Autogenous Tissue Breast Reconstruction Research Articles

Practice Patterns in Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis

Current practice patterns for venous thrombembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in autogenous breast reconstruction are unknown. A web-based survey on VTE prophylaxis was distributed to all American Society of Plastic Surgery members in the United States with a clinical interest in autogenous tissue breast reconstruction (N = 3584). A total of 606 completed surveys were returned for a response rate of 16.9%. Overall compliance with established guidelines was low (25%). High volume surgeons (43% vs. 22%) and surgeons in academic practice (42% vs. 22%) were significantly more likely to report prophylaxis regimens consistent with American College of Chest Physicians guidelines (ACCP) recommendations. Subgroup analysis of 72 surgeons who specifically report conformance to ACCP guidelines demonstrated only 38% actually provided prophylaxis consistent with ACCP recommendations. VTE is a potentially fatal complication of autogenous breast reconstruction. Further research is necessary to create VTE prophylaxis guidelines specific to patients undergoing these procedures. The need for surgeon education on appropriate prophylaxis cannot be overemphasized.

A Systematic Review of Abdominal Wall Function Following Abdominal Flaps for Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction

Perforator flap breast reconstruction potentially offers patients greater postoperative abdominal strength compared with traditional TRAM techniques. Our purpose was to perform a systemic review of the published literature regarding abdominal wall function following breast reconstruction and compare outcomes between pedicle TRAM, free TRAM, and perforator flap procedures. We used the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Network, and HAPI databases from January 1966 through November 1, 2007 to identify potentially relevant studies. Inclusion criteria included studies that evaluated subjective or objective functional abdominal outcomes for postmastectomy patients receiving either pedicle TRAM, free TRAM, or deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps. All study designs were included in the review-prospective studies, cross-sectional studies, and retrospective case series. Our search yielded 20 studies on abdominal wall function after autogenous tissue breast reconstruction. Objective measures of abdominal wall function using isometric dynamometry revealed that pedicle TRAM patients experienced up to a 23% deficit, whereas free TRAM patients experienced up to an 18% deficit in trunk flexion. For trunk extension, pedicle TRAM patients experienced up to a 14% deficit, whereas free TRAM patients experienced minimal to no deficits. However, none of the comparative studies of pedicle and free TRAM procedures found significant differences in abdominal wall function between the 2 groups. Studies that compared free TRAM to DIEP flaps found significantly higher flexion abilities in the DIEP groups, with one study reporting an advantage in measures of extension for DIEP flaps. Functional deficits assessed by physiotherapy measures revealed that patients with pedicle TRAM reconstructions experienced the greatest deficit in rectus and oblique muscle function (up to 53%). Free TRAM groups experienced minimal deficit in rectus muscle function, whereas DIEP flaps returned to baseline for both rectus and oblique muscle function. Subjective measures of abdominal wall function were similar across unipedicle TRAM, free TRAM, and DIEP flap procedures. Patients with bilateral pedicle TRAM reconstruction suffered up to a 40% deficit in trunk flexion and up to a 9% deficit in trunk extension. Patients with bilateral pedicle or free TRAM reconstruction also experienced a significant decrease in the ability to perform sit-ups and a significant decrease in activities of daily living, recreational, and laborious activities. With the exception of those who had bipedicled TRAM or bilateral free TRAM procedures, most women reported return to their preoperative function without a decrease in their ability to perform activities of daily living. Although some studies report an objective advantage of DIEP flaps, this does not appear to translate to detriments in the performance of activities of daily living. However, the current data have limitations in study design and generalizability. A multicenter, longitudinal study is needed to assess objective and subjective outcomes in patients with pedicle TRAM, free TRAM, and perforator flaps using standardized and validated measures.

Patient satisfaction with breast reconstruction during the longterm survivorship period

INTRODUCTION: Understanding reconstructive outcomes in the breast cancer survivorship period has important implications for shared-medical decision-making. Unfortunately, long-term data on patient-reported satisfaction with breast reconstruction are limited. Our goal was to compare long-term patient satisfaction with the decision-making process and physical appearance between implant and autogenous tissue breast reconstruction.

