Severe Capsular Contracture Research Articles

Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Two-Stage Tissue Expander/Implant Breast Reconstruction: Does it Affect Final Outcomes?

In immediate two-stage implant-based breast reconstruction, adjuvant chemotherapy, when indicated, is usually conducted between the stages, which might influence the outcomes of the second-stage operation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential influence of adjuvant chemotherapy on the final outcomes of two-stage implant-based reconstructions. Patients who underwent immediate tissue expander/implant breast reconstruction between 2010 and 2016, with completion of both stages, were reviewed. Cases were categorized into two groups-adjuvant chemotherapy and no adjuvant chemotherapy. The rates of adverse outcomes were compared between the groups. A total of 602 cases in 568 patients were analyzed, with a mean follow-up period of 58.5months, including 236 patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy and 366 patients not receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. The two groups had similar baseline characteristics, except for a significantly higher rate of adjuvant radiotherapy in the former group. The adjuvant chemotherapy group showed significantly higher rates of overall complications (odds ratio [OR] 2.127, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.231-3.676), including infections (OR 4.239, 95% CI 1.059-16.970), severe capsular contractures (OR 2.107, 95% CI 1.067-4.159), and reconstruction failures (OR 12.754, 95% CI 1.587-102.481) compared with the control group, after adjusting for other variables, including adjuvant radiotherapy. In the analysis regarding the influence of chemotherapy regimens, the use of sequential anthracycline/cyclophosphamide and taxane, and concurrent 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide, were associated with increased risks for adverse outcomes compared with the no chemotherapy group, while the use of other regimens, including anthracycline/cyclophosphamide alone, was not. Adjuvant chemotherapy might influence the final outcomes of two-stage implant-based reconstruction.

Effects of latissimus dorsi (LD) flap harvest on shoulder function in delayed breast reconstruction. A long-term analysis considering the acromiohumeral interval (AHI), the WOSI, and BREAST-Q questionnaires

The latissimus dorsi (LD) flap is reliable and versatile with many indications and low donor site morbidity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term effects of LD flap on the shoulder function in patients undergoing delayed breast reconstruction. This case-control study enrolled women who underwent implant-based (IB) breast reconstruction, radical lymphadenectomy, and radiotherapy between 2006 and 2016. The study group included 72 women, with a history of severe capsular contracture, who received a secondary LD flap reconstruction. The control group consisted of a matched cohort of 80 patients with IB breast reconstruction. Shoulder function was assessed using the acromiohumeral interval (AHI) measurement in standard X-rays. The validated Western Ontario Shoulder Instability (WOSI) and BREAST-Q questionnaires were used to assess outcomes one year postoperatively and data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test and the Mann-Whitney test. Out of 72 patients from the study group, 40 had valuable pre- and postoperative X-rays to measure the AHI. An AHI reduction was recorded only in 7/40 patients. From the WOSI analysis, no significant differences in shoulder function and back pain between the two groups were registered. BREAST-Q scores in the LD group were higher in most domains, including satisfaction with breasts and psychosocial well-being. However, the Mann-Whitney test showed no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). LD flap, with detachment of its insertions from the humerus, does not seem to have a negative impact on back and shoulder function and is correlated with high patient satisfaction in breast reconstruction following radiotherapy.

ADM-assisted prepectoral breast reconstruction and skin reduction mastectomy: Expanding the indications for subcutaneous reconstruction

