Flap Loss Rate Research Articles

Comparing Safety Profiles of Skin-Sparing and Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy With Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction: A Retrospective Analysis.

Mastectomy is performed prior to or concurrently with deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction. However, the complication rates of nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) versus skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) with DIEP are not well-characterized. This retrospective study included patients who underwent SSM or NSM with DIEP reconstruction between January 2019 and July 2022 at an academic institution. The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative complication rate. Variables were compared using Student's t-tests/Wilcoxon rank-sum and Chi-square/Fisher's exact tests. Of 535 patients, 195 (36%) underwent NSM and 340 (64%) underwent SSM. The 30-day postoperative complication rates did not differ between cohorts (16.4% in NSM vs. 16.8% in SSM, p > 0.9). The NSM cohort had a higher rate of any flap necrosis (9.2% vs. 3.5%, p = 0.01) compared to the SSM cohort, though rates of total DIEP flap loss rate did not differ (4.1% vs. 1.5% respectively). Site-wide total DIEP flap loss was 2.4%. The NSM cohort had smaller preoperative sternal notch-to-nipple distances (25.0 vs. 26.5 cm, p < 0.001) and had lower rates of preoperative radiation therapy (28.2% vs. 42.9%, p < 0.002) compared to the SSM cohort. The cohorts did not differ in demographic or operative variables including reconstruction timing (delayed vs. immediate interval), readmission, and reoperation. Individuals who received an NSM prior to DIEP reconstruction had more flap complications compared to the SSM cohort. Both cohorts had comparable overall 30-day postoperative complication rates and demographic variables, and rate of total DIEP flap loss was 2.4%. Patient preference can further guide surgical decision-making.

Novel Challenges and Opportunities for Anesthesia and Perioperative Care in Microvascular Flap Surgery: A Narrative Review.

Complex microvascular techniques and in-depth knowledge of blood rheology and microanastomosis function are required for success in microvascular flap surgery. Substantial progress has been achieved in preventing complications, but the rate of flap loss is still significant and can have significant adverse effects on the patient. Flap thrombosis, flap hematoma, and flap loss are the most frequent and severe major surgical complications. Advances in understanding the pathophysiology of different flap complications, the use of preoperative risk assessment and new treatment concepts could improve the perioperative care of microvascular flap surgery patients. Our aim was to outline novel avenues for best practice and provide an outlook for further research of anesthesia and perioperative care concepts in microvascular flap surgery.

Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing in Free Fibula Reconstruction of the Mandible: Comparison of Long-Term Outcomes with the Conventional Technique.

Pre-operative computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) revolutionized head and neck reconstruction after extirpative surgery. However, studies performing head-to-head comparison to the conventional technique have limited long-term follow-up. We aimed to compare short and long-term outcomes between conventional and CAD/CAM approaches for mandibular reconstruction with free fibula flaps. Patients undergoing free flap reconstruction from 2012 to 2021 were included. Data regarding patient demographics, past medical history, surgical details, complications, and reconstructive outcomes were collected. Patients who had CAD/CAM were compared with the patients who underwent reconstruction with the conventional technique. The cumulative incidence of hardware maintenance was displayed using the Kaplan-Meier method. A total of 215 patients (n=79 conventional, n=136 CAD/CAM) were included. Both cohorts had similar demographics except the CAD/CAM cohort was younger (p=0.043). The mean operative duration was 54 minutes shorter with the use of CAD/CAM (p=0.014). Total and partial flap loss rates were similar. Patients with CAD/CAM had significantly lower rates of early wound dehiscence (p=0.037). Median [interquartile range] follow-up duration was similar (931 [1854] days in conventional vs 728 [841] days in CAD/CAM, p=0.084). After excluding patients with major surgical complications in the first 30-days, CAD/CAM cohort had a lower hardware removal rate (28.8% vs 13.9%, p=0.011). The significance persisted after including only the patients with more than 2 years of follow-up. The use of preoperative CAD/CAM may reduce operative duration, while allowing for longer maintenance of hardware with reduced removal rates due to complications.

The Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Flap Salvage

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) effectively manages complex wounds by promoting fluid drainage, stabilizing the wound environment, and reducing bacterial load. It aids in granulation tissue formation and modulation of inflammatory reactions. NPWT is increasingly used in reconstructive surgery, particularly in flap procedures, enhancing wound healing and cosmetic outcomes while reducing flap complications. Despite concerns about flap compromise, clinical trials demonstrate low flap loss rates with NPWT. Strategies like observation windows and implantable Doppler devices help overcome monitoring challenges. However, conclusive evidence regarding NPWT's safety and impact on flap vascularity is limited due to scarce studies. The study involved 40 healthy adult patients, mostly male, with soft tissue defects primarily caused by road traffic accidents. They were split into two groups: NPWT (25 patients) and conventional dressing (15 patients). The NPWT group was further categorized into high pressure (8 patients) and low pressure (17 patients) subgroups. Results showed lower flap edema in NPWT groups compared to controls, but high pressure NPWT led to higher flap ischemia and infection rates. Overall, low pressure NPWT yielded the best clinical and aesthetic outcomes with fewer complications. The study suggests a delayed NPWT approach and low-pressure settings for optimal vascular perfusion in Fasciocutaneous flaps, emphasizing the need for further trials to establish its efficacy and determine ideal pressure settings for different flap types.

Intraoperative Complications as Predictors of Flap Failure in Autologous Breast Reconstruction.

Intraoperative microvascular complications in autologous breast reconstruction significantly increase the risk of post-operative complications. No study has identified which specific intraoperative complications contribute to partial or total flap loss. A retrospective chart review of microsurgical breast reconstructions by five surgeons between 2009-2020 analyzed operative variables and patient outcomes, with complications determined from the operative report. Flap loss rates were compared between cases with and without intraoperative complications. Statistical analysis was performed using Fischer exact and t-tests for discrete and continuous variables, respectively. Intraoperative complications were analyzed for 1465 autologous breast flaps performed in 916 patients. Early partial flap loss was predicted by arterial anastomosis revision (2.90% vs 0.44%, p=.03) and alternate venous outflow (14.29% vs 0.41%, p=.002), with no association with intraoperative thrombosis, venous revision, or difficult recipient or flap dissection. In comparison, early total flap loss was predicted by intraoperative arterial revision (5.80% vs 0.51%, p=.001), venous revision (5.45% vs 0.57%, p=.007), intraoperative thrombosis (12.12% vs 0.49%, p<.001), and difficult flap dissection (2.91% vs 0.59%, p=.04). Difficult flap dissection was the only intraoperative variable associated with late partial flap loss (6.80% vs 1.69%, p=.004). Late total flap loss only occurred in 6/1465 flaps, the sole association being difficult recipient vessel dissection (2.78% vs 0.29%, p=.03). Post-operative arterial and venous compromise occurred in 1.10% (13/1187) and 2.53% (30/1187) of cases with no intraoperative complications, respectively, compared to 3.2% (9/278, p=0.02) and 6.12% (17/278, p=0.002) in cases with an intraoperative complication. Alternate venous outflow predicts early partial flap loss, while intraoperative thrombosis, and arterial and venous revision predict early total loss. Difficult flap dissection was associated with early total and late partial flap loss, while difficult recipient vessel dissection was associated with late total flap loss.

Meta analysis of 2059 patients assessing early discharge after DIEP flap breast reconstruction: Comprehensive outcomes before post-operative day 5

Autologous reconstruction with DIEP flap has illustrated greater patient satisfaction with both aesthetic satisfaction and reconstructive treatment process when compared to implant-based reconstruction longitudinally. However, DIEP flap breast reconstruction is associated with longer in-patient hospitalizations to monitor flap status. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to report outcomes regarding the use of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols, particularly looking at the impact on complication rates in patients who undergo DIEP flap procedures and are discharged within 5 days after surgery. A computerized search was conducted on September 29th, 2023 using the MeSH terms "Free Tissue Flaps" OR "Myocutaneous Flap" OR "Surgical Flaps" AND "Patient Discharge". Twenty-four papers reporting on 2059 patients were included in the study, and four study groups were created by length of stay as follows: LOS 1-1.99 days = Group 1, LOS 2-2.99 days = Group 2, LOS 3-3.99 = Group 3, and LOS 4-5 days = Group 4 (control). An independent samples t-test was performed to compare the mean rates of each complication between Groups 1 and 4, Groups 2 and 4, and Groups 3 and 4. This meta-analysis showed no significant differences between rates of hematoma, seroma, infection and reoperation between groups. There was a significantly lower rate of total flap loss in all 3 groups with LOS less than 4 days when compared to the group with LOS between 4 and 5 days. This meta-analysis shows that appropriate patients may be discharged safely as early as POD1 following DIEP flap.

