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

Abstract

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.