Delayed-immediate Breast Reconstruction Research Articles

Timing of post mastectomy radiotherapy in immediate or delayed-immediate breast reconstruction: an algorithm to the sentinel first principle

Timing of post mastectomy radiotherapy in immediate or delayed-immediate breast reconstruction: an algorithm to the sentinel first principle

Local Autologous Tissues for Expander Coverage in 1st Stage of Delayed-Immediate Breast Reconstruction: Economy-Directed Protocol Modification

Local Autologous Tissues for Expander Coverage in 1st Stage of Delayed-Immediate Breast Reconstruction: Economy-Directed Protocol Modification

Delayed-immediate breast reconstruction: An assessment of complications and outcomes in the context of anticipated post-mastectomy radiotherapy

The detrimental effects of post-mastectomy radiotherapy on breast reconstruction are well known. We report our experience with a delayed-immediate approach involving an initial subcutaneous implant with definitive reconstruction after adjuvant radiotherapy. Patients were identified retrospectively from hospital, theatre and implant registry records. Details regarding demographics, cancer pathology, surgical data and oncological therapies were collected. Primary outcomes included complication rates of first-stage surgery and time to definitive reconstruction. A total of 115 patients underwent mastectomy and temporary subcutaneous implant (36 nipple sparing) between 2008 and 2019. Five were smokers with eleven having a body mass index > 30. The median age was 46 years (27-76 years) and tumour size 50mm. Almost 95% underwent radiotherapy, 82% chemotherapy and 70% had axillary node clearance. Median mastectomy weight was 464g (123-1300g) with median temporary implant volume 375 cc (180-655 cc). Complications of first-stage surgery at three months included 5.2% implant loss (n=6), 14.8% infection rate, 17.4% readmission rate and 10.4% returned to theatre. Reconstructive failure occurred in four cases (3.5%). A total of 76 patients completed definitive reconstruction, including 26 autologous, 21 latissimus dorsi with implant, and 28 implant-only reconstructions. The median time to reconstruction following the completion of radiotherapy was 12 months. This increased in those who had implant complications (28 vs. 15 months) or radiotherapy (16 vs. 10 months) versus those without. Delayed-immediate breast reconstruction using a temporary subcutaneous implant has been shown to be a safe, feasible and potentially beneficial method than simple mastectomy and delayed reconstruction with a complication rate comparable to that of immediate implant reconstruction.

P49. DELAYED-IMMEDIATE BREAST RECONSTRUCTION IN THE ERA OF PRE-PECTORAL TISSUE EXPANDERS: AN ALGORITHMIC APPROACH

PURPOSE: Current trends toward pre-pectoral tissue expander placement and nipple sparing mastectomies have decreased the morbidity and improved the cosmetic outcomes for breast reconstruction. The authors aim to delineate an algorithm for patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction. METHODS: A prospectively maintained patient database was queried for all patients undergoing autologous reconstruction. Factors considered in surgical decision-making for reconstruction included type of mastectomy, incision pattern, plan for radiation, pre-operative breast volume and degree of ptosis, and presence of adequate tissue for autologous reconstruction. Breast complication rates were compared between the immediate reconstruction group and the delayed-immediate reconstruction group. RESULTS: 84 patients and 131 breasts underwent autologous breast reconstruction after mastectomy. 62 breasts underwent immediate reconstruction, and 48 breasts underwent delayed-immediate reconstruction. Compared to patients undergoing immediate autologous breast reconstruction, patients undergoing delayed-immediate pre-pectoral reconstruction have a decreased major breast complication rate (32.3% vs 4.2%; p<0.001), mastectomy flap necrosis rate (32.3% vs 0%; p<0.001) and nipple-areolar complex necrosis rate (19.3% vs 0%; p<0.001). Patients with anticipated skin envelope deficiency should undergo immediate reconstruction. Patients undergoing nipple-sparing mastectomy should have delayed-immediate pre-pectoral reconstruction to take advantage of the delay phenomenon for the nipple-areolar complex. Any patients expected to receive post-operative radiation should have delayed-immediate reconstruction. Incisions on the breast should be made within the Wise pattern to preserve breast shape, cosmesis, and facilitate subsequent revision surgery. CONCLUSION: Pre-pectoral delayed-immediate breast reconstruction results in a decreased major breast complication rate. This algorithm serves as a useful guideline for decision making in autologous breast reconstruction.

