Search

Implant-based reconstruction (IBR) is the most frequently performed breast reconstruction procedure in the USA. As the US population ages, an increasing number of these patients suffer from comorbidities requiring the use of chronic antithrombotic therapy. Outcomes following IBR in patients prescribed these medications are not well understood.An all-payor administrative claims database (52 million patients) was queried for patients undergoing IBR from 2010 through 2018. Patients who were prescribed therapeutic antithrombotic therapy, and those who were not, were matched in a one-to-one fashion for comorbidities independently associated with bleeding and thrombo-ischemic events following first-stage IBR. Cox proportional hazards models investigated the 90-day risk of bleeding and major thrombo-ischemic events following IBR.Of the 36,379 patients found to have undergone IBR, 2,024 patients were perfectly matched for age and high-risk comorbidities. Patients prescribed antithrombotic drugs had increased 90-day risk for all thrombo-ischemic complications (HR: 5.62, 95% CI: 3.53-8.95, p0.0001), as well as a significantly increased risk for 90-day DVT, 90-day PE, 90-day myocardial infarction, and 90-day stroke. Patients specifically prescribed antiplatelet drugs, direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC), and warfarin had a significantly increased risk for transfusion.Patients prescribed antithrombotic therapy had a significantly increased risk for life-threatening thrombotic events and transfusion following elective IBR. This suggests a role for further monitoring and a potential role for multi- and interdisciplinary interventions to help mitigate this risk. These interventions can be the subject of future prospective studies.

Introduction: Recently, enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways have been gaining popularity within surgical sub-specialties. Key ERAS concepts include the standardization of perioperative care such as pre-operative counseling, protocolization of analgesia and anesthesia regimens as well as early mobilization, among others. This approach aims to achieve cost savings through decreased length of stay, reduced opioid complications, and overall improved outcomes. In concordance with this trend, many institutions are now implementing ERAS protocols for breast surgery, especially with cases of mastectomy followed by immediate reconstruction. Our institution implemented a Breast Surgery ERAS program in February of 2018, consisting of standardized peri-operative analgesia/anesthesia, most significantly including a pre-operative pectoral block performed by anesthesia. We hypothesize that the use of the pre-operative pectoral block in the ERAS cohort will result in improved post-operative pain scores from the Non-ERAS cohort; additionally, we expect that the percentage of patients requiring opioid prescriptions at discharge for pain control will be decreased in the ERAS cohort. Methods: The EMR was queried for patients who underwent breast surgery with immediate reconstruction. The experimental group consisted of ERAS patients from February 6, 2018 to February 1, 2019 with an n = 107. The control group consisted of non-ERAS patients from April 19, 2016 to January 30, 2018 with an n=117. Chart review was performed for discharge medications, as well as pain scores recorded from time immediately post-operative, to just prior to discharge. Statistical analysis of the data was performed with a comparison of difference in means and Fischer exact test. Results: The ERAS cohort was noted to have a statistically significant decrease in the mean immediate post-operative pain scores (ERAS 2.04, Non-ERAS 4.04; p-value < 0.0001). There was no difference with comparison of the means of last pain scores recorded prior to discharge between the ERAS and Non-ERAS groups (ERAS 3.36, Non-ERAS 3.63, p-value 0.34). There was a statistically significant decrease in the percentage of patients discharged with opioid prescriptions in the ERAS group compared to the Non-ERAS group (ERAS 58.9% v 87.2% Non-ERAS; p-value Discussion: Our ERAS protocol utilizes multi-modal pain control methods beginning pre-operatively, including the addition of a pectoral block placed by anesthesia, which we expect contributed highly to the lower mean immediate post-operative pain scores expressed by the ERAS cohort. This is important in the context of our nation’s current opioid epidemic, where decreasing discharge opioid prescriptions is imperative for reducing the risk for development of addictive behaviors, as well as the risk for opioid side effects such as nausea, constipation, and altered mental status. With the implementation of our Breast Surgery ERAS program, we have demonstrated clear progress towards this goal with the hope for continued improvement. Citation Format: Ashley A Woodfin, Emily Ramirez, Alison Coogan, Nehl Mehta, Anuja K Antony, Deana Shenaq, Keith C Hood, Cristina O'Donoghue, Claudia Perez, Rosalinda Alvarado, Andrea Madrigrano. Breast surgery ERAS program: Trends since implementation on post-operative pain and discharge narcotic prescribing at our institution [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-20-08.

