Autologous Flap Research Articles

Breast cancer outcomes following immediate breast reconstruction with implants versus autologous flaps: a propensity score-matched study.

A large proportion of patients with breast cancer who had mastectomy had undergone breast reconstruction with implants or autologous flaps. However, only a few studies have compared the breast cancer outcomes between the implant-based reconstruction (IBR) and autologous flap reconstruction (AFR). In this study, we retrospectively compared the local recurrence rates, distant metastasis rates, and survival outcomes between immediate IBR and AFR. A total of 1530 patients with primary breast cancer who underwent IBR or AFR with nipple-/skin-sparing mastectomy were included. Patients who underwent neoadjuvant systemic therapy were excluded from the study. After propensity score matching by age at diagnosis, T stage, N stage, molecular subtype, mastectomy type, adjuvant radiotherapy status, and follow-up period, 938 patients were 1:1 matched, comprising the well-balanced IBR and AFR groups. Locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS), disease-free survival (DFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) were compared between the matched groups. After matching, the median follow-up periods were 68months and 71months for the IBR and AFR groups, respectively. No significant differences were observed between the IBR and AFR groups regarding the local recurrence (7.2% vs. 5.1%; P = 0.175), regional recurrence (2.1% vs. 1.5%; P = 0.463), or distant metastasis (3.2% vs. 3.2%; P = 1.000) rates. Moreover, no significant difference was observed between the IBR and AFR groups in the LRRFS (hazard ratio, 0.691; 95% CI, 0.433-1.102; P = 0.118), DFS (hazard ratio, 0.709; 95% CI, 0.468-1.076; P = 0.104), DMFS (hazard ratio, 1.006; 95% CI, 0.491-2.059; P = 0.987), or BCSS (hazard ratio, 0.445; 95% CI, 0.111-1.786; P = 0.659). In this propensity score-matched analysis of oncologic outcomes in patients with primary breast cancer who underwent immediate breast reconstruction with nipple-/skin-sparing mastectomy, no significant differences were observed between the IBR and AFR groups.

Patient-Reported Outcomes With Vitamin E and Pentoxifylline after Post-Mastectomy Radiation (PMRT) and Reconstruction; Initial Results From a Prospective Pilot Trial

Oral vitamin E and pentoxifylline have been used to decrease fibrosis after breast-conserving surgery and radiation therapy. The hypothesis was that this regimen would improve patient-reported outcomes and implant failure rates.Women who underwent PMRT after implant-based reconstruction were eligible. Subjects were given oral vitamin E 400 IU daily and pentoxifylline 400 mg twice daily for 1 week and if tolerated were increased to 400 mg thrice daily. Vitamin E and pentoxifylline were started 1 week after completion of radiation and continued for 6 months. Breast-Q surveys were administered at enrollment prior to starting radiation and at 1-, 6-, and 18-months post-radiation therapy. Patients were monitored for implant retention at the same time intervals. Subjects were asked to keep medication diaries to evaluate toxicity and compliance. Surveys and implant failure rates were compared to a cohort of women who underwent PMRT after implant-based reconstruction in the 2 years prior to initiation of this trial.Patients were enrolled from February 2018 to January 2020. A total of 27 women were enrolled; 8 were excluded from analysis. Six of the 8 women did not want to participate after completion of radiation prior to starting medications. Another patient developed cellulitis of a VP drain shunt 1 month after radiation requiring removal of breast implant and declined further participation. One patient discontinued medications after a week due to nausea and declined further participation. Of the remaining 19 patients, 2 stopped medications after 1 month due to nausea, 1 stopped after 4 months due to implant failure and another stopped after 4 months due to travel. Fifteen patients completed the 6 months of therapy. All 19 women received standard fractionation of 50 Gy in 2-Gy fractions and 3 had additional 10 Gy in 5 fractions boost to the chest wall. At time of this analysis 3 of the 19 women underwent implant removal with subsequent autologous flap reconstruction. Of these 3, one had her implants removed prior to starting radiation due to postoperative infection. There were 22 women who were enrolled in the control cohort. Of these, 3 were lost to follow-up and 19 women were available for analysis. Radiation therapy consistent of 50-50.4 Gy using standard fractionation; 11 had a chest wall boost ranging from 4-16Gy. There were 4 implant failures. In the trial group, the Breast-Q scores improved at 6 months compared to baseline (t = 3.08, P = 0.006), but there was no difference in scores between the control and trial groups.Oral vitamin E and pentoxifylline did not improve either implant failure rate or patient-reported outcomes compared to historical control. Limitations to this study are small patient population and differences in radiation therapy that could have impacted implant failure rate.

