability. Immunohistochemistry showed decreased levels of major extracellular matrix proteins in the gel/Ad-RLX-treated group. Furthermore, treatment with gel/Ad-RLX reduced expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and alpha-smooth muscle actin and markedly increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 in pig scar tissues. Gel/Ad-RLX also significantly downregulated TGF-β1 and upregulated TGF-β3 mRNAs in pig scar tissues. CONCLUSION: These results support a prominent role for RLX in scar remodeling and suggest that gel/Ad-RLX may have therapeutic effects on scar formation.

Early experiences with robot-assisted prosthetic breast reconstruction

Robotic surgery facilitates surgical procedures by employing flexible arms with multiple degrees of freedom and providing high-quality 3-dimensional imaging. Robot-assisted nipplesparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction is currently performed to avoid breast scars. Four patients with invasive ductal carcinoma underwent robot-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy and immediate robot-assisted expander insertion. Through a 6-cm incision along the anterior axillary line, sentinel lymph node biopsy and nipple-sparing mastectomy were performed by oncologic surgeons. The pectoralis major muscle was elevated, an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) sling was created with robotic assistance, and an expander was inserted into the subpectoral, sub-ADM pocket. No patients had major complications such as hematoma, seroma, infection, capsular contracture, or nipple-areolar necrosis. The mean operation time for expander insertion was 1 hour and 20 minutes, and it became shorter with more experience. The first patient completed 2-stage prosthetic reconstruction and was highly satisfied with the unnoticeable scar and symmetric reconstruction. We describe several cases of immediate robot-assisted prosthetic breast reconstruction. This procedure is a feasible surgical option for patients who want to conceal surgical scars.

Comparison of Outcomes between Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction Following Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy through Inframammary Fold Incision versus Noninframammary Fold Incision / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: In properly selected patients with breast cancer, nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is generally considered safe by oncologic standards. We examined two groups of patients who underwent direct-to-implant (DTI) reconstruction after NSM, comparing complications encountered, revision rates, and aesthetic outcomes. The patients were stratified based on type of surgical incision and assigned to inframammary fold (IMF) and non-IMF groups. METHODS: We investigated 141 patients (145 breasts) subjected to NSM and immediate DTI reconstruction between 2013 and 2016. A total of 62 breasts (in 58 patients) were surgically removed via IMF incisions, with the other 83 breasts (in 83 patients) removed by non-IMF means. RESULTS: Complications associated with IMF (n=62) and non-IMF (n=83) incisions were as follows: skin necrosis (IMF, 9; non-IMF, 18); hematoma (IMF, 3; non-IMF, 4); seroma (IMF, 8; non-IMF, 4); mild capsular contracture (IMF, 4; non-IMF, 7); and tumor recurrence (IMF, 2; non-IMF, 8). Surgical revisions were counted as duplicates (IMF, 18; non-IMF, 38). Aesthetic outcomes following IMF incisions were rated as very good (44.2%), good (23.1%), fair (23.1%), or poor (9.6%). CONCLUSION: IMF incision enables complete preservation of the nipple-areolar complex, yielding superior aesthetic results in immediate DTI breast reconstruction after NSM. The nature of incision used had no significant impact on postoperative complications or reoperation rates and had comparable oncologic safety to that of non-IMF incisions. IMF incisions produced the least visible scarring and did not affect breast shape. Most patients were satisfied with the aesthetic outcomes.