Unilateral Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Research Articles

A Novel Framework for Optimizing Efficiency and Education in Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction.

Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps are becoming the most frequent choice for autologous breast reconstruction. There are many benefits to DIEP flaps, but the procedures can be lengthy and have a steep learning curve. The balance of efficiency and education can be difficult to achieve. A framework was implemented to focus on both efficiency and education at each stage of the DIEP flap procedure. The author's methods to improve efficiency include a two-team approach with assigned roles for faculty and residents. The roles are consistent across the institution. Methods to enhance education include practice in a laboratory-based microsurgical training course and assigning goals for the rotation. Trainees include independent and integrated plastic surgery residents without microsurgical fellows. Bilateral DIEPs are performed with two attendings, and unilateral DIEPs, with one attending. A retrospective review identified patients undergoing DIEP flap reconstruction from 2017 to 2020. Outcome measures include operative time and complications, which are comparable to previously published data. Focusing on education allows residents to learn each stage of the case. The authors present a framework for training residents in DIEP flap reconstruction to optimize efficiency and education.

Prolonged operative time is a risk factor for adverse postoperative outcomes in the unilateral deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap surgery: A retrospective cohort study

Currently, one published study documented operative time (OT) as a predictor for postoperative outcomes in bilateral deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstructions. No literature has investigated this in unilateral DIEP flaps. We aimed to determine the relationship between unilateral OT, postoperative complications, unplanned reoperations (UR), and extended length-of-stay (eLOS). Patients who underwent elective unilateral DIEP reconstruction from 2018 to 2023 at a tertiary centre in London, United Kingdom, were retrospectively analysed. Patients were divided into four groups depending on OT quartiles to define a critical cut-off period. Data on extensive covariates, including procedural complexity, was recorded and used in univariable and multivariable regression models. The final cohort contained 173 patients. After risk-adjustment, ≥421-minute operations led to a significantly higher overall complication rate (HR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.26, 3.64, p=0.005) relative to <421min. Significantly higher odds of eLOS were observed in the ≥460-minute group (OR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.07, 3.99, p=0.03) compared to <460min. There was no significant effect on the rate of postoperative UR across any OT group. We confirmed OT was an independent predictor for postoperative outcomes in the DIEP flap, and demonstrated this in unilateral reconstructions. A clinical maximum threshold of 7h was derived based on this cohort to help guide future surgical practice. Efficiency can be achieved by meticulous preoperative planning and process standardisation, multiple senior surgeons working per flap, and smooth teamwork between specialities and intraoperative staff.

Efficacy of breast reconstruction in elderly women (>60 years) using deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps: A comparative study

The indications for microsurgical breast reconstruction remain debated, particularly concerning the safety of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps in elderly women. Free tissue transfer still carries a risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. We conducted this comparative study to clarify this issue. This retrospective cohort study included all unilateral DIEP breast reconstructions performed at a single institution. Patients were divided into two groups based on age: an elderly (60 years or older) and a non-elderly cohort (younger than 60 years). Demographic and comorbidity data were secondary predictor variables. The primary outcomes were complete flap loss, partial flap loss, and the need for flap re-exploration. The secondary outcomes included surgical site occurrences, such as wound healing-related complications, seroma, and others. We included 214 flaps, 177 in the non-elderly and 37 in the elderly cohort. Elderly women had slightly higher comorbidity rates than those of non-elderly women, although these differences were not statistically significant. BMI was significantly lower in elderly women than in non-elderly women. The incidence of total or partial flap loss did not differ significantly between the two cohorts (2.7% vs 1.1%, p = 0.459% and 0.0% vs 5.1%, p = 0.161), nor did the flap re-exploration (8.1% vs 10.1%, p = 0.937). Similarly, postoperative complication rates did not differ significantly between the two groups (45.9% vs 61.8%, p = 0.074). On logistic regression, being elderly was not a risk factor for complete flap loss, nor for any complications. The overall success rate for the non-elderly cohort was 98.7%, whereas that for the elderly cohort was 97.3%. Microsurgical breast reconstruction using DIEP is safe in elderly patients, as it achieves outcomes and complications rates comparable to those observed in a younger population. Patients should not be denied DIEP flaps because of their age alone.

