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Background:  Autologous breast reconstruction is associated with superior patient-reported outcomes compared with prosthetic techniques, but little is known about the relationship between autologous flap mass and patient satisfaction. We hypothesized that a higher differential mass (ratio of flap mass to mastectomy mass) would be associated with greater satisfaction with reconstruction., Methods:  In this retrospective study, patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction between 2015 and 2020 with a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap completed the BREAST-Q survey. Multivariate linear regression models were used to examine the relationship between differential mass and patient satisfaction. Models controlled for body mass index (BMI), age at surgery, reconstruction size preference, number of surgeries, previous surgery failure, whether the patient underwent radiation therapy, and whether reconstruction was unilateral or bilateral., Results:  Overall, 45 patients (70 breasts) completed the BREAST-Q survey. Mean age at reconstruction was 52.2 years and mean time to survey completion following surgery was 21.1 months. Most patients (59.4%) desired a smaller breast after reconstruction. The mean differential mass was +26.3% (flap mass greater than mastectomy mass). Differential mass was positively associated with all satisfaction measures with results being significant for satisfaction with breasts scores ( p =0.032)., Conclusion:  In this preliminary study, a higher ratio of autologous flap mass to mastectomy mass was associated with overall higher patient-reported satisfaction. A 1:1 flap to mastectomy mass ratio may not adequately reapproximate desired breast size or shape. Larger autologous flap mass may be favorable for long-term patient satisfaction, and future studies should investigate the relationship between differential mass and breast esthetics., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.) more...

Background:  Surgical drains are routinely used following autologous reconstruction, but are often cited as the leading cause of peri-operative discomfort. This study defined routine drain use duration and assessed the risk factors for prolonged breast and abdominal drain use during microvascular breast reconstruction, measures which have never previously been defined., Methods:  Patients who underwent an abdominal microvascular free flap were included. Demographics, comorbidities, and operation-related characteristics were retrospectively collected in a prospectively maintained database. Statistical analysis utilized chi-square independent t -test, and linear regression analyses., Results:  One hundred forty-nine patients comprising 233 breast flaps were included. Average breast and abdominal drain duration were 12.9 ± 3.9 and 17.7 ± 8.2 days, respectively. Prolonged breast and abdominal drain duration were defined as drain use beyond the 75 th percentile at 14 and 19 days, respectively. Multivariable regression revealed hypertension was associated with an increased breast drain duration by 1.4 days ( p  = 0.024), axillary dissection with 1.7 days ( p  = 0.026), African-American race with 3.1 days ( p  < 0.001), Hispanic race with 1.6 days ( p  = 0.029), return to the OR with 3.2 days ( p  = 0.004), and each point increase in BMI with 0.1 days ( p  = 0.028). For abdominal drains, each point increase in BMI was associated with an increased abdominal drain duration by 0.3 days ( p  = 0.011), infection with 14.4 days ( p  < 0.001), and return to the OR with 5.7 days ( p  = 0.007)., Conclusion:  Elevated BMI, hypertension, and axillary dissection increase risk for prolonged breast drain requirement in autologous reconstruction. African-American and Hispanic populations experience prolonged breast drain requirement after controlling for other factors, warranting further study., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.) more...

Background: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy before mastectomy helps reduce tumor burden and pathologic response in breast cancer. Limited evidence exists regarding how neoadjuvant chemotherapy impacts outcomes following microvascular breast reconstruction. This study examines the effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens and schedules on microvascular breast reconstruction complication rates and also assesses the effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on circulating immune cells related to wound healing., Methods: Patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and microvascular breast reconstruction at Yale New Haven Hospital between 2013 and 2018 were identified. Demographic variables, oncologic history, chemotherapy regimens, and complication profiles were collected. Chemotherapy regimens were stratified by inclusion of anthracycline and order of taxane administration. Chi-square, Fisher's exact, and t tests were used for univariate analysis. Multivariate binary logistic regression was used to control for covariates., Results: One hundred patients met inclusion criteria. On multivariate analysis, the administration of taxane first in an anthracycline-containing chemotherapy sequence was associated with increased complications (OR, 3.521; p = 0.012), particularly fat necrosis (OR, 2.481; p = 0.040). In the logistic regression model evaluating the effect of the taxane-first regimen on complication rates, the area under the curve was estimated to be 0.760 (p < 0.0001), particularly fat necrosis 0.635 (p < 0.05). The dosage of chemotherapy, number of days between neoadjuvant chemotherapy completion and surgery, and number of circulating immune cells did not significantly differ among patients who experienced complications., Conclusions: Taxane-first, anthracycline-containing neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens were associated with increased complications, particularly fat necrosis. The increased postreconstruction complication risk must be weighed against the benefits of taxane-first regimens in improving tumor outcome., Clinical Question/level of Evidence: Therapeutic, III., (Copyright © 2021 by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.) more...