Abstract PO-129: Influence of triple-negative versus Luminal A breast cancer subtype on choice of autologous versus implant based delayed-immediate breast reconstruction

Abstract Background: Triple-negative and luminal A breast cancer molecular subtypes have divergent clinical and prognostic characteristics for breast cancer patients. Our study aims to compare the reconstructive choice of these two groups from the time they receive a tissue expander to the time they complete autologous or implant-based breast reconstruction. Methods: 255 patients who underwent delayed-immediate breast reconstruction with tissue expander placement from 2013 to 2017 diagnosed with either TN (n = 73) or luminal A (n = 182) invasive breast cancer subtype seen by two surgeons at a single institution were identified. Preference of autologous and implant- based reconstruction was analyzed, along with tissue expander (TE) complications, race, age, BMI, smoking, adjuvant therapy, and comorbidities. Results: There was a significant difference in the choice of implant- or autologous-based reconstruction among these two groups (p &amp;lt; 0.05). A greater proportion of luminal A patients underwent implant-based reconstruction (63.47%) and a greater proportion of TN patients underwent autologous-based reconstruction (53.13%). With regard to TE outcomes, there was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to duration of TE placement by reconstructive type, or TE surgical complications. Significantly more TN patients underwent radiation therapy (p &amp;lt; 0.01) and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (p &amp;lt; 0.0001) than luminal A patients. BMI, comorbidities, radiation therapy and overall TE complications were identified as predictive factors of patients electing for autologous reconstruction over implants. Conclusion: TN breast cancer patients mostly chose autologous-based reconstruction, while luminal A patients chose implant-based reconstruction. Both patient groups carried their tissue expanders for similar duration with similar complication profile. Radiation therapy is likely a major factor in the decision for the type of delayed-immediate reconstruction among this population. Citation Format: Joshua Amaya, Ryan M. Dickey, Kaitlin Jones, Sumeet S. Teotia, Nicholas T. Haddock. Influence of triple-negative versus Luminal A breast cancer subtype on choice of autologous versus implant based delayed-immediate breast reconstruction [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: 14th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2021 Oct 6-8. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-129.

A Comparative Analysis of Immediate and Delayed-immediate Breast Reconstruction after Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy.

Postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) is an important component in the treatment of locally advanced breast cancer. Optimal timing of therapy in relation to autologous breast reconstruction (ABR) remains clinically debated. Herein, we comparatively analyze short- and long-term outcomes between immediate ABR (I-ABR) and delayed-immediate ABR (DI-ABR) in the setting of PMRT. Adult patients undergoing ABR with PMRT were separated into cohorts based on reconstructive timeline: I-ABR or DI-ABR. The groups were propensity matched 1:1 by age, body mass index, and comorbidities. Surgical site events and long-term clinical outcomes (readmissions, reoperations, and revision procedures) were collected. Univariate analyses were completed using Pearson's chi-squared tests and Fisher's exact tests, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. One hundred and thirty-two flaps (66 in each cohort) were identified for inclusion. Patients with I-ABR were more likely to experience fat necrosis (p = 0.034) and skin necrosis (p < 0.001), require additional office visits (p < 0.001) and outpatient surgeries (p = 0.015) to manage complications, and undergo revision surgery after reconstruction (p < 0.001). DI-ABR patients, however, had a 42.4% incidence of complications following tissue expander placement prior to reconstruction, with 16.7% of patients requiring reoperation during this time. Only one patient (I-ABR) experienced flap loss due to a vascular complication. The complications encountered in both of these groups were not prohibitive to offering either treatment. Patients should be made aware of the specific and unique risks of these reconstruction timelines and involved throughout the entire decision-making process. Plastic surgeons should continue to strive to elucidate innovative approaches that facilitate enhanced quality of life without compromising oncologic therapy.

Influence of Triple-Negative versus Luminal A Breast Cancer Subtype on Choice of Autologous versus Implant-Based Delayed-Immediate Breast Reconstruction.