Reevaluation of Recipient Vessel Selection in Breast Free Flap Reconstruction.

Current consensus has established the internal mammary vessels (IMV) over the thoracodorsal vessels (TDV) as the preferred recipients for microvascular breast reconstruction due to their superior flow rates and long-established outcomes. Yet, there are occurrences where the IMVs are not reliable and may subsequently prompt intraoperative decision-making. Several options exist, including the contralateral IMVs, thoracoacromial vessels, and TDVs. The appropriate sequence for vessel choice is not universally agreed upon. This study reevaluates the TDVs to highlight their viability as a second-line intraoperative alternative to the IMV and provide reference to the straightforward dissection required for harvest. A retrospective, single-institution, breast-level analysis examining 4754 breast free flaps from 2978 patients undergoing bilateral free flap reconstruction was conducted. Postoperative complications within 180 days were evaluated, and cohorts based on anatomic anastomosis (IMV vs. TDV) were created to compare outcomes. Subanalysis was conducted based on flap laterality as well as whether a flap was planned or converted intraoperatively. Of 4754 breast free flaps, 4269 (89.8%) used the IMV while 485 (10.2%) used the TDV. Most complication rates between the TVD and IMV were not significantly different. Rates of flap loss were 1.0% and 1.2% for the IMV and TDV anastomosis (p = 0.59). IMV and TDV anastomosed flaps experienced similar rates of fat necrosis (6.3% vs. 6.2%, p = 0.915). However, multivariable analysis of all breasts regardless of laterality showed that skin necrosis was significantly less likely in TDV breasts (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.29-0.71, p < 0.001). Given the relative similarity in cohort outcomes, TDV anastomosis can be considered a viable alternative to the IMV when the IMV is unavailable or technically disadvantageous. The TDV artery remains a robust and reliable option in the present-day plastic surgeon's repertoire for breast reconstruction.

What Free Flaps Are Surgeons Using for Palatal Fistula Repair in Patients with Cleft Palate? A Systematic Review.

Recalcitrant palatal fistulas in patients with cleft palate history sometimes require free flap reconstruction. This study reviews the literature on described flaps and outcomes. A systematic review was conducted per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. All study designs were included. Non-English articles were excluded. Patients with a history of cleft palate who underwent free flap reconstruction for a oronasal fistula. Free tissue transfer for a palatal fistula repair. Information regarding defect and flap characteristics were reviewed. Surgical outcomes such as flap loss rates, rates of recurrent fistula formation, and speech outcomes were also obtained. Our search returned 894 articles, of which 23 were included. All studies were retrospective case series and reports. A total of 65 patients were described with an average age of 19.3 (range 3-55) years and a median fistula size of 8.00 cm2 (range 2.54 cm2 - 24 cm2). The most common flap was the radial forearm flap (n = 37). Nine patients (13.8%) had recurrent fistula formation with surgical revision successful in all cases in which the patient returned to the operating room. There were two partial flap losses and no total flap losses. Speech outcomes showed improvement in 27 patients across 10 studies. Palatal fistula repair with free tissue transfer is safe with an acceptable risk profile and low flap loss rate. Early recurrence due to partial flap necrosis and dehiscence are successfully managed with flap readvancement.

Impact of Microsurgical Reconstruction Timing on the Risk of Free Flap Loss in Acute Burns: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Free tissue transfer is usually considered as a last resort in severe burn cases, when skin substitutes and local flaps are not viable options. Prior studies have demonstrated a free flap loss rate ranging from 0% to 44%. The aim of this study is to identify the ideal timing to perform free flap reconstruction in acute burn-related injuries to minimize free flap loss. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed and reported according to PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were queried. The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO database (CRD42023404478). Three time intervals from day of injury were identified: (1) 0-4 days, (2) 5-21 days, and (3) 22 days-6 weeks. The primary outcome was total free flap loss. A total of 17 articles met inclusion criteria. The analysis included 275 free flaps performed in 260 patients (88% men, 12% women) affected by acute burn injuries. The pooled prevalence of free flap failure in the three time intervals (0-4 days, 5-21 days, and 22 days-6 weeks) were 7.32% [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.38%-20.37%], 16.55% (95% CI: 11.35%-23.51%), and 6.74% (95% CI: 3.06%-14.20%), respectively. Free flap reconstruction carries a high risk of failure in patients with acute burn. However, timing of the reconstruction appears to influence surgical outcomes. Free flap reconstruction performed between 5 and 21 days from burn injury had a trend toward higher flap loss rates and should be discouraged.