The effect of immediate breast reconstruction on adjuvant therapy delay, locoregional recurrence, and disease-free survival.

An important risk inherent to both alloplastic and autologous immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) is the higher incidence of postoperative complications and delays to adjuvant therapy. The main objective of this retrospective cohort study was to identify risk factors for locoregional recurrence after breast cancer mastectomy and IBR. A 6-year retrospective study of breast cancer patients treated with mastectomy only (MO) or mastectomy and IBR (MIBR) was conducted from January 2013 to May 2019. The outcomes of interest included delay in adjuvant chemoradiotherapy, postoperative complications, and locoregional recurrence. Cox regression survival was used to estimate the risk of locoregional recurrence and time to adjuvant therapy. Of 1832 patients reviewed, 720 (38%) were included. The cohort consisted of 443 (62%) MO and 277 (38%) MIBR [140 (51%) direct-to-implant (MIBRi1), 96(35%) tissue expander to implant (MIBRi2), and 41(15%) autologous flap (MIBRf)]. MIBR had more delays to adjuvant therapy compared to MO [113 (70%) vs. 72 (80%) months, p=0.022]. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that MIBRi2had significantly shorter DFS compared to MO [MIBRi2: 39.2 (15.6) vs MO: 41.7 (19.6) months, log-rank p-value=0.01]. Cox regression indicated that MIBRi2 was associated with a 3.26-higher risk of locoregional recurrence compared to MO [HR: 3.26; 95% CI: 1.56, 9.24]. Cox regression showed MIBRi2 was significantly associated with increased risk of locoregional recurrence compared to MO. Neither delays nor postoperative complications were identified as significant risk factors for locoregional recurrence risk.

Double Layer Lateral Crural Perichondrial Flap for Coverage and Stabilization of Tip Graft.

Tip plasty is the most important step of rhinoplasty. To achieve symmetrical cartilages with ideal tip rotation, projection and supratip break many techniques were defined. Besides suture techniques, tip grafts still maintain their importance and widely used among surgeons. However, graft visibility and distortion are the main drawbacks of this technique. In this study double-layered lateral crural perichondrial flap technique was introduced to prevent graft visibility and distortion as a novel technique. A total of 16 patients who underwent rhinoplasty with this novel technique were enrolled in this retrospective study. Patient satisfaction was assessed with Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation Questionnaire (ROE-Q). Graft visibility and asymmetry of tip defining point as an indicator of graft distortion were evaluated by two independent Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic surgeons. Pre and postoperative photographs were taken and used for evaluation. A three-point Likert scale was used for assessment. Cohen's Kappa statistic and percent agreement test were usedtotest inter-rater reliability RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 15 months (ranging between 12 and 19 months). According to the ROE-Q score, the mean total preoperative score was 6,25 and the mean total postoperative score was 18,06 (p<0,05). No or minimal evident graft visibility and asymmetry of tip defining point was observed in 12 patients and 10 patients, respectively. Mild evident graft visibility was observed in only 1 patient with thin skin. Severe evident graft visibility or asymmetry of tip defining point was not observed in none of the patients. The double-layer crural perichondrial flap was an effective and sufficient method for preventing graft visibility and graft distortion. Features like easy and fast flap elevation, no additional comorbidity, being autologous tissue and sufficient flap length and thickness make this technique valuable and useful. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap (DIEP-flap). History of development

The article is devoted to the actual topic of breast reconstruction with autologous tissues. The article discusses the key stages in the development of breast reconstructive surgery using free flaps using microsurgical techniques. A flap of the anterior abdominal wall, among other techniques, is the method of choice for breast reconstruction today, also because it allows you to achieve the most "natural" result. The authors compares different variants of autologous flaps, describes the advantages of the DIEP flap in comparison with the TRAM flap. Also, special attention is paid to the choice of breast reconstruction method depending on age, constitutional characteristics and the presence of risk factors such as smoking, diabetes mellitus and excess BMI. Analyzing the advantages of breast reconstruction with autograft flaps, the author concludes that there is a higher quality of life and improved outcomes in these patients than in patients who underwent implant-based reconstruction. Based on the literature review, it was found that breast reconstruction with the help of perforating flaps is still an area of innovation and constant progress: research in this area to date is mainly aimed at reducing the morbidity of the donor area and methods for isolating recipient vessels, shortening the rehabilitation period and developing reproducible reconstruction method.

