Bilateral Free Flap Breast Reconstruction Outcomes: Do Abdominal Scars Affect Bilateral Flaps?

Background: The incidence of bilateral mastectomies is increasing along with the rates of breast reconstructions. A substantial number of patients will present with abdominal scars after Cesarean section, laparoscopy, laparotomy, and so on. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of prior abdominal scars on complication rates in abdominal bilateral free flap breast reconstruction. Methods: All consecutive patients with autologous free flap breast reconstruction between 2007 and 2014 were eligible. The relevant demographic and clinical data were prospectively collected into a study-specific database. Complications and reoperations were prospectively registered after postoperative outpatient visits. Results: Overall, 493 patients underwent abdominally based breast reconstruction during the study period: unilateral (n = 250; 50.7%) or bilateral (n = 243; 49.3%). In the bilateral group, the abdominal scar locations were Pfannenstiel (n = 73; 30.1%), midline (n = 16; 6.6%), lower oblique (n = 17; 7.0%), upper oblique (n = 5; 2.1%), and laparoscopic (n = 69; 28.4%). Four (1.7%) flap failures (including 1 converted to a pedicled transverse rectus abdominis flap) were registered, all occurring in patients from the scar group: 3 with Pfannenstiel incision and 1 patient with prior laparoscopy. Pfannenstiel scar was associated with higher risk of hematoma at the recipient site when compared with no scar group (13.7% versus 2.2%; P = 0.006). Partial flap necrosis, infection, and seroma occurred in 14 (5.9%), 8 (3.4%), and 5 (2.1%) patients, respectively, and no differences between the scar groups were identified. Conclusion: Surgical outcomes of bilateral reconstructions in patients with abdominal scars are generally comparable with ones in patients without prior surgery; however, some problems have been identified. These procedures might have some intraoperative considerations and often require increased operative times. Apart from the traditional preoperative computed tomography angiography, intraoperative imaging (e.g., fluorescence angiography) may be advocated in patients with abdominal scars

The impact of anemia on microsurgical breast reconstruction complications and outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Appropriate and adequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to a free flap is paramount to viability and success. We present a comprehensive examination of perioperative anemia, determining its prevalence and effect on complications and outcomes in autologous breast reconstruction. METHODS: We analyzed all autologous free flap breast reconstruction at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania from 2005 to 2011 with regards to anemia (hemoglobin (Hgb)dL(-1) ). Anemic patients were compared to those with Hgb \u3e 12 g dL(-1) at preoperative and postoperative timepoints. Complications were analyzed relative to HgB levels and the incidence of anemia. Subgroups were analyzed based on worsening degrees of anemia. RESULTS: Overall, 839 patients were included in the analysis with an 18.3% incidence of preoperative anemia. No significant differences were noted in outcomes of these patients relative to their anemic state, although a higher percent did receive a blood transfusion (18% of anemic patients vs. 6% of nonanemic patients, P \u3c 0.0001). There was a significant incidence of postoperative anemia (93.4%). A subgroup analysis demonstrated that worsening postoperative anemia was significantly related to preoperative HgB (P \u3c 0.0001), bilateral cases (P \u3c 0.0001), immediate reconstructions (P \u3c 0.0001), increased estimated blood loss (P = 0.0001), and higher rates of intraoperative fluid administration (P = 0.025). A higher incidence of medical complications was observed in cohorts with HgB \u3c 10 (P = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Anemia affects a significant portion of breast reconstruction patients. While preoperative anemia is not associated with increased risk of flap related complications, postoperative anemia may be associated with an increased risk of medical complications

Gestational Pseudoangiomatous Stromal Hyperplasia Presenting as Gigantomastia: A Case Report of a Rare Breast Entity with Clinical Recommendations by a Multidisciplinary Team

Introduction. Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH) presenting as gigantomastia is rare in pregnancy but can result in severe clinical consequences for both mother and fetus. Case Presentation. A 43-year-old female with a history of biopsy-proven bilateral PASH presented at 22 3/7 weeks gestation with massive bilateral breast enlargement that was symptomatic. After multidisciplinary care, she underwent bilateral mastectomies and delivered at term with no additional complications. Conclusion. Pregnant women who undergo mastectomies for PASH-induced gigantomastia during their second trimesters will likely recover quickly, and fetal risks are low. Given the rarity of this breast entity, management guidelines are sparse. Our case report is an effort to comprehensively review this condition and share the clinical recommendations made by our institution’s multidisciplinary team

Bilateral Free Flap Breast Reconstruction Outcomes: Do Abdominal Scars Affect Bilateral Flaps?

Background:. The incidence of bilateral mastectomies is increasing along with the rates of breast reconstructions. A substantial number of patients will present with abdominal scars after Cesarean section, laparoscopy, laparotomy, and so on. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of prior abdominal scars on complication rates in abdominal bilateral free flap breast reconstruction. Methods:. All consecutive patients with autologous free flap breast reconstruction between 2007 and 2014 were eligible. The relevant demographic and clinical data were prospectively collected into a study-specific database. Complications and reoperations were prospectively registered after postoperative outpatient visits. Results:. Overall, 493 patients underwent abdominally based breast reconstruction during the study period: unilateral (n = 250; 50.7%) or bilateral (n = 243; 49.3%). In the bilateral group, the abdominal scar locations were Pfannenstiel (n = 73; 30.1%), midline (n = 16; 6.6%), lower oblique (n = 17; 7.0%), upper oblique (n = 5; 2.1%), and laparoscopic (n = 69; 28.4%). Four (1.7%) flap failures (including 1 converted to a pedicled transverse rectus abdominis flap) were registered, all occurring in patients from the scar group: 3 with Pfannenstiel incision and 1 patient with prior laparoscopy. Pfannenstiel scar was associated with higher risk of hematoma at the recipient site when compared with no scar group (13.7% versus 2.2%; P = 0.006). Partial flap necrosis, infection, and seroma occurred in 14 (5.9%), 8 (3.4%), and 5 (2.1%) patients, respectively, and no differences between the scar groups were identified. Conclusion:. Surgical outcomes of bilateral reconstructions in patients with abdominal scars are generally comparable with ones in patients without prior surgery; however, some problems have been identified. These procedures might have some intraoperative considerations and often require increased operative times. Apart from the traditional preoperative computed tomography angiography, intraoperative imaging (e.g., fluorescence angiography) may be advocated in patients with abdominal scars

Targeted Nipple Areola Complex Reinnervation: Technical Considerations and Surgical Efficiency in Implant-based Breast Reconstruction

Background:. Despite promising pilot study results, adoption of neurotization of immediate implant-based reconstructions has not occurred. Methods:. For surgeons interested in adopting breast reinnervation techniques, we present ways to overcome initial barriers by decreasing operative time and maximizing chances of sensory recovery. Results:. We discuss the combined experience at two academic teaching hospitals, where neurotization of both immediate tissue expander cases and direct-to-implant reconstructions are performed through varying mastectomy incisions. Conclusion:. Initial barriers can be overcome by shortening operative time and providing an individualized reinnervation approach that aims to increase the chance of meaningful sensation