Breast reconstruction in older women: advantages of autogenous tissue.

As the population ages, the treatment of breast cancer among elderly women is becoming increasingly common. Decisions with regard to breast reconstruction require not only consideration of patient age and comorbidities but also a need to balance life expectancy with quality of life. Although it is often assumed that implant-based breast reconstruction is the least disruptive method, especially among patients who may be facing limited survival times, it was hypothesized that autogenous tissue breast reconstruction is a well-tolerated and perhaps preferable means of reconstruction for older women who choose to undergo reconstruction following mastectomy. No large series of autogenous tissue reconstructions in this age group has been presented. A retrospective study of 84 postmastectomy reconstructions (66 unilateral and 18 bilateral; 78.6 percent immediate) performed at the authors' institution for 81 women 65 years of age or older, between April of 1987 and December of 2000, was undertaken. Reconstructions were implant-based ( = 26), latissimus dorsi flap-based ( = 24), or transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap-based ( = 34). Of the 34 TRAM flaps, 21 were free or supercharged. Breast complications were more frequent ( < 0.05) among recipients of implant-based reconstructions (76.9 percent) than among recipients of latissimus dorsi flap (41.7 percent) or TRAM flap (35.3 percent) reconstructions. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, comorbidities, smoking, radiotherapy, and body mass index had no effect. Medical complications without long-term sequelae were observed for two patients who underwent latissimus dorsi flap reconstructions and two patients who underwent free TRAM flap reconstructions; the difference in the rates of medical complications was not significant. At the mean follow-up time of 4.2 years, 92.8 percent of all study patients exhibited no evidence of disease. Notably, despite being free of disease, seven of the 26 patients (27 percent) who underwent implant-based reconstructions abandoned further reconstructive efforts after complications necessitated implant removal. It was concluded that age alone should not determine the type of breast reconstruction and that autogenous tissue breast reconstruction can be a safe successful alternative for women 65 years of age or older.

Breast-conserving surgery and autogenous tissue reconstruction in patients with breast cancer: efficacy of MRI of the breast in the detection of recurrent disease.

The objective of the present study was the evaluation of MRI of the breast in the follow-up of patients who had undergone autogenous tissue breast reconstruction using either a latissimus-dorsi muscle flap or a transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap as correlated with patients' clinical, conventional mammographic and sonographic findings. Included in the study were 41 patients. The MRI consisted of T2-weighted turbo spin-echo (TSE) sequences and dynamic measurements pre- and postcontrast using T1-weighted gradient-echo (GE) sequence. The following factors were evaluated: recognition of the flap; evidence of edema; skin thickening; and focally increased contrast medium uptake. Contrast medium dynamics were documented in instances of increased focal uptake. Flaps could be distinguished from surrounding residual breast tissue in all cases. Edema and skin thickening in the residual mammary tissue and flap implant were observed in 72.7% of patients undergoing radiation, but in only 15.8% of those not undergoing radiotherapy. The MRI excluded disease recurrence in 4 patients with suspicious mammographic and/or sonographic findings. One instance of multifocal disease recurrence identified at MRI evaded detection with all other imaging techniques used. The MRI returned false-positive findings in three cases. Because of their configuration and contrast medium uptake dynamics and their location immediately adjacent to the contact zone between the flap implant and residual mammary tissue, these findings were impossible to differentiate from a recurrent carcinoma. The MRI of the breast is generally suitable for follow-up examination of autogenous tissue reconstructions. Problems may be encountered in the evaluation of the contact zone between local adipose tissue and the flap leading to false-positive results.

Effect of smoking on complications in patients undergoing free TRAM flap breast reconstruction.