A Retrospective Comparative Analysis of Latissimus Dorsi (LD) Flap Versus Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator (TDAP) Flap in Total Breast Reconstruction with Implants: A Pilot Study.

In breast surgery, an autologous flap combined with implant may reduce the risk or repair the soft-tissue defects in several cases. Traditionally, the preferred flap is the myocutaneous latissimus dorsi (LD) flap. In the perforator flap era, the evolution of LD flap is the thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap. The aim of this study is the comparison between LD flap and TDAP flap with implants in terms of early complications and shoulder function. We performed a retrospective cohort study in accordance with the STROBE guidelines. Between January 1 2015 and January 1 2020, 27 women underwent a unilateral total breast reconstruction with LD or TDAP flap combined with an implant at our institution. 15 women were operated with LD flap and 12 with TDAP flap. The most frequent indications for intervention were results of mastectomy and radiation-induced contracture. We evaluated several data in terms of clinical and demographical characteristics, operative and perioperative factors, and follow-up variables. We assessed shoulder function through the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH). The rate of complications was significantly lower in the TDAP group compared with the LD group (16.7% vs 60.0%, p = 0.047. Table 3). Although the small sample size limited further detailed statistical analyses, we particularly noticed no cases of donor site seroma in the TDAP group, as compared with four in the LD group. Patients in the TDAP group had an ∼11-point lower mean DASH score compared with the LD group (9.8 vs 20.5). This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.049). TDAP flap seems to be a reliable technique for soft-tissue coverage in total breast reconstruction with implants. In comparison with the traditional LD flap, it could be a more favorable option in terms of less complications and better quality of life.

Optimal reconstructive strategies in the setting of post-mastectomy radiotherapy - A systematic review and network meta-analysis

BackgroundA third of breast cancer patients require mastectomy. In some high-risk cases postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) is indicated, threatening reconstructive complications. Several PMRT and reconstruction combinations are used. Autologous flap (AF) reconstruction may be immediate (AF→PMRT), delayed-immediate with tissue expander (TE [TE→PMRT→AF]) or delayed (PMRT→AF). Implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) includes immediate TE followed by PMRT and conversion to permanent implant (PI [TE→PMRT→PI]), delayed TE insertion (PMRT→TE→PI), and prosthetic implant conversion prior to PMRT (TE→PI→PMRT). AimPerform a network metanalysis (NMA) assessing optimal sequencing of PMRT and reconstructive type. MethodsA systematic review and NMA was performed according to PRISMA-NMA guidelines. NMA was conducted using R packages netmeta and Shiny. Results16 studies from 4182 identified, involving 2322 reconstructions over three decades, met predefined inclusion criteria. Studies demonstrated moderate heterogeneity. Multiple comparisons combining direct and indirect evidence established AF-PMRT as the optimal approach to avoid reconstructive failure, compared with IBBR strategies (versus PMRT→TE→PI; OR [odds ratio] 0.10, CrI [95% credible interval] 0.02 to 0.55; versus TE→PMRT→PI; OR 0.13, CrI 0.02 to 0.75; versus TE→PI→PMRT OR 0.24, CrI 0.05 to 1.05). PMRT→AF best avoided infection, demonstrating significant improvement versus PMRT→TE→PI alone (OR 0.12, CrI 0.02 to 0.88). Subgroup analysis of IBBR found TE→PI→PMRT reduced failure rates (OR 0.35, CrI 0.15–0.81) compared to other IBBR strategies but increased capsular contracture. ConclusionImmediate AF reconstruction is associated with reduced failure in the setting of PMRT. However, optimal reconstructive strategy depends on patient, surgeon and institutional factors. If IBBR is chosen, complication rates decrease if performed prior to PMRT. Prospero registrationCRD 42020157077.