Progression of the Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction Technique at a Dedicated New Zealand Tertiary Plastic Surgery Unit: a Case Series Analysis

AbstractThe deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is the gold standard in post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Improved patient outcomes, reduced operating time and reduced complication rates are reportedly observed over consecutive DIEP series within surgical centres. The aim of this study is to investigate whether outcomes following DIEP flap reconstruction improve over time, by assessing two patient cohorts undergoing the procedure at a microsurgical unit seven years apart. A case analysis was undertaken to identify all patients who underwent primary DIEP flap reconstruction in 2011 and 2018. Outcomes recorded included clinic appointments, operating time, number of primary operations, additional operations and procedures, along with co-morbidities, BMI and radiotherapy rates. Immediate versus delayed and unilateral versus bilateral breast reconstruction was also recorded. Seven patients underwent primary DIEP reconstruction in 2011 and 29 in 2018. There was a significant reduction in additional operations performed in 2018 (p-value = 0.007) and a significant reduction in number of procedures (p-value = 0.043). When adjusted for an outlier, the total operating time for unilateral DIEP reconstruction was significantly shorter in 2018 (p-value = 0.018), along with reduced primary and total operating time for 2018 bilateral reconstructions. The 2018 cohort also had lower complication rates and fewer clinic appointments. This study illustrates how outcomes can improve with experience of DIEP flap reconstruction. The more complex DIEP flap requires investment in terms of skill acquisition and operative time, but is balanced by improvement in patient outcomes.

O030 DIEP flap reconstruction- a single-centre comparison of unipedicled and bipedicled DIEP flaps

Abstract Introduction The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is the gold standard for autologous breast reconstruction. One or two pedicles may be used. Our study is the first to compare unipedicled vs bipedicled DIEP flaps on donor site morbidity and breast outcomes in the same set of patients. Methods A retrospective cohort study comparing outcomes of DIEP flaps between 2019–2022 at our hospital. Results There were 98 patients, categorised differently based on breast or donor site. The three breast groups were unilateral unipedicled (N=52), bilateral unipedicled (N=15) and unilateral, bipedicled (N=31) and donor site groups were, unipedicled (N=52) and bipedicled (N=46, bilateral unipedicled and unilateral bipedicled). Bipedicled DIEPs had 1.15 times greater odds of a donor site complication than unipedicled DIEPs (95% CI 0.52, 2.55). Adjusting for operative time which was longer in bipedicled DIEPS (p&amp;lt;0.001), odds ratio decreased and there was a lower probability of developing a donor site complication for bipedicled (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.31, 2.29). Odds of developing a breast complication were not significantly different between groups. Unilateral unipedicled DIEPs had a significantly higher rate of revisional elective surgery than unilateral bipedicled DIEPs (40.4% vs 12.9%, p=0.029). Conclusion Our study shows no significant difference in donor site morbidity between unipedicled and bipedicled DIEP flaps. Bipedicled DIEPS have slightly higher donor site morbidity rates, which can be partly explained by longer operative times. There is no significant difference in breast complications and bipedicled DIEP flaps can reduce rates of further elective surgery.