Free pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap breast reconstruction is often advocated as the procedure of choice for autogenous tissue breast reconstruction in high-risk patients, such as smokers. However, whether use of the free TRAM flap is a desirable option for breast reconstruction in smokers is still unclear. All patients undergoing breast reconstruction with free TRAM flaps at our institution between February of 1989 and May of 1998 were reviewed. Patients were classified as smokers, former smokers (patients who had stopped smoking at least 4 weeks before surgery), and nonsmokers. Flap and donor-site complications in the three groups were compared. Information on demographic characteristics, body mass index, and comorbid medical conditions was used to perform multivariate statistical analysis. A total of 936 breast reconstructions with free TRAM flaps were performed in 718 patients (80.9 percent immediate; 23.3 percent bilateral). There were 478 nonsmokers, 150 former smokers, and 90 smokers. Flap complications occurred in 222 (23.7 percent) of 936 flaps. Smokers had a higher incidence of mastectomy flap necrosis than nonsmokers (18.9 percent versus 9.0 percent; p = 0.005). Smokers who underwent immediate reconstruction had a significantly higher incidence of mastectomy skin flap necrosis than did smokers who underwent delayed reconstruction (21.7 percent versus 0 percent; p = 0.039). Donor-site complications occurred in 106 (14.8 percent) of 718 patients. Donor-site complications were more common in smokers than in former smokers (25.6 percent versus 10.0 percent; p = 0.001) or nonsmokers (25.6 percent versus 14.2 percent; p = 0.007). Compared with nonsmokers, smokers had significantly higher rates of abdominal flap necrosis (4.4 percent versus 0.8 percent; p = 0.025) and hernia (6.7 percent versus 2.1 percent; p = 0.016). No significant difference in complication rates was noted between former smokers and nonsmokers. Among smokers, patients with a smoking history of greater than 10 pack-years had a significantly higher overall complication rate compared with patients with a smoking history of 10 or fewer pack-years (55.8 percent versus 23.8 percent; p = 0.049). In summary, free TRAM flap breast reconstruction in smokers was not associated with a significant increase in the rates of vessel thrombosis, flap loss, or fat necrosis compared with rates in nonsmokers. However, smokers were at significantly higher risk for mastectomy skin flap necrosis, abdominal flap necrosis, and hernia compared with nonsmokers. Patients with a smoking history of greater than 10 pack-years were at especially high risk for perioperative complications, suggesting that this should be considered a relative contraindication for free TRAM flap breast reconstruction. Smoking-related complications were significantly reduced when the reconstruction was delayed or when the patient stopped smoking at least 4 weeks before surgery.

The “Parasite” TRAM Flap for Autogenous Tissue Breast Reconstruction in Patients With Vertical Midabdominal Scars

Abdominal scars play an important role in risk factors in transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap breast reconstruction. In particular, vertical midline scars are a difficult problem to solve. Traditional techniques include the use of a single hemiflap (which may be insufficient to achieve an adequate volume), the transfer of a double-pedicle flap (which causes major trauma to the abdominal wall), or more complicated procedures such as two free hemiflaps. Since 1991 the authors have used an innovative technique to improve vascularity in the contralateral side of a standard unipedicled TRAM flap. They call this flap therecharged TRAM flap. By means of their technique, the retrograde flow coming from the deep inferior epigastric vessels raised in continuity with a superiorly pedicled flap is used to “recharge” the contralateral rectus muscle harvested as a free flap. On the basis of hemodynamic studies, this procedure was carried out in patients with vertical midabdominal scars. This flap was named theparasite flapbecause the free unit survives on the vascular source of the pedicled unit—the superior epigastric artery supplying both flaps in a retrograde fashion. Sixteen patients with vertical midabdominal scars underwent this procedure. Total flap survival was observed in 15 patients. One patient developed a partial flap necrosis and 1 patient developed abdominal bulging on the pedicled side. According to the surgeons' evaluation, aesthetic outcome was considered to be good to excellent in all patients. Berrino P, Casabona F, Adami M, Muggianu M. The “parasite” TRAM flap for autogenous tissue breast reconstruction in patients with vertical midabdominal scars. Ann Plast Surg 1999;43:119-126

The “Parasite” TRAM Flap for Autogenous Tissue Breast Reconstruction in Patients With Vertical Midabdominal Scars

The “Parasite” TRAM Flap for Autogenous Tissue Breast Reconstruction in Patients With Vertical Midabdominal Scars

The “Parasite” TRAM Flap for Autogenous Tissue Breast Reconstruction in Patients With Vertical Midabdominal Scars