Introduction: Autologous breast reconstruction has evolved from more morbid procedures that sacrificed the abdominal muscle (the TRAM or transverse rectus abdominus muscle flap) to "perforator" flaps. Commercial insurers recognized the higher technical demand of perforator flaps by creating procedural codes with higher professional fees. This study examined whether procedure code discrepancies between insurance payers disproportionally incentivize perforator flaps among the commercially insured., Methods: Autologous breast reconstructions identified from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) were subdivided into microvascular perforator (85.74, 85.75, 85.76), microvascular TRAM (85.73), and pedicled TRAM flaps (85.72). Demographics, comorbidities and access to care were compared. A logistic regression comparing microvascular reconstructions only was used to identify predictors for perforator flap reconstruction., Results: A total of 66,968 cases of autologous breast reconstruction were identified. Perforator flaps were more likely among the commercially insured (p < 0.001) and higher insurance quartiles (p < 0.001).When comparing microvascular reconstruction, perforator flaps were 1.72 (p < 0.001) times more likely among the commercially insured. As compared to the lowest income quartile, the fourth quartile had an odds ratio of 1.36 (p < 0.001) for perforator flap reconstruction., Conclusion: The presence of a separate perforator flap billing code among the commercially insured may be exacerbating existing socioeconomic disparities in breast cancer reconstruction., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.) more...

Background: Numerous studies have evaluated the effect of post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) on autologous breast reconstruction, but the variability of PMRT regimens and inadequate controls have made results difficult to interpret. Therefore, in this study, irradiated free-flaps are compared to non-irradiated internal controls in patients who underwent immediate bilateral reconstruction followed by unilateral PMRT to better delineate the effect of PMRT. The role of regional nodal irradiation (RNI) is also specifically assessed., Methods: Appropriate patients were identified through retrospective review. Complications such as fat necrosis, fibrosis, infection, delayed healing, and flap loss, as well as revision surgeries, among the irradiated free-flaps were compared to those on the contralateral non-irradiated side. Additional analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of patient demographics and treatment characteristics, such as RNI, on complications involving the irradiated free-flaps., Results: Seventy-three women were included. There was no significant difference between complication rates for the irradiated and non-irradiated free-flaps (39.7% vs. 38.4%, p = .78), although irradiated free-flaps were more likely to have fibrosis (17.0% vs. 0.0%; p < .0001) and multiple complications (9.6% vs. 0.0%; p = .02). Both groups underwent a similar number of revision surgeries (42.5% vs. 41.1%; p = .29). Looking at the irradiated free-flaps, internal mammary node (IMN) irradiation was the only factor predictive of complications (IRR 3.80, CI 1.32-10.97; p = .01)., Conclusions: PMRT may contribute to free-flap fibrosis, but does not appear to affect the overall risk of complications or revision surgeries. However, additional counseling is warranted if IMN irradiation is likely, as it is potentially associated with increased complications., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.) more...

Introduction: Patient selection for autologous tissue transfer for postmastectomy breast reconstruction often utilizes body mass index (BMI) to risk stratify patients, though it only estimates fat content and does not address fat distribution. This study aims to identify a measurement of abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness (ASFT) from preoperative computed tomography (CT) angiography imaging to better predict complications., Methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent an abdominal microvascular free flap breast reconstruction was performed. The average of the bilateral distances from the lateral border of the rectus abdominus to the most proximal point of the dermis at the L4-L5 space was measured on preoperative imaging to estimate ASFT. This measurement was compared to BMI in regards to correlation with any complication, major or minor complications, and donor or recipient site complications. Statistical analysis utilized point-biserial correlations and multivariable logistic regression analyses., Results: Three hundred and nine cases comprising a total of 496 breast reconstructions were identified. BMI did not correlate with any of the grouped complications, while ASFT correlated with occurrence of any complication (p = .003), minor complications (p = .001), and recipient site complications (p = .001). Further analysis revealed ASFT is specifically correlated with fat necrosis (p = .005). In independent multivariable regression models, both BMI (p = .011) and ASFT (p = .001) were significant predictors of fat necrosis. The ASFT model had a BIC of 335.42 compared to the BMI model with a value of 340.89, with smaller numbers representing more predictive models., Conclusion: Estimation of ASFT is easily performed and is a significantly better predictor of flap fat necrosis than BMI., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.) more...

