Abstract

Combined expander/implants are designed to allow single stage breast reconstruction. This study was designed to assess whether single stage reconstruction is achieved using these devices. A retrospective study was performed of 88 consecutive patients undergoing breast reconstruction with implants at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital over a six year period. A small subset of patients had reconstruction with combined expander/implants. These cases were reviewed to determine the overall explantation rate. A total of nine patients (13 implants) had reconstruction with combined expander/implants (Mentor Becker or Mcghan 150). 10 out of 13 implants were removed at subsequent operations. 2 (15%) were explanted due to infection. 8(62%) were removed for aesthetic reasons including asymmetry, poor shape or poor projection. All were replaced with permanent textured gel implants. The results of this study suggest that in the majority of cases single stage reconstruction is not achieved using these devices. This is in contrast to the results from two recently published studies using these devices. (1,2)

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