Abdominal scars play an important role in risk factors in transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap breast reconstruction. In particular, vertical midline scars are a difficult problem to solve. Traditional techniques include the use of a single hemiflap (which may be insufficient to achieve an adequate volume), the transfer of a double-pedicle flap (which causes major trauma to the abdominal wall), or more complicated procedures such as two free hemiflaps. Since 1991 the authors have used an innovative technique to improve vascularity in the contralateral side of a standard unipedicled TRAM flap. They call this flap the recharged TRAM flap. By means of their technique, the retrograde flow coming from the deep inferior epigastric vessels raised in continuity with a superiorly pedicled flap is used to "recharge" the contralateral rectus muscle harvested as a free flap. On the basis of hemodynamic studies, this procedure was carried out in patients with vertical midabdominal scars. This flap was named the parasite flap because the free unit survives on the vascular source of the pedicled unit-the superior epigastric artery supplying both flaps in a retrograde fashion. Sixteen patients with vertical midabdominal scars underwent this procedure. Total flap survival was observed in 15 patients. One patient developed a partial flap necrosis and 1 patient developed abdominal bulging on the pedicled side. According to the surgeons' evaluation, aesthetic outcome was considered to be good to excellent in all patients.

Autogenous Tissue Breast Reconstruction: Pedicled or Free TRAM flap?

Autogenous Tissue Breast Reconstruction: Pedicled or Free TRAM flap?

Thermal injuries in autogenous tissue breast reconstruction

We report on four patients with partial and full thickness burns following autogenous tissue breast reconstruction. Three burns were confined to the flap and one burn involved the flap and rim of adjacent skin. Heat sources included a heating pad (n = 3) and sunlight through a bathing suit (n = 1). The injuries occurred from 6 days to 4 years following the reconstruction. The burns were the result of impaired thermoregulatory capacity of transplanted tissue. All wounds healed with local wound care or debridement and skin grafting.

Thermal injuries in autogenous tissue breast reconstruction

Thermal injuries in autogenous tissue breast reconstruction

Are Third Party Payors Pushing Autogenous Tissue Breast Reconstruction Towards Extinction?

Are Third Party Payors Pushing Autogenous Tissue Breast Reconstruction Towards Extinction?

The Rubens Flap: The Deep Circumflex Iliac Artery Flap

The Rubens free flap for breast reconstruction is another choice for autogenous tissue breast reconstruction. It uses the fatty area in the region generally described as the hip overlying or just above the iliac crest. It is based on the deep circumflex iliac artery and is indicated as a secondary choice in the presence of a previous abdominoplasty or transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap breast reconstruction. Closure of the abdominal wall musculature along the iliac crest is the most exacting portion of this operation and is a key to its ultimate success.

Simultaneous bilateral breast reconstruction with the transverse rectus abdominus musculocutaneous free flap.

The purpose of the study was to assess the results and morbidity associated with simultaneous bilateral TRAM free flap breast reconstruction and describe refinements in its surgical technique. Bilateral prophylactic total mastectomies might be an agreeable option for those patients at highest risk for breast cancer if autogenous tissue breast reconstruction could be performed with reasonable technical ease and acceptable morbidity. However, some surgeons harbor reservations regarding the extensiveness of the surgery, the associated morbidity, and the aesthetic quality of the resulting outcome. A multicenter retrospective review of clinical experience with 120 consecutive patients who underwent 240 simultaneous bilateral TRAM free flap breast reconstructions was developed. The average operating time, including the time required for the breast ablative portion of the procedures, was 8.6 hours. The average length of hospitalization was 7.6 days. However, for the last 40 patients, these figures were reduced to 7.1 hours and 6.1 days, respectively. Nonautologous blood transfusions were needed in 33 cases (28%), but only 1 was required in the last 40 patients. Thromboses developed in six of 240 flaps (2.5%): 4 were arterial and 2 were venous. Re-exploration allowed us to restore circulation in five flaps, whereas one flap was unsalvageable and was replaced successfully with an alternate flap. An uncomplicated deep vein thromboses developed in one patient with a history of recurrent deep vein thromboses that had no adverse effect on her outcome. Minor complications developed in 18 patients (15%) (e.g., hematoma, partial wound necrosis, wound infection, or prolonged postoperative ileus) that did not affect the long-term outcome. Fourteen patients (11.6%) had abdominal wall weakness or hernias. Follow-up time averaged 37.2 months (range, 14-62 months). On last follow-up, patients' self-reported overall satisfaction with the procedure was 56% excellent, 40% good, and 4% fair. Simultaneous bilateral free flap reconstruction is technically feasible with a high rate of success and an acceptable morbidity. When performed by experienced surgeons, bilateral prophylactic total mastectomies combined with simultaneous bilateral TRAM free flap reconstruction may provide an adequate surgical option with aesthetically acceptable results for patients at high risk for breast cancer.