Background Iatrogenic Eloesser-type wounds are often debilitating, complex, chronically draining, and require a careful reconstructive approach to successfully close. There has not been described a standardized approach to chest wall reconstruction for these wounds. The Rush Algorithm for chest wall reconstruction provides a simple and systematic guide for cumulative soft tissue reconstruction in these cases, utilizing latissimus dorsi, serratus anterior, and pectoralis major flaps in sequence. Methods The Rush Algorithm was applied to a pilot case series of three patients with complex iatrogenic draining chest wall defects arising from various disease processes. Reconstructive methods were guided by this algorithm and intraoperative procedures tailored to each case. Sequential use of combined latissimus, serratus, and pectoralis flaps were utilized as deemed necessary by the investigators. Results All three cases achieved successful closure of complex chest wounds based on post-operative physical exam, imaging, and quality of life findings. Average time to subcutaneous drain removal was five days and average time to thoracostomy tube removal was seven days. No patients experienced major complications defined as infection, seroma, hematoma, prolonged hospital stay, readmission, or return to operating room. Conclusions The Rush Algorithm for chest wall reconstruction is a practical way to safely reconstruct Eloesser-type iatrogenic chest wounds. It will need to be further validated in order to develop and confirm the algorithm as the reconstructive approach of choice, but its utility as a framework for surgical planning at this time appears to be valid.

Surgical site infections represent one of the most common postoperative complications in patients undergoing aesthetic surgery. As with other postoperative complications, the incidence of these infections may be influenced by many factors and varies depending on the specific operation performed. Understanding the risk factors for infection development is critical because careful patient selection and appropriate perioperative counseling will set the right expectations and can ultimately improve patient outcomes and satisfaction. Various perioperative prevention measures may also be employed to minimize the incidence of these infections. Once the infection occurs, prompt diagnosis will allow management of the infection and any associated complications in a timely manner to ensure patient safety, optimize the postoperative course, and avoid long-term sequelae.

Background Autologous flaps can be used in combination with prosthesis in postmastectomy breast reconstruction. The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is considered the preferred choice among autologous tissue transfer techniques. In patients with a breast volume asymmetry, there are several options for attaining an optimal reconstructive and aesthetic result. Methods This report presents a patient who underwent a combination of reconstructive techniques to achieve volumetric symmetry. Results The patient had a previous bilateral augmentation mammoplasty, was then treated for left breast carcinoma with a lumpectomy and radiation, and since that time had a recalcitrant left capsular contracture despite multiple operative interventions. The patient ultimately chose to have autologous left breast reconstruction and a stacked DIEP flap with simultaneous implant placement was performed. Conclusion In cases of significant volumetric asymmetry, a stacked DIEP flap in combination with a prosthesis is a novel and safe solution.

Hematomas represent one of the most common postoperative complications in patients undergoing aesthetic surgery. Depending on the type of procedure performed, hematoma incidence and presentation can vary greatly. Understanding the risk factors for hematoma formation and the preoperative considerations to mitigate the risk is critical to provide optimal care to the aesthetic patient. Various perioperative prevention measures may also be employed to minimize hematoma incidence. The surgeon's ability to adequately diagnose and treat hematomas after aesthetic surgery is not only crucial to patient care but also minimizes the risk of further complications or long-term sequelae. Understanding hematoma development and management enhances patient safety and will lead to overall increased patient satisfaction after aesthetic surgery.

A consensus on the optimal surgical approach for repair of a paraesophageal hernia has not been reached. The aim of this study was to examine the outcomes of open and laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repairs (PHR), both with and without mesh. A review of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database from 2007 to 2011 was conducted. Patients who underwent an open or laparoscopic PHR were included. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included infections, respiratory and cardiac complications, intraoperative or perioperative transfusions, sepsis, and septic shock. Statistical analyses using odds ratios were performed comparing the open and laparoscopic approaches. A total of 4470 patients were identified using NSQIP; 2834 patients had a laparoscopic repair and the remaining 1636 patients underwent an open PHR. Compared with the laparoscopic approach, the open repair group had significantly higher 30-day mortality (odds ratio, 4.75; 95% confidence interval, 2.67 to 8.47; P < 0.0001). The laparoscopic approach had a statistically significant decrease in infections, respiratory and cardiac events/complications, transfusion requirements, episodes of sepsis, and septic shock ( P < 0.05). Our data suggest increased perioperative morbidity associated with an open PHR compared with laparoscopic. There was no statistically significant difference in any of the primary or secondary outcomes in patients repaired with mesh compared with those without. The overall use of mesh in paraesophageal hernia repairs has increased. The NSQIP data show significantly increased 30-day mortality in open repair compared with laparoscopic as well as a significantly higher perioperative complication rate.