Introduction: Timing of autologous reconstruction relative to postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) is debated. Benefits of immediate reconstruction must be weighed against a possibly heightened risk of complications from flap irradiation. We reviewed flap outcomes after single operation plus PMRT in a large institutional cohort., Methods: Medical records were reviewed for women who underwent simultaneous mastectomy-autologous reconstruction with PMRT from 2007 to 2016. Primary endpoints were rates and types of radiation-related flap complications and reoperations, whose predictors were assessed by multivariable analysis. A p value < 0.10 was deemed significant to avoid type II error. Non-parametric logistic regression generated a model of PMRT timing associated with probabilities of complications and reoperations., Results: One-hundred and thirty women underwent 208 mastectomy reconstruction operations, with a median follow up of 35.1 months (interquartile range 23.6-56.5). Forty-seven (36.2%) women experienced radiation-related complications, commonly fat necrosis (44.1%) and chest wall asymmetry (28.8%). Complications were higher among women who received PMRT < 3 months after surgery (46.8% for < 3 months vs. 29.3% for ≥ 3 months; p = 0.06), most of whom received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and among women treated with internal mammary nodal (IMN) radiation (65.2% vs. 26.4%; p < 0.01); IMN radiation remained strongly associated in multivariable analysis (odds ratio [OR] 5.24; p < 0.01). Thirty-two (24.6%) women underwent 70 reoperations, commonly fat grafting (51.9%) and fat necrosis excision (17.1%). Reoperations were higher among women who received PMRT < 3 months after surgery (48.9 for < 3 months vs. 36.6 for ≥ 3 months; p = 0.19), which was significantly associated in multivariable analysis (OR 0.42; p = 0.08 for ≥ 3 months). The probabilities of complications and reoperations were lowest when PMRT was administered ≥ 3 months after surgery., Conclusions: Among a large institutional cohort, immediate autologous reconstruction was associated with similar rates of adverse flap outcomes as historically reported alternatively sequenced protocols. IMN radiation increased risk, while PMRT ≥ 3 months after surgery decreased risk. Additional studies are needed to elaborate the impact of IMN radiation and early PMRT in immediate versus delayed autologous reconstruction. more...

Background: BREAST-Q is a validated measure of patient satisfaction and health-related quality of life following breast surgery. Limited evidence exists with regard to the influence of preoperative overall health status on BREAST-Q outcomes. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification is representative of preoperative overall health and its impact on patient-reported outcomes can be assessed., Methods: Patients who received breast reconstruction at Yale New Haven Hospital between 2013 and 2018 and completed the BREAST-Q were enrolled in the study. Associations between BREAST-Q scores within modules and between modules and ASA were analyzed. Pearson's correlation and Spearman's Rho were used to characterize correlations between patient factors and BREAST-Q scores. Significantly correlated factors were entered into a general linear model (GLM) to control for confounding variables and isolate the effect of ASA on BREAST-Q scores., Results: A total of 1136 patients underwent breast reconstruction of whom 489 patients completed the BREAST-Q. Increasing ASA indicative of worsening overall health was associated with a decreased BREAST-Q score for all modules except Physical Well-being of the Abdomen (p<0.01 to p = 0.029). In a GLM controlling for relevant covariates, ASA remained a significant contributor for all modules except Physical Well-being of the Chest (p<0.01 to p = 0.021). BREAST-Q scores decreased by approximately twice as much from ASA 1 to 2 compared to ASA 2 to 3., Conclusion: ASA classification is an independent predictor of BREAST-Q patient-reported outcomes following breast reconstruction. Communicating the potential impact of overall health may help reduce the discrepancy in postoperative satisfaction across ASA classifications., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest None declared., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.) more...