Surgical repair of discontinuous right pulmonary artery utilising an autologous main pulmonary artery flap: a case report and literature review

This is a case of an infant with unilateral discontinuous right pulmonary artery. Cardiac catheterisation with pulmonary wedge injection diagnosed the anomaly and aided in surgical planning. The patient underwent semi-autologous surgical repair utilising an autologous main pulmonary artery flap. One month following discharge, he underwent successful balloon dilation of the residual stenosis and was discharged the same day.

The difference in local, regional and distant breast cancer recurrence between the immediate and delayed DIEP flap procedure; a retrospective cohort study

PurposeIt has been hypothesized that autologous breast reconstruction can cause reactivation of dormant micro metastases by its extensive tissue trauma, influencing the risk of breast cancer recurrence. However, about the specific effect of timing on breast cancer recurrence in the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap reconstruction is not much known. In this study the rate of local, regional and distant recurrence between patients undergoing an immediate and delayed autologous DIEP flap breast reconstruction were evaluated.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, breast cancer patients undergoing a DIEP flap breast reconstruction between 2010 and 2018 in three hospitals in the Netherlands were evaluated. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to assess the impact of different factors on breast cancer recurrence. The primary endpoint was local breast cancer recurrence. Secondary endpoints were regional and distant recurrence.ResultsA total of 919 DIEP-flap reconstructions were done in 862 women of which 347 were immediate- and 572 were delayed DIEP flap reconstructions. After a median follow-up of 46 months and 86 months respectively (p < 0.001), local breast cancer recurrence occurred in 1.5% and in 1.7% of the patients resulting in an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.890 (p = 0.001, 95% CI 1.536, 5437).ConclusionThis study suggests an increased risk for breast cancer recurrence in women receiving a delayed DIEP flap reconstruction as compared to women receiving an immediate DIEP flap reconstruction. However, these data should be interpreted carefully as a result of selection bias.

Neoadjuvant radiotherapy for locally advanced and high-risk breast cancer.

Neoadjuvant radiotherapy (NART) as part of a multi-modality approach for locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) requires further investigation. Importantly, this approach may allow for a single-staged surgical procedure, with mastectomy and immediate autologous reconstruction. Multiple other potential benefits of NART include improved pathological downstaging of breast disease, reduced overall treatment time, elimination of time period with breast tissue deficit and improved patient satisfaction. This is a retrospective multi-institutional review of patients with LABC and high-risk breast disease undergoing NART. Eligible patients sequentially underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) with or without HER2-targeted therapy, NART, followed by mastectomy with immediate autologous breast reconstruction (BR) 4- to 6 weeks post-completion of radiotherapy. Patient and tumour characteristics were analysed using descriptive statistics. Surgical complications were assessed using the Clavien-Dindo Classification (Ann Surg 2004; 240: 205). From 3/2013 to 9/2019, 153 patients were treated with NART. The median age was 47 years (IQR 42-52), with median body mass index of 27. Eighteen patients experienced Grade 3 acute surgical complications. This included 13 Grade 3B breast-site events and 9 Grade 3B donor-site events, where further surgical intervention was required for management of wound infection, wound dehiscence, flap or mastectomy skin necrosis, haematoma and internal mammary venous anastomotic thrombosis. No autologous flap loss was observed. Neoadjuvant radiotherapy facilitates a single-stage surgical procedure with mastectomy and immediate autologous BR, eliminating the delay to reconstructive surgery and thus shortening a woman's breast cancer journey. The findings of this review support the use of NART, with comparable rates of surgical complications to standard sequencing.

The First Use of Human-Derived ADM in Prepectoral Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction after Skin-Reducing Mastectomy.