Selective inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme activity have shown chemopreventive activity in carcinogen-induced and transgenic rodent tumor models and clinically for colon cancer. However, the mechanism(s) by which COX-2 inhibitors reduce carcinogenesis remains controversial. We report herein that administration of the selective COX-2 inhibitor, celecoxib, significantly reduces the number of Gr1(+)CD11b(+) immature myeloid suppressor cells (IMSCs) during chemoprevention of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine diHCl-(1,2-DMH-) induction of large intestinal tumors in Swiss mice. Celecoxib administration also increased splenic lymphatic number and tumor infiltration by lymphocytes. The 1,2-DMH induction of large intestinal tumors was associated with a four-fold increase in IMSCs, and a decrease in splenic T cell number and function. Concordant with the changes in the IMSC frequency, messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS-2) and arginase (Arg) were increased in the spleen of the tumor-bearing mice and normalized by celecoxib administration. In addition to delaying tumor induction, reducing tumor number, and increasing lymphocyte infiltration of tumors, celecoxib therapy reversed CD4(+) T cell loss, decreased IMSC numbers and increased mRNA levels of NOS-2 and Arg in the spleen. In summary, our results suggest that celecoxib chemoprevention of autochthonous intestinal tumors can regulate IMSCs and CD4(+) T cell numbers.

A consensus on the optimal surgical approach for repair of a paraesophageal hernia has not been reached. The aim of this study was to examine the outcomes of open and laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repairs (PHR), both with and without mesh. A review of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database from 2007 to 2011 was conducted. Patients who underwent an open or laparoscopic PHR were included. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included infections, respiratory and cardiac complications, intraoperative or perioperative transfusions, sepsis, and septic shock. Statistical analyses using odds ratios were performed comparing the open and laparoscopic approaches. A total of 4470 patients were identified using NSQIP; 2834 patients had a laparoscopic repair and the remaining 1636 patients underwent an open PHR. Compared with the laparoscopic approach, the open repair group had significantly higher 30-day mortality (odds ratio, 4.75; 95% confidence interval, 2.67 to 8.47; P0.0001). The laparoscopic approach had a statistically significant decrease in infections, respiratory and cardiac events/complications, transfusion requirements, episodes of sepsis, and septic shock (P0.05). Our data suggest increased perioperative morbidity associated with an open PHR compared with laparoscopic. There was no statistically significant difference in any of the primary or secondary outcomes in patients repaired with mesh compared with those without. The overall use of mesh in paraesophageal hernia repairs has increased. The NSQIP data show significantly increased 30-day mortality in open repair compared with laparoscopic as well as a significantly higher perioperative complication rate.

Ultrasound has been used to guide interventional procedures for more than 30 years, and the field continues to expand. Surgeons are becoming more and more involved in the use of ultrasound for not only diagnostic purposes but also interventional procedures. Indications for interventional ultrasound are numerous and expanding: needle aspiration, biopsy, drainage, catheterization, tumor ablation, and tissue dissection. There are many advantages of using ultrasound as the imaging modality to guide interventional procedures. In particular, the real-time feature, safety, relatively low cost, portability, and expediency make ultrasound an ideal modality to perform interventional procedures at various locations including the surgeon’s office as well as the operating room. Introduction and availability of newer devices such as automated core biopsy needles have allowed for increased reliability in the performance of interventional ultrasound. Because of the remarkable success of interventional procedures guided by sonography, combined with an outstanding safety record, there is no doubt that there will be a future increase in the number and types of interventional procedures performed under sonographic guidance.

Dendritic cell (DC) expansion is regulated by the hematopoietic growth factor fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L). DCs are critical to the control of tumor growth and metastasis, and there is a positive correlation between intratumoral DC infiltration and clinical outcome. In this report, we first demonstrate that single intravenous (i.v.) injections of adenovirus (Adv)-Flt3L significantly increased splenic dendritic, B, T and natural killer (NK) cell numbers in both normal and mammary tumor-bearing mice. In contrast, the numbers of DCs and T cells infiltrating the tumors were not increased. Consistent with the minimal effect on immune cell infiltration, i.v. Adv-Flt3L injections had no therapeutic activity against orthotopic mammary tumors. In addition, we noted tumor and Adv-Flt3L expansion of Gr1(+)CD11b(+) immature myeloid suppressor cells (IMSCs), which may inhibit the therapeutic efficacy of Adv-Flt3L-expanded DCs.