Recently a flood of new techniques and studies have been released for prepectoral reconstruction, following strict criteria for selection of patients undergoing skin or nipple sparing mastectomy. Nevertheless a big population of patients that would otherwise benefit from prepectoral techniques has been excluded so far. Between January 2016 and February 2017, patients undergoing skin reducing mastectomy (SRM) were enrolled at our Institution. We selected patients with large and ptotic (grade II-III) breasts undergoing SRM, followed by a new technique, which involves placement of the implant, wrapped by acellular dermal matrix, in a prepectoral pocket under a dermal flap. Data of all the surgeries were prospectively collected and contracture grade was assessed by Baker scale. Complication rate and cancer recurrence were reported and health related quality of life (HRQOL) measurement was recorded using BREAST-Q questionnaire. At early follow-up, postoperative pain was assessed through VAS scale. 29 patients underwent SRM and 10 patients, meeting inclusions criteria, were enrolled, with a total of 13 operated breasts. Postoperative average pain was assessed as low as 4.1. The median follow-up was 2.6 (range 2.1-3.2) years. Post-operative complications occurred in 1 case of minimal wound dehiscence. No patient reported breast seroma or severe capsular contracture grade. Patient scored high level of satisfaction with breast, psychosocial well-being, sexual well-being, physical impact and overall satisfaction with outcome, at BREAST-Q questionnaire. In this study we present a modified prepectoral technique for patients undergoing SRM, reporting satisfactory outcomes. These results might support the rationale for expanding the population target of prepectoral reconstruction.

Postmastectomy radiotherapy and immediate implant-based breast reconstruction: attitudes and practices of Australian and New Zealand breast surgeons.

Postmastectomy radiotherapy and immediate implant-based breast reconstruction: attitudes and practices of Australian and New Zealand breast surgeons.

Effects of Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy on Immediate Tissue Expander and Acellular Dermal Matrix Reconstruction: Results of a Prospective Clinical Trial

PurposePostmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) delivered to an immediate reconstruction increases the risk of surgical complications. Although acellular dermal matrix (ADM) has been used with immediate tissue expander (TE) reconstruction to improve cosmetic outcomes and minimize capsular contracture, there is a paucity of data on this approach in the setting of PMRT. Methods and MaterialsThirty-two patients with stage I to III breast cancer were treated with mastectomy, immediate TE-ADM reconstruction, and PMRT between 2009 and 2012 in a prospective single-arm study. The primary objective was the “success” rate, determined by the number of patients at 2 years after PMRT having an intact final reconstruction, no major complications, and a cosmetic outcome rated by a physician as excellent or good. ResultsThe median follow-up was 24 months. Final reconstruction status was known in 31 of 32 patients (96.9%; 1 patient left the country) and completed in 29 of 31 patients (93.5%; implant, n = 26; flap, n = 1; both, n = 2; none, n = 2). At 2 years, 6 patients were unevaluable (metastatic disease, n = 3; withdrawn consent, n = 1; left the country, n = 2). Of 26 evaluable patients, the success rate was 65.4% (17 of 26). Lack of success was the result of “fair” cosmesis (n = 2), infection (n = 2), severe capsular contracture (n = 1), major revision (n = 2), and no final reconstruction (n = 2). Most patients had good-to-excellent 2-year overall cosmesis based on patient perception (15; 62.5%) and physician evaluation (19; 79.2%). ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first dedicated prospective trial evaluating long-term cosmetic and complication outcomes in patients treated with immediate TE-ADM reconstruction followed by PMRT. Most patients (65.4%) met the success criteria in this prospective single-arm series. The great majority (93.5%) achieved final reconstruction; most had good-to-excellent overall cosmetic outcomes (79.2%). The results with longer follow-up will be of interest, and further investigation of strategies to optimize reconstruction with PMRT are warranted.

Radiation-induced fibrosis in breast cancer: A protocol for an observational cross-sectional pilot study for personalised risk estimation and objective assessment