Psychiatric well-being impacts on general satisfaction and quality of life. This study explored how the presence of psychiatric diagnoses affects patient-reported outcomes in breast reconstruction and on selection of reconstructive modality. Patients who received breast reconstruction at a tertiary hospital between 2013 and 2018 and completed the BREAST-Q survey were included. BREAST-Q module scores were compared between patients who had a psychiatric diagnosis at presentation and the remaining cohort using t tests. General linear models (GLMs) were used to control for confounding factors. A chi-squared test was used to assess the effect on reconstructive modality, and binary logistic regression was used to control for confounding factors. Of the 471 patients included, 93 (19.7%) had at least one psychiatric diagnosis. Cohorts did not differ significantly by age, BMI, race, ASA classification, or insurance status. Patients with a psychiatric diagnosis experienced a decrease in BREAST-Q scores for the Psychosocial Wellbeing (B = 9.16, P = .001) and Sexual Wellbeing (B = 9.29, P = .025) modules. On binary logistic regression, patients with a psychiatric diagnosis were less likely to receive autologous reconstruction compared with implant reconstruction (OR = 0.489, P = .010). The presence of psychiatric diagnoses is an independent predictor of decreased BREAST-Q. Furthermore, there is a significant disparity in modality of reconstruction given to patients with psychiatric diagnoses. Further study is needed to evaluate interventions to improve satisfaction among at-risk populations and evaluate the reason for low autologous reconstruction in this population., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.) more...

Socioeconomic status (SES) remains an important population health risk factor and impacts a patient's experience of care during breast cancer. This study explored the relationship between SES and quality of life and satisfaction in survivorship following breast cancer and reconstruction. All patients underwent breast reconstruction at a single academic center from 2013 to 2017. Patients completed the five quality of life and satisfaction domains of the BREAST-Q, a validated patient-reported outcome measure. Estimated home value using a web-based real estate website was used to approximate a patient's socioeconomic status. Correlations were evaluated using Pearson's correlation methods, where appropriate, as well as analysis of covariance. Data were stratified for comparison utilizing t tests and linear regression models. Significance was defined as P ≤ .05. Four hundred patients underwent 711 breast reconstructions during the study time period. Satisfaction with the breast (P = .038) and psychosocial well-being (P = .012) had significant positive correlations with increasing socioeconomic status. When stratifying patients' socioeconomic status into thirds, the upper third had significantly higher psychosocial well-being (P = .001), satisfaction with breasts (P = .010), and physical well-being of the chest (P = .001) than the lower third. Significance persisted even after controlling for cancer stage, treatment, complications, and baseline comorbidities. Higher socioeconomic status is associated with greater satisfaction with breast reconstruction and psychosocial well-being following breast cancer treatment. Providing added social, psychological, and emotional support networks may be beneficial long after the initial cancer treatment and reconstruction are complete. Patients of lower socioeconomic status may benefit from additional resources., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.) more...

Breast reconstruction is a common procedure that is performed in both community and academic settings. At Yale-New Haven Hospital (YNHH), both academic (AP) and community-based (CP) plastic surgeons perform breast reconstructions. We aim to compare practice patterns in breast reconstruction between two practice environments within a single institution. A retrospective chart review of all breast reconstructions at YNHH between 2013 and 2018 was performed. Data collected included demographics, preoperative history, and postoperative outcomes. Results were further subdivided by practice setting. A total of 1045 patients (1683 breasts) underwent breast reconstruction during the study period. About 52.8% were performed by AP while 47.2% were performed by CP. CP had higher rates of autologous reconstruction (P < .001) and nipple-sparing mastectomy (P < .0001). Age and BMI were similar between the cohorts. However, patients cared for by AP had 2.6% increased prevalence of diabetes (P = .064), 5.5% greater prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses (P = .004), and 7.1% higher open abdominal surgery rates (P < .001). Outcomes were similar between the groups except for higher infection rates (P = .027) and explant rates (P = .003) in the CP cohort. When evaluating insurance status, the AP cohort had 30.5% fewer patients with commercial insurance, 16.7% more patients with Medicaid and 6.1% more patients with Medicare (P < .001). Within our institution, academic and community-based plastic surgeons perform breast reconstruction with overall similar complication rates. Patients treated by AP have a higher rate of preoperative medical and psychiatric comorbidities. Patients treated by CP have higher rates of infection and implant explant. AP plastic surgeons care for a significantly higher rate of Medicare and Medicaid patients with proportionally fewer patients with commercial insurance., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.) more...