Outcomes of Muscle versus Fasciocutaneous Free Flap Reconstruction in Acute Burns: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Free flap reconstruction in acute burns is high risk but often required for limb salvage and coverage of vital structures. Prior studies have shown a flap loss rate up to 44%. This study aimed to compare the complications associated with muscle and fasciocutaneous free flaps in acute burn reconstruction. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and registered on the PROSPERO database (CDR42023471088). The databases accessed were Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. The primary outcome was free flap failure rate based on flap type. Secondary outcomes included venous congestion, arterial thrombosis, amputation, and need for reintervention. Twelve studies with 181 free flaps were included: 87 muscle flaps and 94 fasciocutaneous flaps. Muscle flaps had a higher risk ratio (RR) for total flap loss [RR: 2.32, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-5.32, P = 0.04], arterial thrombosis (RR: 3.13, 95% CI: 1.17-8.42, P = 0.02), and amputations (RR: 8.89, 95% CI: 1.27-70.13, P = 0.03) compared with fasciocutaneous flaps. No significant differences were found in venous thrombosis (RR: 1.33, 95% CI: 0.37-4.78, P = 0.65) or need for reinterventions (RR: 1.34, 95% CI: 0.77-2.32, P = 0.29). Muscle flaps in burn injuries are associated with higher risks of flap failure, arterial thrombosis, and amputations. Fasciocutaneous free flaps in acute burns seem to be safer with better outcomes, though further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Microvascular Free-Flap Head and Neck Reconstruction: The Utility of the Modified Frailty Five-Item Index.

Microvascular free tissue transfer is a common tool for the reconstruction of oncologic head and neck defects. Adequate preoperative assessment can aid in appropriate risk stratification and peri-operative optimization. The modified five-item frailty index (mFI-5) is a validated risk-assessment scale; however, its utility in head and neck free-flap reconstruction is unknown when compared with other common risk factors. A retrospective, single-institution chart review (2017-2020) was performed. Patient demographics, defect and repair characteristics, pre- and peri-operative factors, and flap outcomes were recorded. A high mFI-5 score was defined as greater than 2. The total score, as well as other patient factors, was correlated to postoperative flap complications. A total of 214 patients were deemed appropriate for conclusion. The mean age was 63.9 ± 12.8 years. There were an even number of males (52.8%) and females (47.2%). A fifth of subjects (20.8%) underwent preoperative radiotherapy. There were 21 cases (9.8%) of complete flap loss. A total of 34 patients (29.4%) experienced any postoperative complication related to flap outcomes. An elevated mFI-5 was significantly associated with a higher overall rate of postoperative complications (39.7 vs. 29.4%, p < 0.019) and total flap loss (16.7% vs. 6.6%, p < 0.033). Preoperative radiation was found to be associated with an increased complication rate (p < 0.003). The mFI-5 score may be a potentially significant tool in the risk stratification of patients undergoing head and neck free-flap reconstruction as opposed to commonly utilized risk factors. Preoperative radiotherapy is significantly associated with postoperative complications. Appropriate preoperative assessment may help tailor patient care preoperatively.

The Role of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in Temporizing Traumatic Wounds before Lower Limb Soft Tissue Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

In practice, there is often a delay from initial debridement and temporary fixation to definitive soft tissue coverage of traumatic leg wounds. Without clear evidence, conservative negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is increasingly used to temporize these wounds. This systematic review summarizes and synthesizes the literature on using NPWT to temporize traumatic leg wounds before surgery in adult surgical patients. A comprehensive search of Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library was performed from inception until July 2022, inclusively. Two independent reviewers performed screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. Primary English studies, including adult patients (≥16 years old) with a fracture below the knee up to and including the ankle that received NPWT to temporize wounds before definitive soft tissue reconstruction with a flap and/or graft, were included. Thirty-four studies, including 804 patients who received NPWT, were included. The partial/total flap loss rate was 6.95% (n = 9 studies), the infection rate was 19.5% (n = 25 studies), the nonunion rate was 18% (n = 15 studies), the delayed union rate was 9.31% (n = 3 studies), and the amputation rate was 15.4% (n = 6 studies). The mean late stay was 43.1 days (n = 9 studies), and the follow-up length was 23.7 months (n = 9 studies). The mean time to wound healing was 5.63 months (n = 2 studies), and the time to soft tissue coverage was 40.8 days (n = 12 studies). The mean time to achieve bone union was 7.26 months (n = 6 studies). NPWT can be used to temporize traumatic wounds while awaiting soft tissue reconstruction.