IntroductionAbout 30% of patients request breast reconstruction following surgery for breast cancer, but radiation therapy negatively influences the outcome. Post-reconstruction radiotherapy is associated with more complications, including more severe capsular contracture and inferior cosmetic results. In general, less fibrosis is seen if autologous reconstruction is performed after radiotherapy, so surgeons will often delay reconstruction until after radiotherapy is complete. Drawbacks to this approach include additional surgery, recuperation, cost, and an extended reconstructive process. Randomised clinical trials are required to determine the best approach. Methods and analysisThe aim of this cross-sectional pilot study is to see if it is feasible to recruit women, and gather the required data. This information will be used to design a subsequent, larger study whose aim is to identify factors that increase the risk of radiation-induced fibrosis, and use these to develop a personalised risk-prediction tool, to enable the clinician and patient to have a more informed discussion when treatment for breast cancer is being discussed. Identification of the risk factors will also enable the development of methods to minimise the risk, which would have applications in other medical conditions where fibrosis is a problem. In addition, the project will develop objective methods of assessing fibrosis, and will determine the psychological and economic impacts that fibrosis has affected individuals. A better understanding of the long-term effects of radiotherapy on normal tissues such as the heart and lungs may also have applications in other medical conditions where fibrosis is a problem. Ethics and disseminationThe study has been submitted for ethical approval (REC reference). Findings will be made available to patients and clinicians through presentations at national and international meetings, peer-reviewed publications, social media and patient support groups. Trial registrationRegistered on ClinicalTrials.gov (after REC approval).

Sub-muscular plane for augmentation mammoplasty patients increases silicone gel implant rupture rate

BackgroundBreast augmentation is one of the most common aesthetic procedures performed worldwide. One of the worst associated complications is implant rupture, a topic that will be addressed in the present study. The risk of developing silicone gel breast implant rupture following breast augmentation is associated with multiple factors, including: older generation implant, increased implant age, implant type, specific manufacturer, severe capsular contracture (Baker grade III or IV), and the presence of local symptoms. We hypothesize that the plane of the implant placement may also play a role in the development of implant rupture due to differences in opposing forces upon the implant between submuscular and subglandular planes. ObjectivesTo assess the effect of potential risk factors on breast prosthesis rupture rate, focusing on implant pocket selection, capsular contracture and implant volume. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed on patients with silicone breast implants in either subglandular or submuscular plane, who underwent an elective breast implant exchange, with or without mastopexy, between January 2012 and June 2017. Data collected included patient's age, implant age, implant pocket, implant volume, capsular contracture grade, and implant status (ruptured or intact). ResultsData was collected on 362 women (700 breasts). A total of 284 women (542 breasts) met the inclusion criteria. The average age of the subjects was 43.4 ± 10.4 years. Average implant age during exchange was 10 ± 6.1. There was no difference between the characteristics of the submuscular group and the subglandular group, except from patient age. In a univariant analysis, patient's age (46.4 vs. 41.8, p < 0.001) and implant age (12.2 vs. 8.92 years, p < 0.001) were associated with significantly higher rupture rate. Among ruptured implants, the relative proportion of submuscular to subglandular implants was 64%, compared to 48% among non-ruptured implants (p < 0.0001). When controlling for potential confounders, submuscular pocket (OR = 0.1835, CI95% 1.25–2.69, p = 0.002) as well as implant size (OR = 1.004, CI95% 1.001–1.007, p = 0.005) were found to be a risk factor for implant rupture. ConclusionA sub-muscular implant pocket was identified as a significant risk factor for implant rupture. The prevailing theory that larger size implant carries an increased risk of complications, is also reinforced in this study. Large prospective studies are needed to further clarify risk factors for implant rupture.

Non-linear optical microscopy and histological analysis of collagen, elastin and lysyl oxidase expression in breast capsular contracture

BackgroundCapsular contracture is one of the most common complications in surgical interventions for aesthetic breast augmentation or post-mastectomy breast reconstruction involving the use of silicone prostheses. Although the precise cause of capsular contracture is yet unknown, the leading hypothesis is that it is caused by long-term unresolved foreign body reaction towards the silicone breast implant. To authors’ best knowledge, this is the first study that elucidates the presence of lysyl oxidase (LOX)—an enzyme that is involved in collagen and elastin crosslinking within fibrous capsules harvested from patients with severe capsular contracture. It was hypothesized that over-expression of LOX plays a role in the irreversible crosslinking of collagen and elastin which, in turn, stabilizes the fibrous proteins and contributes to the progression of capsular contracture.MethodsEight fibrous capsules were collected from patients undergoing capsulectomy procedure, biomechanical testing was performed for compressive Young’s moduli and evaluated for Type I and II collagen, elastin and LOX by means of non-linear optical microscopy and immunohistology techniques.ResultsObservations revealed the heterogeneity of tissue structure within and among the collected fibrous capsules. Regardless of the tissue structure, it has been shown that LOX expression was intensified at the implant-to-tissue interface.ConclusionOur results indicate the involvement of LOX in the initiation of fibrous capsule formation which ultimately contributes towards the progression of capsular contracture.