Background: The impact of insurance and socioeconomic status on breast reconstruction modalities when access to care is controlled is unknown., Methods: Records for patients who underwent breast reconstruction at an academic medical center between 2013 and 2017 were reviewed and analyzed using chi-square analysis and logistic regression., Results: One thousand six hundred eighty-three breast reconstructions were analyzed. The commercially insured were more likely to undergo microvascular autologous breast reconstruction (44.4 percent versus 31.3 percent; p < 0.001), with an odds ratio of 2.22, whereas patients with Medicare and Medicaid were significantly more likely to receive tissue expander/implant breast reconstruction, with an odds ratio of 1.42 (41.7 percent versus 47.7 percent; p = 0.013). Comparing all patients with microvascular reconstruction, the commercially insured were more likely to receive a perforator flap (79.7 percent versus 55.3 percent versus 43.9 percent), with an odds ratio of 4.23 (p < 0.001). When stratifying patients by median household income, those in the highest income quartile were most likely to receive a perforator flap (82.1 percent) (p < 0.001), whereas those in the lowest income quartile were most likely to receive a muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (36.4 percent) (p < 0.001)., Conclusions: Patients at the same academic medical center had significantly different breast reconstruction modalities when stratified by insurance and household income. Despite similar access to care, differences in insurance types may favor higher rates of perforator flap breast reconstruction among the commercially insured., Clinical Question/level of Evidence: Risk, II. more...

Background: CT angiography (CTA) can be performed pre-operatively for perforator mapping in autologous breast reconstruction. The full impact of incidental CTA findings on breast reconstruction remains unclear., Methods: CTAs were reviewed for all patients who underwent imaging prior to autologous breast reconstruction at Yale New Haven Hospital from 2013-2018. CTA findings and all resulting follow-up imaging, treatment, and change in management were catalogued. Our findings were compared to other published reports in the literature to better categorize the impact of CTA findings on patient care., Results: Records from 341 patients were reviewed. One hundred fifty-four patients (45.2%) had incidental findings with 15.6% requiring further imaging or biopsy. Three patients (0.9%) underwent a change in management. One patient was diagnosed with metastatic disease prior to mastectomy. Another two patients required gynecologic procedures as a result of the CTA findings. Data was pooled with three other series in the literature for aggregate analysis of 959 operative planning CTAs. In total, incidental findings were present in 53.7% of patients. In the meta-analysis, 10.4% of patients required additional imaging or biopsy and 1.4% of screening CTAs impacted medical management., Conclusion: Pre-operative autologous breast reconstruction planning reveals incidental findings in approximately half of all imaging studies. In an analysis of nearly 1000 CTAs, patient care was impacted in 1.4% of cases. If imaging is obtained for planning purposes, the reconstructive microsurgeon should carefully review the full imaging report given its potential impact on patient care., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.) more...

Background: Two-stage implant breast reconstruction is the most commonly performed breast reconstruction procedure. Limited data exist regarding reconstruction complication rates examined by mastectomy indication., Methods: Patients who underwent two-stage implant breast reconstruction at Yale New Haven Hospital from 2011 to 2017 were included in the study. Perioperative complications were compared. Chi-square analysis, t tests, and Fisher's exact tests were used to determine significant associations. A binary logistic regression was used to determine variables with a significant impact on the likelihood of mastectomy flap necrosis., Results: Between 2011 and 2017, complete perioperative records were available for 141 patients who underwent 226 mastectomies followed by two-stage tissue expander/permanent implant reconstruction. Of the 226 mastectomies, 134 were therapeutic and 92 were prophylactic. On regression analysis, there were no significant differences in demographics, comorbidities, or mastectomy and reconstructive details between the two breast groups except for there being more modified radical mastectomies in therapeutic breasts (p = 0.003). When comparing complications, there was a significantly higher risk of mastectomy flap necrosis in the therapeutic group (p = 0.017). Therapeutic mastectomies had a 9.5 times higher risk of mastectomy flap necrosis than prophylactic mastectomies when adjusted for confounding variables. There were no significant differences in other reconstructive complications between the two groups., Conclusions: Patients undergoing therapeutic mastectomies have a significantly higher risk of mastectomy flap necrosis than those undergoing prophylactic mastectomies. Although the underlying cause still needs to be determined, differences in technique may be related to mastectomy flap necrosis., Clinical Question/level of Evidence: Risk, II. more...