Division versus de-epithelialization of fibula osteocutaneous flap for composite oromandibular defects: A propensity score-matched analysis

BackgroundDifferent fibula osteocutaneous free flap (FOCFF) configurations have been described with a double-skin paddle (DSP) to address composite through-and-through oromandibular defects: division of the skin paddle using different perforators (div-FOCFF) or a de-epithelialized DSP FOCFF (deEpi-FOCFF). This study aimed to compare the surgical outcomes using these two methods (deEpi-FOCFF/div-FOCFF). MethodsPatients who underwent segmental mandibulectomy and reconstruction with a DSP FOCFF between 2011 and 2014 were included. We compared postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing reconstruction with deEpi-FOCFF versus div-FOCFF implementing propensity score matching. ResultsOf the 245 patients, 156 cases (78 pairs) were 1:1 matched. Demographic and oncologic variables were comparable between groups. The average age was 57.68 years. A higher number of perforators per flap was evident in the div-FOCFF group (p < 0.001). The deEpi-FOCFF group exhibited a higher total flap loss rate when compared to the div-FOCFF group (15 % versus 5 % p = 0.03). On multivariate analysis, number of perforators per flap (OR 0.31, p = 0.02), using the deEpi-FOCFF (OR 3.88, p = 0.03), and an increased reconstructive time (OR 1.01, p = 0.01) independently affected the likelihood of free flap failure. ConclusionIf the number and location of perforators are optimal, div-FOCFF improves reconstructive outcomes for composite oromandibular defects versus the deEpi-FOCFF.

Free fibula mandible reconstruction for osteoradionecrosis is more challenging than for primary cancer.

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the mandible is an unfortunate potential sequela of radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. In advanced cases of ORN, mandibulectomy, and free fibula flap reconstruction are required. We hypothesized that patients undergoing fibula free flap reconstruction and mandibulectomy for ORN pose unique challenges and experience more complications than patients undergoing fibula free flaps after oncologic mandibulectomy. After IRB approval, we created a database of all free fibula flaps for mandible reconstruction from April 2005 through February 2019. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for patient and surgical characteristics and postoperative outcomes. Four-hundred seventy-nine patients met the inclusion criteria (168 ORN vs. 311 non-ORN patients). Propensity-matching was performed based on age, BMI, smoking status, preoperative chemotherapy, and virtual surgery planning use, which yielded 159 patients in each group. ORN patients received more double-skin-island fibula flaps than non-OR patients (20.8% vs. 5.7%, p < 0.001). Recipient artery other than the facial artery was utilized more commonly in ORN patients (42.1% vs. 17.0%, p < 0.001). In the unmatched cohort, ORN patients had higher rates of delayed wound healing (26.2% vs. 16.8%, p = 0.01) and surgical site infections (21.4% vs. 13.2%, p = 0.02). Rates of flap loss, return to the operating room, hematoma, operative time, and length of stay were similar between the groups. On logistic regression analysis, osteoradionecrosis was an independent risk factor for delayed wound healing. Based on these data, mandibular reconstruction with fibula flaps for osteoradionecrosis appears more complicated than mandible reconstruction following de novo cancer resection. Surgeons should anticipate employing two skin islands for intraoral and extraoral resurfacing, utilizing unconventional recipient vessels, and managing the delayed wound healing that ensues more commonly than non-ORN patients.