Optimal Sequencing of Postmastectomy Radiotherapy and Two Stages of Prosthetic Reconstruction: A Meta-analysis

Despite an expanding role of adjuvant radiotherapy and the popularity of two-stage prosthesis-based reconstruction in the treatment of breast cancer, there is no consensus on the proper timing of postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) in relation to the two stages of the reconstruction procedure. The present meta-analysis investigated the optimum timing of PMRT by comparing the outcomes of the following two sequences: radiation on tissue expander followed by the exchange, and radiation on the permanent implant after the exchange. The Medline, Ovid, and Google Scholar databases were searched to identify relevant studies presenting complication rates of the two sequencings. The relative risks of the adverse outcomes between the groups were calculated. A total of eight studies were analyzed, representing 899 cases. There were no prospective randomized controlled trials, and all but one were retrospective cohorts in nature. The risks for reconstruction failure and major complication requiring reoperation tended to be higher in the group with PMRT to tissue expanders compared to that with PMRT to implants; however, the differences were not significant. The group with PMRT to tissue expanders had a significantly lower risk of severe capsular contracture (relative risk, 0.44; P<0.001). Delivering PMRT to tissue expanders can reduce the risk of severe capsular contracture compared to delivering to implants. No significant differences in the risks of other complications, including reconstruction failure between the two sequencings, were detected; however, as a result of low level of evidence and insufficient sample sizes, further studies are needed to support evidence-based decision making.

Different types of implants for reconstructive breast surgery.

Different types of implants for reconstructive breast surgery.

Prophylactic use of pentoxifylline (Trental) and vitamin E to prevent capsular contracture after implant reconstruction in patients requiring adjuvant radiation

BackgroundThe combination of pentoxifylline (Trental) and vitamin E has been reported to reverse significant consequences of radiation after mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, such as severe capsular contracture or loss of implants. We questioned whether prophylactic use could prevent these consequences. MethodsThirty women with implants or tissue expanders after mastectomy that underwent adjuvant radiation were treated with Trental and vitamin E for 180 days. All subjects then entered a 12-month observational phase. ResultsOf the 26 evaluable subjects, 3 subjects required implant revisions. One due to malposition of the nonradiated breast and 2 were due to contracture (7.7%). There were no implant losses. ConclusionsThe combination of Trental and vitamin E can prevent severe contracture and implant losses allowing for immediate reconstruction with implant or tissue expander even if radiation is planned after mastectomy.

Application of the formulas of optimal location in splitting pectoralis major in modified dual-plane breast augmentation

Objective To evaluate the design formulas of the optimal location for splitting pectoralis major in terms of making type Ⅰ or Ⅱ dual-plane implant pocket. Methods Sixty-five patients with micromastia were collected. Breasts were divided into two types according to the soft-tissue pinch thickness of the lower pole: type Ⅰ (thickness>2 cm; 34 cases) and type Ⅱ (thickness ≤2 cm; 31 cases). The optimal levels at which the pectoralis major (PM) was severed were 3/4 or 2/4 of the distance of new inframammary fold for type Ⅰ or Ⅱ dual-plane pockets, respectively. All patients completed the pre- and post-operative BREAST-Q augmentation modules before and 6 months after surgery. The scores were changed into hundred-mark system by QScore software. Results The recovery processes were well-off. The breasts contour was good. Patients reported higher scores of satisfaction with breasts, psychosocial well-being and sexual well-being after surgery than before surgery (62.0±8.9 vs 27.9±4.3, 65.0±17.2 vs 17.4±8.3, 60.5±14.2 vs 30.3±5.5, P<0.05). The mean satisfaction score for the overall outcome was 90.6±5.4. However, there was no significant difference in physical well-being between before operation and aftre operation (85.3±9.5 vs 84.7±10.6). No complications such as severe capsular contracture, or displacement occurred. Conclusions The design formulas make the determining procedure of the optimal location for pectoralis major splitting for two types dual-plane implant pockets easier and more exactly. Our modified design method can provide the implant with the optimal soft tissue coverage, and bring desired and stable breast aesthetic outcomes. The higher satisfaction and quality of life reported by patients indicate that the formulas are feasible and worth to recommend. Key words: Endoscopy; Breast augmentation; Dual-plane; BREAST-Q questionnaire; Transaxillary incision