Background: Racial disparities among patients who receive breast mastectomy and reconstruction have not been well characterized., Methods: Records of patients undergoing breast extirpative and reconstructive surgery at a high-volume university-affiliated hospital over 5 consecutive years were reviewed. Patient demographics, breast cancer profiles, reconstructive modality, and outcomes were compared by race., Results: A total of 1045 patients underwent 1678 breast reconstructions during the five-year period. Mean age and standard deviation was 49.8 ± 10.6 years with a BMI of 27.9 ± 6.5. Hispanic and African American patients had significantly higher BMIs (p < 0.001), higher rates of ASA class III or IV (p = 0.025), obesity, diabetes, hypertension (p < 0.001 for these three comparisons), and smoking (p = 0.003), and had more prior abdominal surgeries (p = 0.007). Comparing oncologic characteristics, this population subset had higher rates of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (p = 0.036), history of radiation (p = 0.016), and were more likely to undergo modified radical mastectomy (p = 0.002) over nipple-sparing mastectomy (p = 0.035). Reconstructive complications revealed a higher overall complication rate (p = 0.023), higher rates of partial mastectomy flap necrosis (p = 0.043), as well as arterial (p = 0.009) and venous insufficiency (p = 0.026) during microvascular reconstruction among Hispanic and African American patients., Conclusions: Compared to other patients, the present study identifies higher comorbidity burdens, higher rates of prior radiation and neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and higher post-surgical complication rates among Hispanic and African American patients with breast cancer., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd, BASO ~ The Association for Cancer Surgery, and the European Society of Surgical Oncology. All rights reserved.) more...

Background: Free flap monitoring in autologous reconstruction after nipple-sparing mastectomy remains controversial. The authors therefore examined outcomes in nipple-sparing mastectomy with buried free flap reconstruction versus free flap reconstruction incorporating a monitoring skin paddle., Methods: Autologous free flap reconstructions with nipple-sparing mastectomy performed from 2006 to 2015 were identified. Demographics and operative results were analyzed and compared between buried flaps and those with a skin paddle for monitoring., Results: Two hundred twenty-one free flaps for nipple-sparing mastectomy reconstruction were identified: 50 buried flaps and 171 flaps incorporating a skin paddle. The most common flaps used were deep inferior epigastric perforator (64 percent), profunda artery perforator (12.1 percent), and muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps (10.4 percent). Patients undergoing autologous reconstructions with a skin paddle had a significantly greater body mass index (p = 0.006). Mastectomy weight (p = 0.017) and flap weight (p < 0.0001) were significantly greater in flaps incorporating a skin paddle. Comparing outcomes, there were no significant differences in flap failure (2.0 percent versus 2.3 percent; p = 1.000) or percentage of flaps requiring return to the operating room (6.0 percent versus 4.7 percent; p = 0.715) between groups. Buried flaps had an absolute greater mean number of revision procedures per nipple-sparing mastectomy (0.82) compared with the skin paddle group (0.44); however, rates of revision procedures per nipple-sparing mastectomy were statistically equivalent between the groups (p = 0.296)., Conclusion: Although buried free flap reconstruction in nipple-sparing mastectomy has been shown to be safe and effective, the authors' technique has evolved to favor incorporating a skin paddle, which allows for clinical monitoring and can be removed at the time of secondary revision., Clinical Question/level of Evidence: Therapeutic, III. more...

Background: Nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate, permanent implant reconstruction offers patients a prosthetic "breast in a day" compared to tissue expander techniques requiring multiple procedures., Methods: Patients undergoing nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate, permanent implant reconstruction were reviewed with patient demographics and outcomes analyzed., Results: Of 842 nipple-sparing mastectomies from 2006 to June of 2015, 160 (19.0 percent) underwent immediate, permanent implant reconstruction. The average age and body mass index were 46.5 years and 23.3 kg/m. The majority of implants were either Allergan Style 20 (48.1 percent) or Style 15 (22.5 percent). The average implant size was 376.2 ml, and 91.3 percent of reconstructions used acellular dermal matrix. The average number of reconstructive operations was 1.3. Follow-up was 21.9 months. The most common major complication was major mastectomy flap necrosis (8.1 percent). The rate of reconstructive failure was 5.6 percent and implant loss was 4.4 percent. The most common minor complication was minor mastectomy flap necrosis (14.4 percent). The rates of full-thickness and partial-thickness nipple necrosis were 4.4 and 7.5 percent, respectively. Age older than 50 years (p = 0.0276) and implant size greater than 400 ml (p = 0.0467) emerged as independent predictors of overall complications. Obesity (p = 0.4073), tobacco use (p = 0.2749), prior radiation therapy (p = 0.4613), and acellular dermal matrix (p = 0.5305) were not associated with greater complication rates., Conclusion: Immediate, permanent implant reconstruction in nipple-sparing mastectomy provides patients with a breast in a day in less than two procedures, with a low complication rate., Clinical Question/level of Evidence: Therapeutic, IV. more...