Large and ptotic breasts always represented a great reconstructive challenge for plastic surgeons. In order to deal with these patients, we started performing Wise-pattern skin-reducing mastectomies (SRM) followed by direct-to-implant breast reconstructions (DTI-BR) in the prepectoral space where the implants were covered with the autologous adipo-dermal flap and a human acellular dermal matrix called MODA. We retrospectively reviewed all patients that underwent Wise-pattern SRM followed by MODA-assisted, prepectoral, DTI-BR between January 2017 and November 2019 at our Institution. Inclusion criteria were large ptotic breast and pinch test >2cm, while exclusion criteria were smoking >10 cigarettes/day, history of prior radiotherapy, patients supposedly requiring breast implants bigger than 550cc or post-mastectomy radiotherapy. Patients' data were collected through their electronic medical records. Both short- and long-term outcomes were reported. Seventeen patients underwent Wise-pattern SRM followed by MODA-assisted, prepectoral, DTI-BR for a total of twenty-one breast reconstruction and fourteen matching procedures. Mean follow-up was 13.4 months (SD= ±3.67). No major complication was reported. Three (14.3%) reconstructed breasts had minor complications: 2 (9.5%) minimal (<1cm2) wound dehiscence and 1 (4.8%) de-epithelization of the skin at the T junction that were treated conservatively. Drainages gave mean output of 410.59 ml (SD= ±214.83) and were kept in place on average for 8.59 days (SD= ±3.45). Few are the reports in the literature regarding DTI-BR following SRM and even fewer are those where BR was performed in the prepectoral space. Our work demonstrated the safety of prepectoral DTI-BR following SRM in selected patients in accordance with the "conservative reconstruction" principles. Furthermore, we confirmed the reliability of MODA in accordance with previously published works. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

The Benefits and Pitfalls of Using an Autologous Dermal Flap in Immediate Implant-Based Reconstruction.

One of the challenges of implant breast reconstruction post-subcutaneous mastectomy is coverage of the inferior pole of the implant to provide a barrier between the implant and skin. Numerous biological and synthetic meshes are available on the market for this purpose; however, they are often very costly and carry all the risks of using a foreign body. In patients with large ptotic breast, the skin of the inferior mastectomy flap can be used instead. A number of techniques and variations have been developed over the last 40 years driven by the increasing cost of healthcare and acceptance of breast reconstruction as vital part of breast cancer care and survivorship. This review outline the benefits and pitfalls of using an autologous dermal flap in breast construction and the variations in published use.

Nipple Engineering: Maintaining Nipple Geometry with Externally Scaffolded Processed Autologous Costal Cartilage

Nipple reconstruction is the essential last step of breast reconstruction after total mastectomy, resulting in improved general and aesthetic satisfaction. However, most techniques are limited by secondary scar contracture and loss of neo-nipple projection leading to patient dissatisfaction. Approximately, 16,000 patients undergo autologous flap breast reconstruction annually, during which the excised costal cartilage (CC) is discarded. We propose utilizing processed CC placed within biocompatible 3D-printed external scaffolds to generate tissue cylinders that mimic the shape, size and biomechanical properties of native human nipple tissue while mitigating contracture and projection loss. External scaffolds were designed and then 3D-printed using polylactic acid (PLA). Patient-derived CC was processed by mincing or zesting, then packed into the scaffolds, implantedinto nude rats and explanted after3 months for volumetric, histologic and biomechanical analyses. Similar analyses were performed on native human nipple tissue and unprocessed CC. After 3 monthsin vivo,gross analysis demonstrated significantly greater preservation of contour, projection and volume of the scaffolded nipples. Mechanical analysis demonstrated that processing of the cartilage resulted in implant equilibrium modulus values closer to that of the human nipple. Histologic analysis showed the presence of healthy and viable cartilage after 3 months in vivo, invested with fibrovascular tissue. Autologous CC can be processed intraoperatively and placed within biocompatible external scaffolds to mimic the shape and biomechanical properties of the native human nipple. This allows for custom design and fabrication of individualizedengineeredautologousimplants tailored to patientdesire, without the loss of projection seen with traditional approaches.

A propensity score-matched comparison of recurrence outcomes after immediate implant vs autologous flap reconstruction in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer.