Presence of Biofilms on Polyurethane-Coated Breast Implants: Preliminary Results.

Polyurethane-coated breast implants seem to be associated with lower medium- and long-term capsular contracture rates in comparison to textured or smooth implant surfaces. Although the etiology of capsular contracture is uncertain, bacterial biofilms have been suggested to trigger chronic peri-implant inflammation, eventually leading to capsular contracture. It is unknown whether polyurethane-coated implants are less prone to biofilm colonization than other implant surfaces. We extracted data from patient records included in a prospective cohort between 2008 and 2011. All patients who underwent removal of polyurethane-coated implants were included in this current study and screened for presence of biofilms by sonication. In addition, implant- and patient-related data were analyzed. Of the ten included polyurethane-coated breast implants, six had been inserted for reconstructive purposes and four for aesthetic reasons. The median implant indwelling time was 28.3 mo. Overall, sonication cultures were positive in 50% of implants. Propionibacterium acnes and coagulase-negative staphylococci were the predominant pathogens isolated from biofilm cultures. Like other implant surfaces, polyurethane-coated implants are prone to biofilm colonization. Further investigations are needed to determine why capsular contracture rates seem to be lower in polyurethane implants than in other implant surfaces. Notably, in this study, 40% of the implants were explanted from breasts with severe capsular contracture.

New Design for Axillary Dual-Plane Endoscopic Breast Augmentation for Asians: the Feasibility of Two Types of Dual-Plane Implant Pockets in 70 Patients as Measured by the BREAST-Q.

The design methods for dual-plane implant pockets for axillary endoscopic breast augmentation vary among different countries. We applied a modified approach for an Asian population. Seventy patients with micromastia underwent our modified approach between 2011 and 2014. Breasts were divided into two types according to the soft-tissue pinch thickness of the lower pole: type I (thickness >2 cm; Group I) and type II (thickness ≤2 cm; Group II). The levels at which the pectoralis major (PM) was severed were 6-6.5 cm and 3-4 cm below the nipple for type I and II pockets, respectively. Then, dissection of the retromammary space was continued from the severance level downward to the new inframammary fold for type I pockets, whereas no dissection was made for type II pockets. All patients completed the pre- and post-operative BREAST-Q augmentation modules. During a mean follow-up of 10 months (range, 6-12 months), patients reported higher satisfaction with breasts after surgery than before surgery (satisfaction scores of 64.9 ± 5.6 vs. 14.7 ± 11.0). The mean satisfaction score for the overall outcome was 91.3 ± 17.3. However, there was no significant difference in physical well-being (87.1 ± 10.4 vs. 85.2 ± 11.7). No complications such as severe capsular contracture or displacement occurred. Distinguishing the need for a type I or II dual-plane pocket can lead to good outcomes and optimal soft-tissue coverage. The higher satisfaction and quality of life reported by our patients indicate that our new design is feasible and safe for most Asians with a medium build. 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.

Rhinoplasty with Cartilage and Alloplastic Materials, Nasal SMAS Management in Asian Rhinoplasty, Contracture Classification, and Secondary Rhinoplasty with Contracture.

