Shaping the Breast in Aesthetic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery: An Easy Three-Step Principle. Part II - Breast Reconstruction after Total Mastectomy

This is Part II of four parts describing the three-step principle being applied in reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgery. Part I explains how to analyze a problematic breast by understanding the main anatomical features of a breast and how they interact: the footprint, the conus of the breast, and the skin envelope. This part describes how one can optimize results with breast reconstructions after complete mastectomy. For both primary and secondary reconstructions, the authors explain how to analyze the mastectomized breast and the deformed chest wall, before giving step-by-step guidelines for rebuilding the entire breast with either autologous tissue or implants. The differences in shaping unilateral or bilateral breast reconstructions with autologous tissue are clarified. Regardless of timing or method of reconstruction, it is shown that by breaking down the surgical strategy into three easy (anatomical) steps, the reconstructive surgeon will be able to provide more aesthetically pleasing and reproducible results. Throughout these four parts, the three-step principle will be the red line on which to fall back to define the problem and to propose a solution

Advancing deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap breast reconstruction through multidetector row computed tomography: an evolution in preoperative imaging

Perforator flaps have become increasingly popular tools in microvascular breast reconstruction. Previous criticism of these techniques, particularly deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEAP) flap, have included the variability in the path of the perforators through the rectus muscle, the tedious and time-consuming need to look for and to clamp various perforators to determine the "dominant'' perforator, and uncertainty whether adequate perforators exist following previous abdominal surgery. Preoperative imaging has contributed significantly to the reliability, speed, and minimal donor site morbidity of these procedures. A major evolution in preoperative imaging has been the introduction of multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) as a replacement for color duplex imaging. There are multiple advantages to MDCT with few disadvantages, and so it has become the gold standard for the preoperative planning of DIEAP flap breast reconstruction in the practices of both authors, completely eliminating the use of color duplex. Improvements in the preoperative understanding of the anatomy of each perforator from its branching pattern in the subcutaneous fat, to its perforation through the anterior rectus sheath and rectus muscle toward the groin facilitate this type of surgery in a manner only possible with MDCT and not duplex imaging

Shaping the Breast in Aesthetic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery: An Easy Three-Step Principle

Creating or recreating an aesthetically pleasing breast shape in reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgery is an act that most experienced "breast" surgeons will find self-evident. We propose a simple three-step philosophical and hands-on approach that will make it easier for young and unexperienced plastic surgeons to not only analyze the problematic breast but also come up with an easy surgical strategy to create reproducible results. This is Part I of four parts describing the three-step principle being applied in reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgery. Part I explains how to analyze a problematic breast by understanding the three main anatomical features of a breast and how they interact: the footprint, the conus of the breast, and the skin envelope. Part II deals with reconstructions after complete mastectomy and Part III covers reconstruction after breast conservation surgery. Finally, Part IV applies the same principles in the field of aesthetic breast surgery. Throughout these four parts, the three-step principle will be the red line to fall back on to define the problem and to propose a solution

Shaping the Breast in Aesthetic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery: An Easy Three-Step Principle. Part III-Reconstruction following Breast Conservative Treatment

Of the relatively few studies that exist regarding the cosmetic satisfaction of patients following breast conservation therapy, several indicate significant dissatisfaction in many patients. Breast conservation often results in some of the most challenging and complex reconstructive problems. Indeed, even defining the problem or analyzing the defect can be difficult for the junior surgeon. For the more seasoned reconstructive surgeon, analyzing the problem and applying solutions may be less difficult, but clearly communicating the defects typically seen after an aggressive lumpectomy and radiotherapy can be difficult, especially with trainees or junior surgeons. The goal of this article, the third in a four-part series, is to provide a template for the analysis and surgical reconstruction of defects resulting from breast conservation therapy utilizing a systematic three-step method. Part I of this series described the three main anatomical features of the breast-the footprint, the conus of the breast, and the skin envelope-and how they interact. By systematically analyzing the breast with this three-step method, a "problem list" based in specific anatomic traits of the breast can be generated, allowing the surgeon to then generate an appropriate surgical plan for reconstruction. Surgical approaches based on the percentage of breast parenchyma resected are suggested, with a focus on glandular rearrangement, breast reduction techniques, and locoregional flaps. The three-step method of breast analysis, evaluating the anatomical deformation of the breast footprint, conus, and skin envelope, remains the fundamental "fall-back" principle of this approach