Triple-negative (TN) and luminal A breast cancer molecular subtypes have divergent clinical and prognostic characteristics for breast cancer patients. Our study aims to compare the reconstructive choice of these two groups from the time they receive a tissue expander (TE) to the time they complete autologous or implant-based breast reconstruction. A total of 255 patients who underwent delayed-immediate breast reconstruction with TE placement from 2013 to 2017 diagnosed with either TN (n = 73) or luminal A (n = 182) invasive breast cancer subtype seen by two surgeons at a single institution were identified. Preference of autologous and implant-based reconstruction was analyzed, along with TE complications, race, age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, adjuvant therapy, and comorbidities. There was a significant difference in the choice of implant- or autologous-based reconstruction among these two groups (p < 0.05). A greater proportion of luminal A patients underwent implant-based reconstruction (63.47%) and a greater proportion of TN patients underwent autologous-based reconstruction (53.13%). With regard to TE outcomes, there was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to duration of TE placement by reconstructive type or TE surgical complications. Significantly, more TN patients underwent radiation therapy (p < 0.01) and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (p < 0.0001) than luminal A patients. BMI, comorbidities, radiation therapy, and overall TE complications were identified as predictive factors of patients electing for autologous reconstruction over implants. TN breast cancer patients mostly chose autologous-based reconstruction, while luminal A patients chose implant-based reconstruction. Both patient groups carried their TEs for similar duration with similar complication profile. Radiation therapy is likely a major factor in the decision for the type of delayed-immediate reconstruction among this population.

Comparing Outcomes of Flap-Based Salvage Reconstructions in the Radiated Breast.

Chest wall irradiation significantly decreases the strength and quality of breast tissue supporting prostheses, increasing the risk of skin breakdown and implant or tissue expander extrusion. Autologous tissue, including the latissimus dorsi (LD) or abdominal-based flaps, including the muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous or deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps, may be used to salvage reconstructions. However, data comparing outcomes of the two flap options remains limited. We compare postoperative outcomes from both flap types after autologous salvage reconstruction in irradiated breasts. Charts were retrospectively reviewed from patients who underwent either chest wall radiation or postmastectomy radiation therapy followed by salvage autologous reconstruction with either a LD and an implant or an abdominal-based flap (muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous or deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps). Patients with a history of tissue expander or implant failure requiring autologous salvage as part of 2-staged or delayed-immediate breast reconstruction that were operated on between January 2005 and November 2015 were included. Basic demographics, comorbidities, and recipient site complications (infection, wound dehiscence, seroma, hematoma, fat necrosis, and flap failure) were collected. A total of 72 patients met the inclusion criteria which included 72 flaps; 35 LD and 37 abdominally based flaps. Demographics and comorbidities did not vary significantly between patient groups. Mean follow-up was 767.6 weeks, and all reconstructions were unilateral. Nineteen (26.4%) patients had at least one complication, most commonly minor infections (9.7%). Overall complication rates were not significantly different between flap groups (P = 0.083). Wound dehiscence was significantly higher in the abdominal group (P = 0.045), and fat necrosis also trended higher in this group (P = 0.085). Major infection trended higher in the latissimus group (P = 0.069). When comparing outcomes of salvage flap-based reconstruction in radiated breast tissue, overall complication rates were similar when comparing postoperative outcomes between the LD- and abdominal-based flaps. Wound dehiscence was significantly higher when salvage reconstruction used an abdominal flap. Understanding the complications after salvage procedures can help inform decision making and optimize patient care to improve outcomes after breast reconstruction in the radiated breast.

Abstract OT-23-01: Examining and comparing the temporal changes and results of cosmetic, quality of life and patient satisfaction achieved with immediate and delayed-immediate implant-based breast reconstruction procedures and contralateral symmetrisation techniques after skin-sparing mastectomies with unilateral simple mastectomy and with bilateral skin-sparing mastectomies and immediate implant-based breast reconstructive surgeries. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04356235)