Rhinoplasty for Asians is quite different from that of Westerners. Most Asians desire a raised nasal bridge with a projected nasal tip, similar to that of Westerners. Nevertheless, most Asian nasal bones, and upper and lower lateral cartilages are inadequately developed. This largely necessitates the use of a nasal alloplastic material such as a silicone implant, most frequently utilized in nasal cosmetic surgery for Asians. Shaping of the silicone implant is rather easy and its removal is also simple, in the case of a complication or undesired result. The disadvantage of a nasal silicone implant, like that of silicone implants of the breast, is the fibrous capsular formation, which may lead to capsular contracture. The frequently employed types of nasal silicone implant include (1) the boat type in which the silicone implant descends down to the nasal tip, (2) the L-shape in which the silicone implant further extends to the anterior nasal spine (ANS) after passing the tip, and (3) the three-quarter type for which the silicone implant extends down to the upper lateral cartilage. In conjunction with the silicone implant, the cartilages of the ear and the nasal septum are commonly used to create or lengthen tip projection. Asians generally have cartilage with inadequate anatomical development. Instead, they often have an anatomically thick fibrous fatty layer including underdeveloped superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS). Patients with a thick fibrous tissue layer have a bulbous tip. This nasal tip is the area where severe capsular contracture occurs after insertion of a silicone implant. It is imperative that the surgeon properly understands the nasal anatomical characteristics of Asians, and selects an appropriate implant together with a suitable donor cartilage to attain a safe and aesthetically pleasing nose. The same principle should apply to reoperation cases; the fibrofatty layer of SMAS along with the capsular contracture must be removed or released to gain a sufficient soft tissue volume. This provides further stability to the cartilage framework.

Capsular Contracture after Calf Augmentation with Silicone Implant Insertion.

Capsular Contracture after Calf Augmentation with Silicone Implant Insertion.

Porcine acellular dermis-based breast reconstruction: complications and outcomes following adjuvant radiotherapy.

BackgroundAcellular dermal matrices (ADM) such as StratticeTM are increasingly used in UK during implant-based reconstruction. However, there are mixed opinions regarding the compatibility of radiotherapy treatment in pre- and post-reconstructed breasts. The aims of this study are to audit the rates of radiation induced complications in patients who underwent breast reconstruction using StratticeTM and establish whether there is an association between timing of radiotherapy and complication rates.MethodsRetrospective data collection was performed for all patients who underwent skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate or delayed StratticeTM-based reconstruction, and received pre- or post-reconstruction radiotherapy from July 2010 to November 2014.ResultsThe age ranged from 33 to 78 years (mean age 51 ± 10.6) with a mean follow-up time of 21 months. There were 25 StratticeTM-based reconstructions performed. Sixteen had delayed reconstruction, and 9 had skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. There were 4 (16 %) abandoned procedures due to inability to stretch the mastectomy flap secondary to poor skin compliance. Two women (8 %) presented 4 and 9 months later with wound breakdown. One case (4 %) developed severe capsular contracture following radiotherapy post-reconstruction and 1 case (4 %) of implant rupture. There were no episodes of extrusion or implant infection. Overall complication rates were 32 %. The majority (75 %) of complications occurred in breasts reconstructed post-radiotherapy; however, this is not significant when analysed using chi-square (p = 0.43).ConclusionsOur evidence suggests that there is no difference in complication rates in pre- and post-radiation individuals; this would suggest that implant-based reconstruction using StratticeTM should not be an absolute contraindication in pre- or post-radiotherapy patients. However, when planning these procedures, it is paramount that the increased risks are emphasised to patients in order to better manage patient expectation in cases where complications arise.Level of Evidence: Level III, risk / prognostic study.

Polyurethane-coated breast implants revisited: a 30-year follow-up.