The pedicled TRAM flap as preference for immediate autogenous tissue breast reconstruction

The pedicled TRAM flap as preference for immediate autogenous tissue breast reconstruction

Evidence for the efficacy of TRAM flap delay in a rat model.

The dilemma in selecting a variant of the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap for autogenous tissue breast reconstruction is to balance maximal flap perfusion against the sacrifice of abdominal-wall integrity. A surgical delay has been suggested as one very simple fascia-sparing technique that simultaneously augments flap volume, but no randomized clinical studies have been performed to prove whether there is any benefit whatsoever following such a maneuver. Because large groups of nearly identical subjects may be more readily available for comparison in an animal model, the rat TRAM flap provides an inexpensive method to further investigate the delay phenomenon in this setting. Staged procedures were performed in 15 Sprague-Dawley rats initially causing a delay by division of one or both dominant vessels (cranial epigastric) supplying the rectus abdominis muscles. Either 2 or 4 weeks later, TRAM flaps were elevated based only on the subservient (caudal epigastric) pedicle. A control group of 7 rats with immediate formation of a TRAM flap had a mean survival of 46.3 +/- 15.37 percent of their original flap surface area. After a 2-week delay, viability was 50.2 +/- 17.54 percent for ipsilateral and 39.4 +/- 7.57 percent for flaps with prior bilateral dominant pedicle division. Neither was significantly different from control (p = 0.68 and 0.38, respectively). However, the ipsilateral 4-week delayed group had 67.8 +/- 8.96 percent flap survival, which represented a significant enhancement when compared with the undelayed control TRAM flaps (p < 0.02).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Options for donor sites for autogenous tissue breast reconstruction

Options for donor sites for autogenous tissue breast reconstruction

Breast reconstruction following mastectomy.

Modern breast reconstruction techniques provide the women faced with breast cancer with a reliable source of rehabilitation and an alternative to breast loss subsequent to cancer treatment. As a member of the breast management team, the reconstructive surgeon provides valuable input on the appropriate timing and techniques for surgery. With the surgical oncologist and the plastic surgeon working together, the mastectomy and breast reconstruction can often be combined in one operation with less skin removal, shorter scars, and reduced inconvenience for the patient. Techniques of tissue expansion permit breast reconstruction without additional scars or significant hospitalization. With the development of autogenous tissue breast reconstruction techniques, women are also able to have natural, long-lasting breast reconstruction without the need for a breast implant.

Evaluation of Autogenous Tissue Breast Reconstruction Using MRI

Recent controversy encountered with silicone breast implants has increased the use of autogenous tissue for breast reconstruction following mastectomy. Surveillance of patients who have undergone autogenous tissue reconstruction is important in the evaluation of recurrent or new cancer. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has proven to be a useful technique in the delineation of soft tissues and provides excellent resolution. Recently, MRI has been reported to be a valuable diagnostic imaging modality for the evaluation of augmented breast implant patients with regard to implant rupture detection, silicone granuloma identification, and silicone gel migration delineation. In this study, various autologous tissue donor sites currently available for breast reconstruction were imaged by MRI. The following donor flaps were included: fleur-de-lis, TRAM, gluteal, and tensor fasciae latae. A total of 10 clinical cases were investigated. The anatomic basis of each flap type is illustrated, and various tissue components of flap tissue (skin, fat, and muscle) are demonstrated on MRI scan. Anatomic knowledge of autogenous tissue types and MRI appearance of the flap-breast-chest-wall interface are critical in the surveillance and follow-up of breast cancer patients.