Abstract IntroductionThe immediate (I-BR) or delayed-immediate (DI-BR) implant-based breast reconstruction (BR) of the affected breast following nipple, areola, skin-sparing mastectomy (NSM, ASM, SSM) techniques requires almost in all cases symmetrization of the contralateral breast. The long term results of implant-based BR (subpectoral or prepectoral) and symmetrization following advanced postmastectomy BR techniques significantly decrease over time and later result in a limited patient satisfaction rate. Beyond the satisfactory early results BRs, there are only limited long term data on cosmetics and patient satisfaction. In fact with time patient dissatisfaction necessitates repeated surgeries, with an extra load for both to the patient and the health system. The aim of the study is to gain high quality data about the deteriorating cosmetic outcomes of bilateral BRs on the long term. Trial design In this response-adaptive prospective randomized study patients are sub-grouped into 6 study groups after BR surgery with silicone implant (following uni- or bilateral NSM, ASM, SSM) with symmetrization in case of unilateral mastectomy (mastopexy and/or silicone implant and/or mesh sling technique to suspend the breast with or without reduction) or simple mastectomy without symmetrization. The planned number of patients is a minimum of 528 cases. The measurements of the breast, the ptosis, photo documentation using valid BCCT.core software, BREAST-Q questionnaire and Likert scale are performed preoperatively, 4 weeks after delayed BR with symmetrization, 3 months after, every 6 months for 5 years. Primary endpoint Using correlation analysis to measure objective changes over time in the quality of life (QoL) and patient satisfaction associated with the symmetry achieved by different surgical techniques up to five years of follow-up. To compare the QoL and the satisfaction rate in the control group with a simple mastectomy, bilateral SSM, ASM, NSM and BR. Secondary endpoint To determine the prognostic factors, patient subgroups, and surgical techniques associated with patients, surgery, and oncological therapies in an optimal way. Furthermore, the study should give relevant data about the oncoplastic concept of prophylactic SSM, ASM, or NSM on the contralateral side and BR, without the presence of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, using the same surgical technique than on the affected side. The long term PRO results of postmastectomy BR should be necessarily part of the initial patient information in the future. Inclusion criteria- Under the age of 65 with uni- or bilateral primary breast cancer, needing advanced mastectomy independently of the axillary surgery, having I-BR os DI-BR on the ipsilateral side and symmetrization on the contralateral side - Control group: patients under 65 years with unilateral simplex mastectomy without BR. Exclusion criteria-Pregnancy-associated breast cancer-Prior breast surgery and/or radiotherapy -Severe non-surgical complication-Long-term steroid usage Present accrual and target accrual The trial was activated on 22 April 2020. As of 5 July, 23 patients have been randomized. Accrual is currently running according to protocol and is planned until 2025. Interim analysis performed after 2 years’ median follow-up period. The final analysis is performed 5 years after closing the patient inclusion period. Citation Format: Mihály Újhelyi, Ákos Sávolt, Orsolya Huszár, Orsolya Ping, Norbert Mészáros, Nóra Jani, Mátyás Újlaki, István Kenessey, Zsófia József, Zoltán Mátrai. Examining and comparing the temporal changes and results of cosmetic, quality of life and patient satisfaction achieved with immediate and delayed-immediate implant-based breast reconstruction procedures and contralateral symmetrisation techniques after skin-sparing mastectomies with unilateral simple mastectomy and with bilateral skin-sparing mastectomies and immediate implant-based breast reconstructive surgeries. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04356235) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Virtual Symposium; 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT-23-01.

P109: Delayed-immediate breast reconstruction in the context of post-mastectomy radiotherapy: An evaluation of complication rates and time to definitive reconstruction

Introduction: Post-mastectomy radiotherapy is known to adversely affect outcomes of reconstructive surgery with the optimum surgical strategy in this scenario a focus of research. Our unit has adopted the

Comparing Prepectoral Versus Subpectoral Tissue Expander Placement Outcomes in Delayed-Immediate Autologous Breast Reconstruction.

Delayed-immediate breast reconstruction has traditionally involved placement of tissue expanders (TE) in the subpectoral (SP) position. Development of acellular dermal matrices has renewed interest in the prepectoral (PP) pocket, which avoids extensive muscle manipulation. We compare complication rates between PP and SP TE placement in autologous delayed-immediate breast reconstruction. A retrospective chart review of patients undergoing autologous, delayed-immediate breast reconstruction at our institution (June 2009 to December 2018) was performed. Demographics, comorbidities, perioperative information, and complication incidence ≤12 months' follow-up were collected from first- and second-stage surgeries. Complications were modeled using univariable and multivariable binary logistic regressions. A total of 89 patients met the inclusion criteria, and data from 125 breast reconstructions were evaluated. Complication rates following TE placement trended lower in the PP cohort (28.8% vs 37%, P = 0.34). Overall complication rates following autologous reconstruction were significantly lower for PP reconstructions (7.7% vs 23.3%, P = 0.02). Multivariable regression showed TE position (P = 0.01) was a significant predictor of ≥1 complication following autologous reconstruction. Time delay between first- and second-stage surgeries was greater for SP reconstructions (199.7 vs 324.8 days, P < 0.001). Postoperative drains were removed earlier in the PP cohort (8.6 vs 12.0 days, P < 0.001). Mean follow-up time was 331.3 days. Prepectoral reconstruction in the delayed-immediate autologous reconstruction patient leads to significantly lower complication rates, shorter duration between first- and second-stage surgeries, and shorter times before removal of breast drains compared with SP reconstructions.