O036 Postoperative complications are predicted by surgery duration in the unilateral deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap reconstruction: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract Introduction Currently, one published study documented operative time (OT) as a predictor for postoperative outcomes in bilateral deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstructions. No literature has investigated this in unilateral DIEP flaps. We aimed to determine the relationship between unilateral OT, postoperative complications and length-of-stay (LOS). Methods Electronic hospital data of adult women that underwent elective immediate or delayed unilateral DIEP reconstruction at a tertiary centre in London, between 2021 to 2022, was retrospectively analysed. Patients were divided into four groups depending on OT quartiles to define a critical cut-off period. Data on extensive potential confounders was recorded and used in univariable and multivariable regression models. Further statistical analyses were performed where appropriate. Results The final cohort contained 66 patients. Through quartiles, the risk-adjusted cut-off OT was defined as 515 minutes. After risk-adjustment, operations &amp;gt;515 minutes had a significantly higher overall complication rate than ≤515 minutes (HR: 2.16, p=0.032, 95% CI: 1.067, 4.38). No significant difference in mean ranks of LOS (p=0.16) was noted above the cut-off period. In patients that developed at least one complication type, no significant difference was observed in the unadjusted return-to-theatre rate between the two groups (HR: 0.86, p=0.82, 95% CI: 0.23, 3.24). Conclusion We confirmed OT was an independent predictor for postoperative complications in the DIEP flap and demonstrated this in unilateral reconstructions. Larger multicentre prospective studies are required to ascertain the significance of the OT effects, and to deduce the minimum OT threshold below which detriment to patient outcomes arises.

DIEP flap in breast reconstruction: A morbidity study of bilateral versus unilateral reconstruction

The Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap is a modality in breast reconstruction of choice. Despite its well-documented benefits and complications, a lack of evidence remains with regards to the risks of performing a bilateral versus a unilateral reconstruction. As such, we sought to compare the rates of adverse outcomes in the perioperative and postoperative periods associated with a unilateral versus a bilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction. A retrospective cohort study of 178 consecutive patients undergoing unilateral versus. bilateral deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction was performed at our tertiary care center over a 3-year period. Data on demographics, operative time, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and surgical re-exploration, were extracted for both groups. Statistical analysis was performed on a per-flap basis. A total of 157 unilateral and 42 bilateral deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps were identified. The rate of intra-operative complications was 12.1% for unilateral versus. 4.8% for bilateral flaps (P=0.26). Total post-operative complications rates were 30.6% for unilateral versus 54.7% for bilateral flaps (P=0.003). Surgical re-exploration was performed in 12.7% of unilateral and 11.9% of bilateral cases (P=0.88). The rate of total flap loss was similar between types of reconstruction, occurring in 2.5% of unilateral vs. 2.4% of bilateral flaps (P=1). This study demonstrates the rate of complications per flap is significantly higher in bilateral versus unilateral deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction. Bilateral DIEP breast reconstruction should be decided on a case-by-case basis. Prognostic/Risk Study, Level II.

Should Sickle Cell Trait Be a Contraindication to Breast Reconstruction?—A Case Series Analysis

Abstract Background While sickle cell disease has long been considered a contraindication to breast free flap reconstruction, there have been less definitive decisions about the impact of sickle cell trait on these procedures. We sought to analyze the patients with sickle cell trait who underwent free deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap and pedicled latissimus dorsi (LD) flap at a single institution to determine the reconstructive outcomes. Methods Patients with sickle cell trait who underwent breast free DIEP and pedicled LD reconstruction from 2007 to 2021 at a single institution by the lead surgeon were analyzed for demographics and surgical outcomes. Results Four patients were identified as having sickle cell trait and having undergone a breast flap reconstruction. The average age of the patients was 54 years, median body mass index was 25, and past medical history was notable for one patient being a current smoker, and one patient having hypertension. Two patients received a unilateral free DIEP flap, one received a bilateral free DIEP flap, and one received a unilateral pedicled LD flap for a total of five flaps in four patients. Three of the patients received prior hormone therapy, one received prior radiation therapy, and one received prior chemotherapy. There were no instances of flap failure, vessel thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or deep venous thrombosis. One patient experienced wound dehiscence. Conclusion In this case series we present four patients with sickle cell trait who successfully underwent breast flap reconstruction without any instances of flap or systemic thrombosis. More work is needed to determine how to pre- and postoperatively optimize patients with sickle cell trait for favorable breast flap reconstruction outcomes.