BackgroundPolyurethane coating of breast implants has been shown to reduce capsular contracture in short-term follow-up studies. This 30-year study is the longest examination of the use of polyurethane-coated implants and their correlation with capsular contracture.MethodsThis study evaluates the senior surgeon's (F.D.P.) experience with the use of polyurethane-coated implants in aesthetic breast augmentation in 382 patients over 30 years. Follow-up evaluations were conducted for six months after surgery. After the six-month follow-up period, 76 patients returned for reoperation. The gross findings, histology, and associated capsular contracture were noted at the time of explantation.ResultsNo patient during the six-month follow-up period demonstrated capsular contracture. For those who underwent reoperation for capsular contracture, Baker II/III contractures were noted nine to 10 years after surgery and Baker IV contractures were noted 12 to 21 years after surgery. None of the explanted implants had macroscopic evidence of polyurethane, which was only found during the first five years after surgery. The microscopic presence of polyurethane was noted in all capsules up to 30 years after the original operation.ConclusionsAn inverse correlation was found between the amount of polyurethane coating on the implant and the occurrence of capsular contracture. Increasingly severe capsular contracture was associated with a decreased amount of polyurethane coating on the surface of the implants. No contracture occurred in patients whose implants showed incomplete biodegradation of polyurethane, as indicated by the visible presence of polyurethane coating. We recommend research to find a non-toxic, non-biodegradable synthetic material as an alternative to polyurethane.

Transverse Musculocutaneous Gracilis Flap for Treatment of Capsular Contracture in Tertiary Breast Reconstruction

Capsular contracture is a common complication associated with implant-based breast reconstruction and augmentation leading to pain, displacement, and rupture. After capsulectomy and implant exchange, the problem often reappears. We performed 52 deepithelialized free transverse musculocutaneous gracilis (TMG) flaps in 33 patients for tertiary breast reconstruction or augmentation of small- and medium-sized breasts. The indications for implant removal were unnatural feel and emotion of their breasts with foreign body feel, asymmetry, pain, and sensation of cold. Anyway, most of the patients did not have a severe capsular contracture deformity. The TMG flap is formed into a cone shape by bringing the tips of the ellipse together. Depending on the contralateral breast, the muscle can also be shaped in an S-form to get more projection if needed. The operating time for unilateral TMG flap breast reconstruction or augmentation was on average 3 hours and for bilateral procedure 5 hours. One patient had a secondary revision of the donor site due to disruption of the normal gluteal fold. Eighty percent of the unilateral TMG flap reconstructions had a lipofilling procedure afterward to correct small irregularities or asymmetry. The advantages of the TMG flap such as short harvesting time, inconspicuous donor site, and the possibility of having a natural breast shape make it our first choice to treat capsular contracture after breast reconstruction and augmentation.

Breast reconstruction by tissue expander after radiotherapy: When the skin does not expand, the rib cage is at risk

Expander-based breast reconstructions in irradiated chest walls have been documented to result in an increased risk of complications including skin necrosis, extrusion, displacement, and capsule contracture. In this article, thoracic cage deformity and rib fractures were investigated following breast reconstruction by tissue expansion. A prospective series of 89 immediate postmastectomy tissue expander breast mound reconstructions in 81 patients, the patients were divided into two groups, reconstruction with radiotherapy (n = 37) and without radiotherapy (n = 52). The patients were observed for any sudden severe pain and development of capsule contracture; intraoperative assessment was done first during expander insertion then after exchange of expander with implant to detect any deformity of the chest wall. CT scans were done as an objective way to support the clinical findings in patients who developed flat or concave chest wall deformities. Patients who had reconstructions with radiotherapy developed severe capsular contractures causing severe pain and limitation in breast expansion in 35 % of reconstructions compared with 5.7 % in the control group. Twenty-six reconstructions (70.2 %) in the study group developed chest wall deformities; in four of them, the deformity was concave, and two patients (5.4 %) developed multiple rib fractures at the expander site. The overall rate of ribcage deformities in the control group was 32.6 %; all of them were simple flattening with no concave deformities. No fractures were noted in the control group. Expander-based breast reconstruction in combination with radiotherapy and tight unyielding overlying skin and capsule can redirect the expansion force toward the thoracic ribcage rather than the skin causing rib deformities and possible fractures. Level of Evidence: Level IV, risk/prognostic study