Increased Time Interval of Postoperative Flap Monitoring After Autologous Breast Reconstruction

Background Hourly flap checks are the most common means of flap monitoring during the first 24 hours following autologous breast reconstruction (ABR). This practice often requires intensive care unit (ICU) admission, which is a key driver of health care costs and decreased patient satisfaction. This study addresses these issues by demonstrating decreased cost and length of admission associated with a 4-hour interval between flap checks during the first 24 hours following ABR. Methods This is a retrospective review of ABR surgeries performed by multiple surgeons from 2017 to 2020. Two cohorts were identified, one that underwent flap checks every hour in the ICU (Q1 cohort) and the other that underwent flap checks every 4 hours on the hospital floor (Q4 cohort). Our primary outcome measures were length of stay (LOS), flap takebacks, flap loss, and encounter cost. Results Rates of flap takeback and loss did not differ between cohorts (P = 0.18, P = 0.21). The Q4 cohort's average LOS was shorter than the Q1 cohort (P = 0.002). The Q4 cohort's average cost was also $25,554.80 less than the Q1 cohort (P &lt; 0.001). This association persisted after controlling for LOS, operating room takeback, timing and laterality of reconstruction, and flap configuration (hazard ratio = 0.65, P = 0.0007). Conclusion This study demonstrates the benefits of lengthened flap check intervals during the first 24 hours following ABR. These intervals decrease the cost of ABR while also maintaining safety, making ABR a more accessible option for breast reconstruction patients.

Abstract PO1-22-06: Pre-operative radiotherapy followed by mastectomy and breast reconstruction – a systematic review of oncological and reconstructive outcomes

Abstract Background Pre-operative radiotherapy (PRT) followed by mastectomy and autologous breast reconstruction for locally advanced breast cancer has the potential to reduce the deleterious impact of radiotherapy on the reconstructed breast and expedite treatment without impact on oncologic control. The PRADA feasibility study (Lancet Oncol 2022; 23: 682-90) has previously demonstrated the technique is technically feasible and safe in modern breast oncology practice, however, there is a clear necessity for longer term outcome data to precisely determine clinical efficacy. In order to understand and appraise this evidence gap, we performed a systematic review focused on oncologic and reconstructive outcomes of PRT followed by mastectomy and breast reconstruction. Methods A prospectively registered search (PROSPERO ID: CRD42023349524) of Medline (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), EMCARE (Ovid) and CINAHL (EBSCO) databases was performed in August 2022 for studies reporting NART prior to mastectomy and breast reconstruction. Oncological and aesthetic outcomes were extracted with risk of bias (ROBINS-I) and methodological quality assessed (STROBE checklist) for each study. Results Twenty one published articles (18 papers and 3 abstracts) were identified reporting the outcomes of 1,126 patients with median follow-up between 19.0-212.4 months. Seventeen studies were non randomised single-centre cohort studies (12 retrospective and 5 prospective). Patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy in 18 studies. The majority of studies were of low methodological quality and at serious risk of bias. Rates of locoregional recurrence and overall survival ranged between 0-21.7% and 79.8%-98.3% respectively. Rates of flap loss or necrosis ranged from 0-12.0%. Rates of revisional procedures ranged between 0-35.3%. Patient-reported outcomes were reported in 8 studies and were mostly ‘good’ or ‘excellent’. Conclusion The published literature described a heterogeneity of outcome for patients undergoing NART prior to mastectomy and breast reconstruction. This reflects a large number of small retrospective single-centre cohort studies of low methodological quality at risk of bias. There is a clear need for a prospective randomised controlled trial appraising the outcomes of PRT in the context of autologous breast reconstruction. Citation Format: Ken Ho, Joseph Ward, Chiugo Ike, Paul Thiruchelvam, Aadil Khan, Daniel Leff. Pre-operative radiotherapy followed by mastectomy and breast reconstruction – a systematic review of oncological and reconstructive outcomes [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO1-22-06.

Free Flaps in Patients with Advanced Arteriosclerosis of the Tibial Vessels: Mini Vein Graft to the Peroneal Artery.

Lower extremity reconstruction with free flaps in patients with only peroneal artery runoff remains a challenge. Here, we present a novel technique for reconstruction of medial defects in the distal leg using a medial approach to the peroneal artery and a short interposition vein graft anastomosed end to side to the peroneal artery. A retrospective, single-center study was performed including all patients who underwent lower extremity reconstruction with free flaps anastomosed to the peroneal artery using a mini vein graft from November 2020 to March 2022. The primary outcome measure was limb salvage. Secondary endpoints were flap survival and postoperative complications. Seven patients received lower extremity free flap reconstruction with a mini vein graft to the peroneal artery. Flap loss rate was 0%. Limb salvage was achieved in five patients (71%). At 6-month follow-up, all patients were ambulatory. One patient died 1 month after surgery due to heart failure. Mini vein graft to the peroneal artery allows reliable and safe free flap reconstruction of distal leg defects in patients with only peroneal artery runoff.