Abstract: Analysis of Clinical Outcomes, Cosmetic Results, and Patient Satisfaction Following Delayed-Immediate Breast Reconstruction

INTRODUCTION: Timing and aesthetic outcomes of post-mastectomy breast reconstruction may be affected by the need for radiotherapy treatment (RT), which is often unknown at the preoperative stage since it is determined by pathological findings from the mastectomy specimen. In delayed-immediate reconstruction,1 a tissue expander (TE) is placed directly after the mastectomy to preserve the skin envelope. If RT is not necessary, patients undergo definitive reconstruction. If RT is necessary, the TE remains and patients undergo final reconstruction after RT. We sought to compare the clinical outcomes, cosmetic results, and patient satisfaction of delayed-immediate autologous reconstruction (DIR) vs. delayed autologous reconstruction. METHODS: DIR patients were matched to delayed patients based on age (+/- 5 years), body mass index (BMI) (+/- 2.5), and unilateral or bilateral reconstruction. Retrospective chart review was conducted to collect clinical outcomes, independent reviewers scored cosmetic outcomes (skin quality/color, scar formation, symmetry, breast contour/size/position, overall aesthetic outcome), and patients scored their satisfaction using the BREAST-Q patient reported outcomes instrument. We further examined whether other factors such as smoking, obesity, and RT influenced cosmetic results. Statistical analyses were conducted in IBM SPSS Statistics 24. RESULTS: 19 DIR and 19 delayed patients were included. The mean patient age was 46.5 years (range 29–64) and the mean BMI was 29.6 (range 21.4–41.9). There were no differences in demographics between the two groups. 16 patients underwent unilateral reconstruction and 22 patients underwent bilateral reconstruction. DIR was associated with a higher infection rate (42.1% vs. 5.3%, p=0.026), and all infections involved the TE. DIR patients had significantly better breast contour/size/position than the delayed group (p=0.041). Further, compared to patients who received RT, those who did not receive RT demonstrated better cosmetic outcomes in terms of skin quality/color (p=0.001), symmetry (p=0.001), breast contour/size/position (p<0.001), and overall aesthetic outcome (p<0.001). There were no differences in patient satisfaction between the two groups. CONCLUSION: DIR could be an excellent choice for patients wanting autologous reconstruction when the need for radiation therapy remains unknown, as it demonstrated better breast contour/size/position as compared to the delayed group. However, patients should be informed about the higher risk of TE infection, which could influence the ultimate cosmetic result, and that patient satisfaction was ultimately the same for patients choosing either reconstructive strategy. Reference Citations: 1. Kronowitz SJ, Hunt KK, Kuerer HM, et al. Delayed-immediate breast reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg 2004;113:1617–28.

Accuracy of a multidisciplinary team-led discussion in predicting postmastectomy radiotherapy.

Immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) is performed increasingly following mastectomy for breast cancer. The literature suggests higher reconstructive failure and poorer cosmesis in the subgroup of patients receiving postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) following IBR. We set out to determine the accuracy of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussion in predicting PMRT. Preoperative MDT discussions were recorded prospectively over a 12-month period (from February 2011) in a symptomatic breast unit. The estimated need for PMRT was stratified into 'PMRT not required', 'PMRT possibly required', 'PMRT probably required' and 'PMRT required' groups. Of 156 referrals included in the study, 76 patients (49%) underwent mastectomy: 61 simple mastectomy, 10 skin sparing mastectomy (SSM) and delayed-immediate breast reconstruction, 3 SSM and implant-based IBR, and 2 mastectomy IBR with an autologous flap. The IBR rate was therefore 19.7%. The proportion of patients who received PMRT was 14% (3/21) in the 'PMRT not required', 30% (7/23) in the 'PMRT possibly required', 65% (9/14) in the 'PMRT probably required' and 94% (17/18) in the 'PMRT required' groups. Assigning a linear numerical score (1-4) to these groups (higher score representing greater likelihood of receiving PMRT), the predicted need for PMRT correlated with the proportion of patients who ultimately received PMRT (linear regression r(2)=0.98, p=0.01). This study has examined the factors influencing MDT discussions regarding IBR, demonstrating that the MDT is reasonably accurate at predicting need for PMRT. Whether such accuracy is clinically adequate and/or reproducible across units is debatable.

Delayed versus Delayed-Immediate Autologous Breast Reconstruction: A Blinded Evaluation of Aesthetic Outcomes.

BackgroundThe technique of delayed-immediate breast reconstruction includes immediate insertion of a tissue expander, post-mastectomy radiation, followed by reconstruction. The aesthetic benefits of delayed-immediate reconstruction compared to delayed reconstruction are postulated but remain unproven. The purpose of this study was to compare aesthetic outcomes in patients following delayed and delayed-immediate autologous breast reconstruction.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed of all patients who underwent delayed or delayed-immediate autologous breast reconstruction by the senior author from 2005 to 2011. Postoperative photographs were used to evaluate aesthetic outcomes: skin quality, scar formation, superior pole contour, inferior pole contour, and overall aesthetic outcome. Ten non-biased reviewers assessed outcomes using a 5-point Likert scale. Fisher's Exact and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests were used for comparative analysis.ResultsPatient age and body mass index were similar between delayed (n=20) and delayed-immediate (n=20) cohorts (P>0.05). Skin and scar quality was rated significantly higher in the delayed-immediate cohort (3.74 vs. 3.05, P<0.001 and 3.41 vs. 2.79, P<0.001; respectively). Assessment of contour-related parameters, superior pole and inferior pole, found significantly improved outcomes in the delayed-immediate cohort (3.67 vs. 2.96, P<0.001 and 3.84 vs. 3.06, P<0.001; respectively). Delayed-immediate breast reconstruction had a significantly higher overall score compared to delayed breast reconstructions (3.84 vs. 2.94, P<0.001). Smoking and the time interval from radiation to reconstruction were found to affect aesthetic outcomes (P<0.05).ConclusionsPreservation of native mastectomy skin may allow for improved skin/scar quality, breast contour, and overall aesthetic outcomes following a delayed-immediate reconstructive algorithm as compared to delayed breast reconstruction.

Delayed-immediate breast reconstruction with temporary subcutaneous implants – What is the rate of implant loss and does it impact on adjuvant therapy?

Delayed-immediate breast reconstruction with temporary subcutaneous implants – What is the rate of implant loss and does it impact on adjuvant therapy?

Robotic-assisted latissimus dorsi harvest in delayed-immediate breast reconstruction.

For two-stage, implant-based, delayed-immediate reconstruction of the radiated breast, robotic-assisted latissimus dorsi harvest (RALDH) is a good option for patients who wish to avoid a traditional latissimus dorsi donor-site incision. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of RALDH and the traditional open technique (TOT) for patients undergoing delayed-immediate breast reconstruction following radiation therapy. A retrospective analysis of a prospective database of all consecutive patients undergoing latissimus dorsi harvest for radiated breast reconstruction between 2009 and 2013 was performed. Indications, surgical technique, complications, and outcomes were assessed. One hundred forty-six pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flaps were performed for breast reconstruction and 17 were performed robotically during the study period (average follow-up 14.6 ± 7.3 mo). Latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction following radiation was performed in 64 patients using TOT and 12 using RALDH. Surgical complication rates were 37.5% in TOT versus 16.7% in RALDH (p = 0.31) including seroma (8.9% versus 8.3%), infection (14.1 versus 8.3%), delayed wound healing (7.8% versus 0), and capsular contracture (4.7% vs. 0). Robotic-assisted harvest of the latissimus dorsi muscle is associated with a low complication rate and reliable results for delayed reconstruction of the irradiated breast while eliminating the need for a donor-site incision.