Background: Reconstruction in the setting of prior breast irradiation is conventionally considered a higher-risk procedure. Limited data exist regarding nipple-sparing mastectomy in irradiated breasts, a higher-risk procedure in higher-risk patients., Methods: The authors identified and reviewed the records of 501 nipple-sparing mastectomy breasts at their institution from 2006 to 2013., Results: Of 501 nipple-sparing mastectomy breasts, 26 were irradiated. The average time between radiation and mastectomy was 12 years. Reconstruction methods in the 26 breasts included tissue expander (n=14), microvascular free flap (n=8), direct implant (n=2), latissimus dorsi flap with implant (n=1), and rotational perforator flap (n=1). Rate of return to the operating room for mastectomy flap necrosis was 11.5 percent (three of 26). Nipple-areola complex complications included one complete necrosis (3.8 percent) and one partial necrosis (3.8 percent). Complications were compared between this subset of previously irradiated patients and the larger nipple-sparing mastectomy cohort. There was no significant difference in body mass index, but the irradiated group was significantly older (51 years versus 47.2 years; p=0.05). There was no statistically significant difference with regard to mastectomy flap necrosis (p=0.46), partial nipple-areola complex necrosis (p=1.00), complete nipple-areola complex necrosis (p=0.47), implant explantation (p=0.06), hematoma (p=1.00), seroma (p=1.00), or capsular contracture (p=1.00)., Conclusion: In the largest study to date of nipple-sparing mastectomy in irradiated breasts, the authors demonstrate that implant-based and autologous reconstruction can be performed with complications comparable to those of the rest of their nipple-sparing mastectomy patients. more...

Background: Nipple-sparing mastectomy has gained popularity, but the question remains of whether it can be offered safely to women with a history of reduction mammaplasty or mastopexy. The authors present their experience with nipple-sparing mastectomy in this patient population., Methods: Patients at the authors' institution who had reduction mammaplasty or mastopexy before nipple-sparing mastectomy were identified. Outcomes measured include nipple-areola complex viability, mastectomy flap necrosis, infection, presence of cancer in the nipple-areola complex, and breast cancer recurrence., Results: The records of the nipple-sparing mastectomy patients at the authors' institution from 2006 through 2012 were reviewed. The authors identified 13 breasts in eight patients that had nipple-sparing mastectomy following reduction mammaplasty or mastopexy. Within this subset of patients, the mean age was 46.6 years and the mean body mass index was 25.1. Nine of 13 breasts had therapeutic resections, whereas the remaining four were for prophylactic indications. Average time elapsed between reduction mammaplasty or mastopexy and nipple-sparing mastectomy was 51.8 months (range, 33 days to 11 years). In all cases, prior reduction mammaplasty/mastopexy incisions were used for nipple-sparing mastectomy. Ten breasts underwent reconstruction immediately with tissue expanders, one with a latissimus dorsi flap with immediate implant and two with immediate abdominally based free flaps. Complications included one hematoma requiring evacuation and one displaced implant requiring revision. There were no positive subareolar biopsy results, and the nipple viability was 100 percent. Mean follow-up time was 10.5 months., Conclusions: The authors' experience demonstrates that nipple-sparing mastectomy can be offered to patients with a history of reduction mammaplasty or mastopexy with reconstructive outcomes comparable to those of nipple-sparing mastectomy alone., Clinical Question/level of Evidence: Therapeutic, IV. more...

Background: Nipple-sparing mastectomy warrants thorough preoperative evaluation to effectively achieve risk reduction, high patient satisfaction, and improved aesthetic outcome. To the authors' knowledge, this review represents the largest series of microsurgical breast reconstructions following nipple-sparing mastectomies., Methods: All patients undergoing nipple-sparing mastectomy with microsurgical immediate breast reconstruction treated at New York University Medical Center (2007-2011) were identified. Patient demographics, breast cancer history, intraoperative details, complications, and revision operations were examined. Descriptive statistical analysis, including t test or regression analysis, was performed., Results: In 51 patients, 85 free flap breast reconstructions (n = 85) were performed. The majority of flaps were performed for prophylactic indications [n = 55 (64.7 percent)], mostly through vertical incisions [n = 40 (47.0 percent)]. Donor sites included abdominally based [n = 66 (77.6 percent)], profunda artery perforator [n = 12 (14.1 percent)], transverse upper gracilis [n = 6 (7.0 percent)], and superior gluteal artery perforator [n = 1 (1.2 percent)] flaps. The most common complications were mastectomy skin flap necrosis [n = 11 (12.7 percent)] and nipple necrosis [n = 11 (12.7 percent)]. There was no correlation between mastectomy skin flap or nipple necrosis and choice of incision, mastectomy specimen weight, body mass index, or age (p > 0.05). However, smoking history was associated with nipple necrosis (p < 0.01)., Conclusions: This series represents a high-volume experience with nipple-sparing mastectomy followed by immediate microsurgical reconstruction. When appropriately executed, it can deliver low complication rates., Clinical Question/level of Evidence: Therapeutic, IV. more...