Simultaneous Contralateral Autologous Breast Augmentation during Unilateral Breast Reconstruction Utilizing Deep Inferior Epigastric Flaps.

Background:It is predicted that 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 49,290 new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ will be diagnosed this year. In this study, we will detail our experience with simultaneous contralateral autologous breast augmentation during unilateral breast reconstruction utilizing bilateral deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps.Methods:A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent simultaneous contralateral autologous breast augmentation during unilateral breast reconstruction utilizing bilateral DIEP flaps by the senior surgeons at Beaumont Health Systems, Royal Oak, was conducted. Demographic data, operative details, complications, medical comorbidities, and patient outcomes were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Seven patients who met the inclusion criteria were identified. One patient underwent immediate reconstruction with DIEP flaps, one patient had a history of lumpectomy and underwent delayed partial breast reconstruction, three patients had delayed unilateral DIEP breast reconstruction with contralateral breast augmentation, and two patients had previous augmentations that were revised. All patients examined in this review tolerated the procedures well and had clinically viable flaps along with superior aesthetic outcomes.Conclusions:This technique can be applied to various clinical conditions, including immediate breast reconstruction, delayed breast reconstruction, and salvage for failed implant-based reconstruction, leading to optimal patient outcomes and satisfaction. Unilateral breast reconstruction with simultaneous contralateral autologous breast augmentation utilizing bilateral DIEP flaps is a surgical technique that more plastic surgeons should utilize.

Optimizing Unilateral Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction: A Quality Improvement Study.

Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap surgery commonly involves multiday hospitalization, although data suggest 95% of complications after unilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction occur within the first 24 hours. The aim of this study was to decrease hospitalization time and optimize care of patients undergoing unilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Our study followed Six Sigma's DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve, control) framework. First, we delineated the stakeholders involved in the process and defined workgroups based on temporal relation to the operation. We measured performance according to project SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time bound) goals and subsequently conducted an analysis of inefficiencies. We then created new interventions for quality improvement. Control will entail ongoing monitoring to ensure progress is sustained after study completion. Our interventions lasted 6 months and included 70 patients. By actively striving to advance patients through postoperative milestones during their inpatient stay and creating an outpatient nursing roadmap including aspects of inpatient care, we decreased the median length of stay from 67.8 to 44.8 hours ( p < .001). After receiving nursing instruction, 77% of patients agreed that they felt ready to be discharged. Our study suggests that the DMAIC framework can decrease hospitalization time after DIEP surgery and spare resources for additional patients.

Unilateral immediate deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap breast reconstruction following skin sparing mastectomy: A comparative study on revision surgeries to improve breast symmetry.

The number of revision surgeries to improve breast asymmetry after deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction is still high worldwide with impact on both patients and healthcare systems. These procedures include fat grafting, contralateral breast symmetrization, scar revision, flap repositioning and remodeling. A previously published DIEP flap insetting algorithm has proven to be effective in selecting patient-tailored strategies to achieve excellent aesthetic outcomes. This study investigated whether this insetting algorithm was effective in reducing revision surgeries in patients undergoing SSM and immediate DIEP flap breast reconstruction to achieve the goal of a one-stage reconstruction. This retrospective case-control study included 60 patients (group A) treated without the DIEP flap standardized insetting algorithm and 60 patients (group B) treated with the standardized insetting algorithm, which considers among its variables the type of breast to be reconstructed, abdominal tissue thickness, rotation due to harvesting side. Demographic data, operative data, complications and number of revision surgeries were recorded. One hundred and twenty primary and 106 revision surgeries were performed. Groups were homogenous for age (p=.32), body mass index (p=.77), flap weight (p=.7), operative time (p=.87) and early complications (p=.78). When excluding isolated nipple reconstruction from the revision surgeries, one-stage reconstruction was successfully performed in 26 patients in group A (43.3%) and 39 patients (65.0%) in group B, with a statistically significant difference between the groups (p=.003). The introduction of a standardized insetting algorithm for immediate unilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction can be effective in reducing the number of revision surgeries for breast asymmetry, making a one-stage reconstruction an achievable and reliable target.