Shaping the Breast in Aesthetic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery: An Easy Three-Step Principle. Part IV-Aesthetic Breast Surgery

This is part IV of four articles describing the three-step principle for easy shaping of the breast in reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgery. This article may seem overdue because aesthetic corrections are routinely performed, frequently written about, and easier to execute, as no prior ablative surgery or radiotherapy has damaged the gland. Nevertheless, a number of difficult aesthetic breast surgery cases can present themselves that might be more challenging to correct (e.g., tubular breast deformities or corrections after failed aesthetic breast surgery). By understanding the three main anatomical features of a breast-the footprint, the conus, and the skin envelope-and how they interact, as explained in part I, one is able not only to analyze the deformities of each individual problematic breast but also to teach others and to execute a specific surgical strategy on how to obtain reproducible aesthetically pleasing results. The three-step principle will be applied and explained for breast augmentation, reduction, mastopexy, and tubular breast deformity

Acute Felon as a Complication of Systemic Paclitaxel Therapy: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Breast cancer now affects 1 in 8 American women and the taxane agent paclitaxel (Taxol® Bristol-Myers Squibb) is a major tool in the treatment of many such patients. Hand surgeons are therefore likely to encounter upper extremity complications related to the use of taxane therapy. We present an unusual case of a felon developing in a breast cancer patient on paclitaxel therapy with no antecedent history of trauma. Whereas onycholysis and subungual hemorrhage are reported complications of taxane therapy (Fig. 1), an acute felon with or without associated paronychia is an unusual and more aggressive manifestation of this drug-related nail dystrophy

Autologous breast augmentation with the lateral intercostal artery perforator flap in massive weight loss patients

The body contour deformities that develop in morbidly obese patients following bariatric surgery often involve the breasts. Mastopexy is virtually always required in the female massive weight loss patient, and breast augmentation is often an important adjunct to breast-lifting procedures. The lateral intercostal artery perforator (LICAP) pedicled flap provides ample material for autogenous breast augmentation in such patients. Between June 2001 and June 2005, bilateral LICAP flaps were used as a method of autologous breast augmentation in six patients after massive weight loss. Of the 12 pedicled LICAP flaps raised, the average flap dimension was 23.6 x 10.6 cm. Mean flap harvesting time was 60 min (range 45-75 min) for a single flap. At( but two flaps were based on one perforator. All donor sites were closed primarily. Complete flap survival was achieved in all cases. A minor wound dehiscence occurred in two cases both of which healed secondarily. Patient satisfaction with both the appearance of their breasts and lateral axillary-thoracic region was high. The improved contour of the lateral axillary region was frequently noted as a significant benefit. In massive weight loss patients, harvesting the lateral skin-fat excess based on the LICAP provides supple tissue for breast augmentation, while simultaneously improving the contour of this area frequently affected by skin excess. Additionally, harvesting these flaps without sacrifice of the underlying muscle eases postoperative recovery and reduces donor site morbidity. (C) 2007 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Endoscopic-assisted Fascial Decompression for Forearm Exertional Compartment Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

A case of chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the forearm treated with endoscopic-assisted fascial decompression is presented. The diagnosis of exertional compartment syndrome of the forearm was confirmed by direct measurement of intracompartmental pressures. Following endoscopic-assisted fascial decompression, the patient was able to begin rehabilitation therapy within 2 weeks. There were no wound-related complications. The patient reported no recurrence of symptoms after returning to work requiring heavy lifting, and morbidity associated with open decompression was avoided. Endoscopic release is not an option in traumatic compartment syndrome, but a minimally invasive approach may be considered in cases of exertional compartment syndrome. Reports of endoscopic-assisted fascial decompression in exertional compartment syndrome of the forearm are relatively scarce. Confirmation of the safety and efficacy of these evolving techniques in the hand surgery literature remains important