Background Increasing concerns regarding the safety of textured surface implants have resulted in surgeons transitioning from textured tissue expanders (TEs) to smooth TEs. Given this change has only recently occurred, this study evaluated outcomes between smooth and textured TEs. Methods Women who underwent two-stage breast reconstruction using TEs from 2013 to 2022 were included. TE-specific variables, perioperative information, pain scores, and complications were collected. Chi-squared, t -test, and linear regression analyses were performed. Results A total of 320 patients received a total of 384 textured and 152 smooth TEs. Note that 216 patients received bilateral reconstruction. TEs were removed in 9 cases. No significant differences existed between groups regarding comorbidities. Smooth TEs had a higher proportion of prepectoral placement (p < 0.001). Smooth TEs had less fills (3 ± 1 vs. 4 ± 2, p < 0.001), shorter expansion periods (60 ± 44 vs. 90 ± 77 days, p < 0.001), smaller expander fill volumes (390 ± 168 vs. 478 ± 177 mL, p < 0.001), and shorter time to exchange (80 ± 43 vs. 104 ± 39 days, p < 0.001). Complication rates between textured and smooth TEs were comparable. Smooth TE had a greater proportion of TE replacements (p = 0.030). On regression analysis, pain scores were more closely associated with age (p = 0.018) and TE texture (p = 0.046). Additional procedures at time of TE exchange (p < 0.001) and textured TE (p = 0.017) led to longer operative times. Conclusion As many surgeons have transitioned away from textured implants, our study shows that smooth TEs have similar outcomes to the textured alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH) is a benign hyperplastic condition of the breast that can lead to macromastia. The standard treatment for PASH is focal excision or rarely reduction mammoplasty. We present a rare case of postpartum bilateral rapid breast enlargement and axillary growth that was refractory to reduction mammoplasty. Ultimately, the patient required bilateral mastectomy and two‐stage implant‐based breast reconstruction. This more extensive form along with its management represents one of the few reported cases in the literature. The decision to pursue bilateral mastectomy was undertaken after exhausting more conservative options. Excellent aesthetic outcome and pain relief was obtained following definitive extirpative and reconstructive surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Use of nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) for risk-reduction and therapeutic breast cancer resection is growing. The role for intraoperative frozen section of the nipple-areolar complex remains controversial. Records of patients undergoing NSM at our institution from 2006 to 2013 were reviewed. Records from 501 nipple-sparing mastectomies were reviewed (216 therapeutic, 285 prophylactic). Of the 480 breasts with sub-areolar biopsies, 307 had intraoperative frozen sections and 173 were evaluated with permanent paraffin section only. Among the 307 intraoperative frozen sections, 12 biopsies were positive on permanent paraffin section (3.9% or 12/307). Of the 12 positive permanent biopsies, five were false negative and the remaining seven concordant intraoperatively. Sensitivity and specificity of sub-areolar frozen section were 0.58 and 1, respectively. Positive sub-areolar biopsies consisted primarily of ductal carcinoma in situ (62% or 13/21). The nipples or nipple-areolar complex were resected in a separate procedure following mastectomy (10/21), intraoperatively following frozen section results (7/21) or during second-stage breast reconstruction (3/21; 1 additional scheduled). Only 30% (6/20) of resected specimens had abnormal residual pathology. Intraoperative frozen section is highly specific and moderately sensitive for the detection of positive sub-areolar biopsies in NSM. Its use can help guide intraoperative reconstructive planning. The presence of positive sub-areolar biopsies in both contralateral and high-risk prophylactic mastectomy specimens emphasizes the need to perform sub-areolar biopsies in all nipple-sparing mastectomies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...