Exploring personalized postoperative non-invasive tissue oximetry in DIEP flap breast reconstruction

Early detection of vascular compromise after autologous breast reconstruction is crucial to enable timely re-exploration for flap salvage. Several studies proposed non-invasive tissue oximetry for early identification of ischemia of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps. The present study aimed to explore the utility of non-invasive tissue oximetry following DIEP flap surgery using a personalized oxygenation threshold.MethodsPatients undergoing immediate/delayed DIEP flap surgery were included in this prospective observational study. DIEP flap tissue oxygenation (StO2) was monitored continuously using near-infrared spectroscopy. A baseline measurement was performed by positioning one sensor at the marked position of the major inferior epigastric perforator on the abdomen. A new sensor was positioned postoperatively on the transplanted tissue. In unilateral procedures, postoperative StO2 values of the native breast were also obtained. Measurements were continued for 24 h.ResultsThirty patients (42 flaps) were included. Fourteen patients (46.7%) had an uncomplicated postoperative course. A minor complication was observed in thirteen patients; in five patients, at least one major complication occurred, requiring re-exploration. Median StO2 readings were significantly lower in patients with major complications compared to uncomplicated cases. In fourteen unilateral DIEP flap procedures, StO2 values of the native breast were similar to the preoperative baseline measurement (92%; p = 0.452).ConclusionsNon-invasive tissue oximetry following DIEP flap surgery could aid in early detection of vascular compromise. StO2 values of the native breast and abdominal wall preoperatively can be used interchangeably and can serve as personalized reference value.Level of evidence: Level IV, diagnostic / prognostic study.

The Impact of Virtual Surgical Planning on the Value of Orthognathic Surgery for the Maxillofacial Surgeon

Background: The practice of orthognathic surgery traditionally involved time-intensive presurgical planning that was associated with decreased compensation relative to other procedures within the specialty. This limited reimbursement and subsequent reduction in the incidence of these procedures has been described in the literature. The introduction of VSP has streamlined the presurgical planning process. The purpose of this study is to provide a reevaluation of the relative value units (RVUs) per unit time for orthognathic surgery and to make a comparison to other commonly performed plastic surgery procedures in the context of recent developments in VSP. Methods: RVU data for both orthognathic and common plastic surgery procedures were collected using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. A range of operative times was then used to calculate work RVUs per hour of both orthognathic surgery and other procedures commonly performed by plastic surgeons including: unilateral deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction, bilateral breast tissue expander placement, bilateral breast reduction, bilateral breast reconstruction using latissimus dorsi muscle flaps, and panniculectomy. Results: Hourly RVUs for orthognathic procedures compare favorably to hourly RVUs for other commonly performed plastic surgery procedures when examined within a range of expected average operative times. Conclusions: Accounting for the reduced time commitment to preoperative planning that VSP achieves, the authors demonstrate a significant RVU/hour increase in orthognathic procedures than that described in the literature published prior to the implementation of VSP. Orthognathic surgery remains competitive for maxillofacial surgeons when compared to other procedures in plastic surgery when RVUs/hour is the metric of comparison.

Clinical Impact of DIEP Flap Perforator Characteristics – A Prospective Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging Study