Treatment of Irradiated Expanders: Protective Lipofilling Allows Immediate Prosthetic Breast Reconstruction in the Setting of Postoperative Radiotherapy

Immediate two-stage prosthetic breast reconstruction in the setting of postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) currently is hardly achieved with the fast-track expander exchange proposed by Cordeiro and colleagues or the delayed-immediate breast reconstruction proposed by Kronowitz and Robb. Each of these techniques has important drawbacks and complications. To overcome these problems, the authors in 2011 described lipofilling on irradiated expanders in patients undergoing unplanned PMRT (Cagliari University Hospital [CUH] protocol) for early breast cancers with specific risk factors. The authors report their experience after expanding the use of such a protocol for any immediate expander/implant reconstruction in a patient undergoing PMRT. The timing for advanced breast cancer involves immediate reconstruction with a tissue expander, complete tissue expansion, radiotherapy (RT) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy starting 2-3 months after mastectomy, one or two fresh fat-grafting sessions at least 6 weeks after RT, and an expander-implant exchange with anterior capsulectomy at least 3 months after the completion of fat grafting. The timing for early breast cancers with specific risk factors involves immediate reconstruction with a tissue expander, complete tissue expansion during postoperative chemotherapy, RT 6 months after mastectomy, one or two fat-grafting sessions 6 weeks after RT, and an expander-implant exchange with anterior capsulectomy at least 3 months after the completion of fat grafting. From 2008 to 2012, 16 patients undergoing total mastectomy and immediate expander-implant breast reconstruction with subsequent PMRT were treated according to the CUH protocol. The results have been extremely encouraging, with rates of ulceration and implant exposure in the radiotreated area dropping to 0 %. These results were retrospectively compared with those for a control group of 16 patients who underwent immediate implantation of an expander. In this latter group, the extrusion rate of the implant in the end was 31.25 %, and this was statistically significant (p < 0.03). The shape and symmetry also were significantly better in the lipofilled patients. Protective lipofilling on irradiated expanders appears to be a valid technique for avoiding ulceration and implant exposure after PMRT while allowing a complete expansion. 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 .

Delayed-immediate breast reconstruction - widening the indications for breast reconstruction

Introduction: In women who have a mastectomy and wish to have breast reconstruction, the best timing of breast reconstruction depends on whether radiotherapy (XRT) is needed. If there is pre-operative uncertainty about the need for XRT, patients can be offered a delayed-immediate reconstruction (DIBR). This is where after performing skin sparing mastectomy, a tissue expander or implant is placed until definitive pathology is known. If no XRT is needed, immediate reconstruction can follow, if XRT is necessary, it is performed with the implant in-situ with the hope of preserving skin.

State of the Art in Breast Reconstruction

In patients undergoing breast reconstruction after partial and total mastectomy, selecting the appropriate timing as well as the best method of reconstruction are essential to optimize the outcome. At M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, the timing of oncoplastic repair after partial mastectomy defects and breast reconstruction after mastectomy tends to dictate the technique for reconstruction. In patients undergoing repair of a partial mastectomy defect, immediate or delayed repair before radiation therapy allows for the use of the remaining breast tissue to perform the repair. Delayed repair after radiation therapy is usually performed with autologous fat grafting or a flap. Immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy is preferable for patients with a low risk of requiring postmastectomy radiation therapy (XRT) (stage I breast cancer, some stage II). In patients who are deemed preoperatively to be at an increased risk of requiring XRT (stage II breast cancer), delayed-immediate breast reconstruction may provide an additional option. Delayed-delayed reconstruction may be a consideration in patients known preoperatively to require XRT (stage III breast cancer), to allow for a skin-preserving delayed reconstruction after XRT. Newer techniques for breast reconstruction after mastectomy include one-stage implant, implant-based reconstruction plus acellular dermal matrix, autologous fat grafting after negative suction applied to chest wall, and perforator-based autologous tissue flaps. Often, the decision to perform a partial or total mastectomy depends upon reconstructive issues, not oncology-related considerations. Whether to repair a partial mastectomy defect or perform a total breast reconstruction after mastectomy is one of the most critical decisions in breast reconstruction.

Delayed-Immediate Breast Reconstruction: Our Experience

Delayed-Immediate Breast Reconstruction: Our Experience