Social Determinants of Health and Patient-reported Outcomes Following Autologous Breast Reconstruction, Using Insurance as a Proxy.

Insurance type can serve as a surrogate marker for social determinants of health and can influence many aspects of the breast reconstruction experience. We aimed to examine the impact of insurance coverage on patients reported outcomes with the BREAST-Q (patient reported outcome measure for breast reconstruction patients, in patients receiving) in patients receiving deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction. We retrospectively examined patients who received DIEP flaps at our institution from 2010 to 2019. Patients were divided into categories by insurance: commercial, Medicaid, or Medicare. Demographic factors, surgical factors, and complication data were recorded. Descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact, Kruskal-Wallis rank sum tests, and generalized estimating equations were performed to identify associations between insurance status and five domains of the BREAST-Q Reconstructive module. A total of 1,285 patients were included, of which 1,011 (78.7%) had commercial, 89 (6.9%) had Medicaid, and 185 (14.4%) had Medicare insurances. Total flap loss rates were significantly higher in the Medicare and Medicaid patients as compared to commercial patients; however, commercial patients had a higher rate of wound dehiscence as compared to Medicare patients. With all other factors controlled for, patients with Medicare had lower Physical Well-being of the Chest (PWBC) than patients with commercial insurance (β = - 3.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): -5.0, -1.2, p = 0.002). There were no significant associations between insurance classification and other domains of the BREAST-Q. Patients with government-issued insurance had lower success rates of autologous breast reconstruction. Further, patients with Medicare had lower PWBC than patients with commercial insurance regardless of other factors, while other BREAST-Q metrics did not differ. Further investigation as to the causes of such variation is warranted in larger, more diverse cohorts.

The Impact of Technical Innovations and Donor-Site Mesh Repair on Autologous Abdominal-Based Breast Reconstruction-A Retrospective Analysis.

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the potential benefit that may be achieved through the introduction of technical innovations and the incorporation of mesh for fascial donor site closure in uni- and bilateral autologous breast reconstruction with abdominal tissue. Methods: A retrospective single-center review of all breast reconstructions with a DIEP or MS-TRAM flap between January 2004 and December 2019 was performed. Donor and recipient site complications and operation times were evaluated before and after the implementation of coupler anastomoses, preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA), indocyanine green (ICG) angiography, and the inclusion of mesh in donor site repair. Results: A total of 396 patients were included, accounting for 447 flaps. Operation time was significantly shorter in unilateral reconstructions after the implementation of CTA (p < 0.0001). ICG angiography significantly reduced the rates of partial flap loss (p = 0.02) and wound healing disorders (p = 0.02). For unilateral reconstructions, abdominal bulging or hernia was observed more often in MS1-TRAM flaps without synthetic mesh repair (p = 0.001), whereas conservatively treated seroma developed more frequently after mesh implantation (p = 0.03). Conclusions: Recent technological advancements developed over the past few decades have made a substantial impact on decreasing surgical duration and enhancing procedure safety.

Can Loupe magnification be a viable alternative to Operative Microscope magnification for vascular anastomosis in reconstructive surgery? A systematic review and meta-analysis

PurposeThe aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of vascular anastomosis using loupes magnification versus operative microscope magnification in reconstructive surgery. MethodsWe performed a systematic review of MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus and Cochrane Library database according to the PRISMA guidelines. Comparative studies between the two techniques and single arm studies reporting on loupes reconstruction were included. Random-effects model meta-analyses were performed. ResultsTwelve studies, reporting a total of 3908 of flaps, 3409 of which were performed under loupes magnification and 499 under the operative microscope magnification were selected for analysis. No statistically significant differences were observed regarding total flap loss and vascular complication between the two arms. In the Loupes group the rate of total flap loss was 2.65% (95% CI: 1.15–4.63) and the rate of vascular complications 4.49% (95% CI: 2.58–6.84). ConclusionLoupes magnification under circumstances can provide a safe and effective alternative to microvascular reconstruction in reconstructive surgery. With respect to flap failure and vascular complication rates, there appear to be no statistically significant differences between the anastomoses conducted under Loupes magnification and the standard operative microscope.