The question to what extent perfusion in deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps depends on specific perforator characteristics has been raised. Anatomical studies and previous clinical trials focussing on DIEP flap perfusion resulted in discrepancies. This prospective study investigates how perforator row, number and diameter affect DIEP flap microperfusion via Indocyanine Green (ICG) fluorescence angiography. The fractional weight of insufficiently perfused flap tissue in Zone 4 related to the total DIEP flap weight was measured based on ICG fluorescence angiography and defined as Zone 4 %. As a surrogate for overall DIEP flap perfusion, Zone 4 % was assessed according to the row, number and diameter of perforators included in the flap. In 42 unilateral DIEP flap breast reconstructions, neither medial (33.6 ± 14.2 %)/lateral perforator row (29.9 ± 7.5 %, p = 0.683) nor the parameter perforator number (single perforator 31.5 ± 14.4 %, two perforators 30.2 ± 10.2 %, p = 0.727) had a statistically significant effect on flap tissue availability as measured via Zone 4 %. A negative correlative trend between perforator diameter and Zone 4 % (r = -0.096, p = 0.588) was observed. Zone 4 % provides a novel method for an objective assessment of DIEP flap perfusion. Medial/lateral row selection and other perforator properties (number, diameter) within the standard ranges, did not affect Zone 4 % as indicated by ICG fluorescence angiography.

Immediate Breast Reconstruction with a Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap in the Lithotomy Position.

Mastectomy and flap harvesting can be accomplished simultaneously in immediate deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction. However, this is not always possible, particularly in a teaching institution, where supervisors, trainees, and assistants must participate in the surgery, because there is not enough working space for breast and plastic surgeons to perform surgery together. We attempted to overcome this problem by placing the patient in the lithotomy position and have reported the outcomes. We evaluated patients who underwent unilateral immediate DIEP flap breast reconstruction in the supine or lithotomy position between October 2014 and July 2016. The surgeries were performed by the same inexperienced plastic surgeon in our hospital. In the lithotomy position, 1 plastic surgeon stands between the patient's legs and 1 stands beside the abdomen, and they perform DIEP flap harvesting simultaneously with mastectomy performed by 3 breast surgeons. After mastectomy, breast reconstruction is performed by 4 plastic surgeons. The supine position was used in the first 8 patients, and the lithotomy position was used in the following 8 patients. The mean operative time was 11 hours 21 minutes in the supine group and 8 hours 52 minutes in the lithotomy group, with a significant difference (P = 0.027). Breast reconstruction with a DIEP flap in the lithotomy position is useful for teaching institutions because it provides sufficient working space and allows simultaneous procedures without prolonging operative time. However, issues such as pressure sores, nerve palsy, and difficulty in patient placement still exist.

Immediate Bilateral Breast Reconstruction Using Abdominally Based Flaps: An Analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database.

Bilateral mastectomy rates are increasing in the United States. The abdomen is the most common harvest site for autologous reconstruction. Nationwide data were examined to determine differences in hospital charges, length of stay (LOS), and early postoperative complications following immediate bilateral pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (pTRAM), free TRAM (fTRAM), deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP), and superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) perforator flaps and were compared with unilateral reconstruction. Patients who underwent immediate bilateral breast reconstruction using a single method of abdominally based reconstruction were identified using the 2009 to 2014 Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database. Outcomes included total hospital charges, LOS, and immediate postoperative complications. We identified 13,348 cases of bilateral mastectomy with a single type of immediate bilateral autologous flap reconstruction. The majority were bilateral DIEP flaps. Mean total cost for bilateral pTRAM, fTRAM, DIEP, and SIEA flaps was US $21,886.80, US $28,839.40, US $30,051.30, and US $33,784.90, respectively (p < 0.0001). Mean LOS for bilateral pTRAM, fTRAM, DIEP, and SIEA was 4.3, 4.9, 4.5, and 5.4 days, respectively (p = 0.0002), and hematoma rates were 1.93, 2.61, 3.68, and 16.59%, respectively, (p = 0.0001), whereas return to the operating room for vascular anastomosis revision was 0, 1.63, 1.99, and 19.07%, respectively (p < 0.0001). Cost is less for unilateral pTRAM, fTRAM, and DIEP flaps (p < 0.0001). LOS is shorter for unilateral fTRAM versus bilateral (p < 0.0001). No differences were appreciated between unilateral and bilateral hematoma and reoperation rates for any reconstruction (p > 0.1). Immediate complication rates were higher in bilateral free flaps compared with bilateral pedicled flaps. pTRAM and fTRAM flap reconstructions are still performed frequently with acceptable immediate results without considering long-term morbidity, aesthetics, and abdominal muscle function. Bilateral SIEA free flaps were associated with significantly higher total cost, LOS, and complication rates compared with other groups. Complications were similar between unilateral and bilateral reconstruction procedures. While cost is significantly greater for bilateral procedures compared with unilateral pTRAM, fTRAM, and DIEP flaps, it is not doubled.