We compared oncologic outcomes between breast cancer patients who underwent immediate implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) and those who underwent autologous flap reconstruction (AFR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). The study group comprised 536 patients with primary breast cancer who underwent NACT followed by immediate IBBR or AFR. After propensity score matching, 138 patients in the IBBR group and 276 patients in the AFR group were selected for comparisons of locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS), disease-free survival (DFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS). No significant differences were observed between the matched groups in locoregional recurrence rates (IBBR vs. AFR: 12.3% vs. 12%; P = 0.915) and distant metastasis (13% vs. 17%; P = 0.293). There was also no significant difference between the groups in LRRFS (P = 0.956), DFS (P = 0.606), DMFS (P = 0.283), or BCSS (P = 0.121). The 5- and 10-year LRRFS rates were 87.6% and 85.9% in the IBBR group, and 87.7% and 86.1% in the AFR group; the 5- and 10-year DFS rates were 79% and 77.5% in the IBBR group, and 77% and 75% in the AFR group; the 5- and 10-year DMFS rates were 85.9% and 85.9% in the IBBR group, and 83.2% and 81.8% in the AFR group; and the 5- and 10-year BCSS rates were 97.8% and 91.3% in the IBBR group, and 91.8% and 86% in the AFR group, respectively. In this propensity score-matched analysis of oncologic outcomes in breast cancer patients who underwent immediate reconstruction after NACT, no significant differences were observed between the IBBR and AFR groups.

Short-term outcomes and safety of radiotherapy for immediate breast reconstruction with autologous flap transfer following breast-conserving surgery

BackgroundThe outcomes of immediate autologous breast reconstruction (IABR) after partial mastectomy followed by postoperative radiotherapy (RT) in terms of aesthetics, treatment-related complications, and local control are unclear. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of IABR after partial mastectomy with or without breast RT, and thus the impact of radiation on autologous flap transfer.MethodA retrospective cohort study involving consecutive breast cancer patients who underwent IABR after partial mastectomy between July 2011 and December 2017 at Shengjing Hospital was performed. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether or not they received RT after IABR. We compared aesthetic outcomes and changes in the flap size over the three-dimensional coordinates at various timepoints (pre-RT, 1, 6, and 12 months post-RT), as well as postoperative complications, survival, and recurrence rates between the two groups.ResultsIn total, 84 breast cancer patients were enrolled, with 32 patients in the RT group and 52 in the non-RT group. At a median follow-up time of 33.3 months, no significant difference was found in the rate of regional recurrence between the two groups (3.13% vs. 3.85%, P = 1.00), and no local recurrences occurred in either group. At the timepoints pre-RT, 1, and 6 months post-RT (approximately 4, 7, and 12 months after IABR, respectively), 77 (91.7%), 70 (83.3%), and 83 (98.8%) patients, respectively, had achieved very good or good cosmetic outcomes, and only changes in breast skin color at 1 month after RT significantly differed between the RT and non-RT groups, with very good or good cosmetic result rates of 62.5% vs. 96.2%, respectively (P < 0.001). No significant difference in the reduction of flap size was observed at any timepoint between the two groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the rates of postoperative complications including necrosis of the flap, infection, hematoma, or seroma (all P > 0.05). Additionally, no grade 3 or greater RT-associated adverse events occurred during or after RT.ConclusionRT following IABR provides aesthetically satisfactory results without intolerable adverse complications and may safely be performed in patients who underwent IABR after partial mastectomy.

81941 Evaluating race, socioeconomic status, and the effect of radiation treatment in patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction

ABSTRACT IMPACT: Disparities are multifactorial in etiology we seek to elucidate the effects of social determinants of health such as race on the outcomes of autologous flap reconstruction. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Immediate breast reconstruction has increased in recent years yet, racial and socioeconomic disparities in the receipt of postmastectomy breast reconstruction persist. We review the usage of autologous flaps for immediate breast reconstruction in a single institution with a diverse population to determine the effect of radiation on flap survival. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: The database of a Southeastern tertiary referral center was queried for patients who received autologus flaps for immediate reconstruction following mastectomy. Patients were stratified based on whether they received no radiation (TRAM), neoadjuvant radiation (TRAM + Pre-XRT), or post-reconstruction radiation (TRAM + PMRT). So far, we have identified 91 patients (157 breasts) meeting inclusion criteria from 2006 to 2017. Patient demographics and outcomes were compared based on radiation status. The primary outcome (reconstructive success) was defined as breast reconstruction without flap loss. Comorbidities, socioeconomic status, and method of reconstruction were collected. Statistical analysis included t-tests, chi-square tests and logistic regression were appropriate using R. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: At the moment, we focus on outcomes of transverse rectus abdominus flaps and are adding information on 4 other flap-based methods. There were 68 in the solely TRAM group, 33 in TRAM+Pre-XRT and 56 in TRAM+PMRT with equivalent demographics between all groups for Age, Race and BMI (Table 1). In terms of race most patients self-identified as White (68%), followed by Black (24%) and Other (8%), p=0.172. There was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of tobacco use with the type of radiation used (p=0.007) with the PTRAM+ PMRT group having the highest percentage. When analyzing major and minor complications based on radiation received or reconstructive success there was no significant difference regardless of radiation treatment with the group overall achieving a 97.4% success rate (p=0.229). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: Despite the known racial disparities in healthcare and the deleterious effects of radiation therapy on wound healing, there was no significant difference found in the incidence of major or minor complications in patients receiving neoadjuvant or post-reconstruction radiation therapy regardless of patient demographics.

The role of neurotization in autologous breast reconstruction: Can reconstruction restore breast sensation?

As the sophistication of microsurgical breast reconstruction continues to evolve, plastic surgeons are focusing on techniques to improve functional and psychosocial outcomes for patients, including breast sensation. Interest in neurotization of breast flaps, among both patients and surgeons, has grown significantly in recent years. This study aimed to review the outcomes of neurotization across autologous flap reconstructions, to provide a comprehensive analysis of the efficacy of this technique in improving postoperative sensory recovery.

Lessons Learned From Twenty-Eight Cases of Burns Following Breast Reconstruction: An Underestimated Complication Requiring Inclusion in Consent Information.

There has over recent years been a constant increase in annual breast reconstruction figures. Although reports indicate that burns following breast reconstruction are a rare occurrence, there has nevertheless been a relative increase in cases. The key underlying causes of this type of condition remain unknown. The authors launched a new study on the demographic characteristics of burns in the breast reconstruction population with the inclusion of up-to-date data to assess cases and contributing factors. The study was a multicenter retrospective review of patients who underwent any type of breast reconstruction and subsequently sustained burn injuries. Twenty-eight cases of burn injury following breast reconstruction were documented; 6 involved autologous flaps and 22 involved implants. Nine of the 10 implant exposure cases had previous history of radiotherapy, but there was no statistically significant difference between previous radiotherapy history and implant exposure (P = 0.32). Of the 13 cases sustaining full-thickness burns, a large number included implant-based reconstruction (n = 12, 92%), although no statistically significant difference was observed between type of reconstruction and incidence of full-thickness burns (P = 0.17). Each patient undergoing breast reconstruction should be advised of the potential risks and instructed to avoid significant heat exposure and steer clear of dark-colored bathing suits. At the time of writing, this information has yet to be included in the vast majority of surgery-related informed consent documents.

Commentary on: Lessons Learned from Twenty-Eight Cases of Burns Following Breast Reconstruction: An Underestimated Complication Requiring Inclusion in Consent Information.

The authors of this article have reviewed their experience with 28 cases of burn injury following prosthetic (n = 22) and autologous (n = 6) breast reconstruction.1 The data have been summarized and recommendations for prevention are well described. The authors conclude that burn injuries are an often-overlooked complication that should be discussed with all patients prior to breast reconstruction to increase awareness of this untoward event. They also suggest that “innervated” reconstruction would “probably” restore the ability of reconstructed breasts to thermoregulate and minimize burn injury. The authors briefly discuss 2 possible mechanisms that explain why mastectomy skin and autologous flaps are more susceptible to burn injury. The first involves the inability of these tissues to adequately thermoregulate. The second is based on the inability of denervated tissue to detect a heat stimulus, rendering it susceptible to burn. To better understand this mechanism of action, it is important...

Long term surgical outcome of lipofilling based Breast reconstruction after mastectomy and radiotherapy: Clinical retrospective Descriptive study

Background: Lipofilling also known as autologous fat graft (AFG) is currently widely used for breast reconstruction after mastectomy, in particular after radiation therapy due to the trophic changes induced by fat grafting allowing the use of implants. Such procedure seems to avoid autologous flaps and bears a low morbidity. This method has been adopted by breast and plastic surgeons worldwide as it leads to increased skin trophicity, vascularization and improved cosmetic results. However, while being widely used, the precise process has not been clearly established and there is a need to document patients’ evolution and outcomes to understand the pitfalls of such approach.