Contralateral unaffected breast augmentation using zone IV as a SIEA flap during unilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction

BackgroundContralateral breast augmentation during unilateral breast reconstruction is a good option for women with small breasts. In patients with adequate lower abdominal tissues, the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is often the first choice for unilateral autologous breast reconstruction. We use Zone IV, which is usually excised owing to its insufficient blood circulation, as a superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap for contralateral breast augmentation. MethodsBetween October 2004 and January 2016, 32 patients underwent unilateral breast reconstruction using a DIEP flap and an attempted simultaneous contralateral breast augmentation with an SIEA flap. The unilateral DIEP flap attached to the contralateral SIEA flap was split into two separate flaps after indocyanine green angiography. In all patients, ipsilateral internal mammary vessels were used as recipient vessels for DIEP flap breast reconstruction. The SIEA flap pedicle was anastomosed to several branches of the deep inferior epigastric vessels. The SIEA flap was inset beneath the contralateral breast through the midline. ResultsOf 32 patients, 27 underwent DIEP flap breast reconstruction and simultaneous unaffected breast augmentation using 25 SIEA or 2 superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flaps. All DIEP flaps survived, and total necrosis occurred in one SIEA flap. The mean weight of the final inset for DIEP flap reconstruction and SIEA or SCIP flap augmentation was 416 g and 112 g, respectively. ConclusionsUnilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction and contralateral SIEA flap breast augmentation may be safely performed with satisfactory results.

Abstract P5-16-12: Implementation and outcomes of a microsurgical breast reconstruction program at a public cancer center in Mexico

Abstract Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy in Mexico, and although many Mexican women need breast reconstruction, this is not covered by most public insurance schemes. The National Cancer Institute of Mexico (INCan), located in southern Mexico City provides care to uninsured individuals with all types of malignancies, including BC. In 2012, INCan received a grant from the Mexican federal government in order to establish the “Post-Mastectomy Program” (PMP), aimed at providing free breast reconstruction to women after mastectomy. Here, we describe the implementation and outcomes of our microsurgical breast reconstruction program. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all patients undergoing microsurgical breast reconstruction after mastectomy at INCan between the establishment of the PMP in 01/2013 and until 12/2017. Sociodemographic, clinical and surgical characteristics were collected. We also recorded for the presence of complications directly related to the reconstructive procedures, including local complications (infections, necrosis, thrombosis etc.), flap loss, need for reoperation and hospitalization time. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as means, medians and proportions. Results: 161 microsurgical breast reconstructions were conducted at INCan between 01/2013 and 01/2017, ranging from 23 in 2013 to 41 in 2016. Median patient age was 45 years (y) (21-66), and 57% had &amp;lt; high school education. 2.5% had diabetes, 9.9% hypertension, and 2.5% rheumatologic diseases. Median body mass index was 26.8 (18.2-39), 82.6% were non-smokers and 46.5% (n = 108) had previous abdominal scars. Regarding reasons for mastectomy, 67.7% were due to invasive BC, 11.8% to ductal carcinoma in situ, and 5.6% to BRCA mutations. Of the 109 invasive carcinomas, 21.8% were stage I, 57.3% stage II, and 20% stage III; 21.7% received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. 125 patients underwent immediate reconstruction, of which 89 used unilateral deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps (DIEP), 35 bilateral DIEPs, and 1 other technique. Mean preoperatory albumin was 4.2g/dL (SD 0.35), while mean preoperatory hemoglobin was 14.2g/dL (SD 1.2). 41.6% of the patients (n = 67) had at least one surgical complication, with the most common being delayed wound healing in 17% and fat necrosis in 14%. 26% of patients had to be reoperated, and flap loss occurred in 13% (n = 21). No differences were noted in the clinical or surgical characteristics of patients with or without flap loss. Median length of stay was 6 days (range 2-17). Conclusions:This is the first detailed description of the outcomes of a microsurgical reconstruction program in a country with limited resources. Developing and implementing such a program is feasible, and may provide access to breast reconstruction to women who would normally be unable to obtain it. Citation Format: Vargas-Salas D, Figueroa-Padilla J, Soto-Perez-de-Celis E, Maciel-Miranda A, Santamaria E, Zacarías-Gutiérrez LM, Cabrera-Galeana P, Bargallo-Rocha E. Implementation and outcomes of a microsurgical breast reconstruction program at a public cancer center in Mexico [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-16-12.

Optimizing DIEP Flap Insetting for Immediate Unilateral Breast Reconstruction: A Prospective Cohort Study of Patient-Reported Aesthetic Outcomes.

To improve the aesthetic outcome of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction, flaps should be tailored to the patient's characteristics. A single method of DIEP flap insetting will not suffice for all women seeking breast reconstruction. The authors share the outcomes of a prospective longitudinal study on DIEP flap insetting and present an algorithm for reconstruction. Over 4 years, 70 consecutive immediate unilateral DIEP flap breast reconstructions were prospectively evaluated. DIEP insetting was based on the characteristics of the donor site and contralateral breast, according to the authors' algorithm. Baseline and outcome data were collected. Aesthetic outcomes were evaluated by a panel of three independent assessors, and patient-reported outcomes were quantified using the BREAST-Q at 1 year after reconstruction. Seventy women underwent reconstruction. There were no total or partial flap failures, four cases of fat necrosis, and 14 revision operations. Women reported a mean overall BREAST-Q score of 82 of 100, representing excellent satisfaction but poor satisfaction with sexual well-being. BREAST-Q scores were not associated with age or body mass index. Fat necrosis reduced satisfaction with the chest (absolute mean reduction, 13; 95 percent CI, 8 to 18; p = 0.002). Independent assessors scored the outcomes favorably, but there was no agreement between surgeons, nurses, and lay assessors. The authors' algorithm can support surgeons in selecting individually tailored DIEP flap insetting to achieve excellent aesthetic outcomes. Further research is needed as to the relevance of scores from BREAST-Q in relation to interventions. Therapeutic, IV.

Intraoperative Indocyanine Green Angiography for Fat Necrosis Reduction in the Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) Flap

Fat necrosis is a frequent complication (up to 62.5%) of microsurgical breast reconstruction using the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap. This could have important clinical and psychological repercussions, deteriorating the results and increasing reconstruction costs. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the intraoperative use of indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) to reduce fat necrosis in DIEP flap. Sixty-one patients who underwent unilateral DIEP flap procedures for breast reconstruction after oncological mastectomy were included (24 cases with intraoperative use of ICGA during surgery, 37 cases in the control group). The follow-up period was 1 year after surgery. The association between the use of ICGA and the incidence of fat necrosis in the first postoperative year, differences in fat necrosis grade (I-V), differences in fat necrosis requiring reoperation, quality of life, and patient satisfaction were analyzed. The incidence of fat necrosis was reduced from 59.5% (control group) to 29% (ICG-group) (P = 0.021) (relative risk = 0.49 [95% CI, 0.25-0.97]). The major difference was in grade II (27% vs 2.7%, P = 0.038). The number of second surgeries for fat necrosis treatment was also reduced (45.9% vs 20.8%, P = 0.046). The ICG group had higher scores on the BREAST-Q. Intraoperative ICGA is a useful technique for reconstructive microsurgery that might improve patient satisfaction and reduce the incidence of fat necrosis by half as well as reduce its grade, especially in small fat necrosis cases; consequently, ICGA could reduce the number of secondary surgeries for treatment of fat necrosis.