Occult Pathologic Findings in Reduction Mammaplasty in 5781 Patients-An International Multicenter Study

Breast cancer is among the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the world, affecting one in eight women in their lifetimes. The disease places a substantial burden on healthcare systems in developed countries and often requires surgical correction. In spite of this, much of the breast cancer pathophysiology remains unknown, allowing for the cancer to develop to later stages prior to detection. Many women undergo reduction mammaplasties (RM) to adjust breast size, with over 500,000 operations being performed annually. Tissue samples from such procedures have drawn interest recently, with studies attempting to garner a better understanding of breast cancer's development. A number of samples have revealed nascent cancer developments that were previously undetected and unexpected. Investigating these so-called "occult" findings of cancer in otherwise healthy patients may provide further insight regarding risk factors and countermeasures. Here, we detail occult findings of cancer in reduction mammaplasty samples provided from a cohort of over 5000 patients from 16 different institutions in Europe. Although the majority of our resected breast tissue specimens were benign, our findings indicate that there is a continued need for histopathological examination. As a result, our study suggests that preoperative imaging should be routinely performed in patients scheduled for RM, especially those with risk factors of breast cancer, to identify and enable a primary oncologic approach

An Algorithm in Managing Deep Inferior Epigastric Vessel Interruption in Free Flap Breast Reconstruction

Background:. Previous surgical procedures in the abdomen are no longer contra-indications for free flap breast reconstruction using the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap. Nonetheless, a possible consequence of previous surgical procedures may be trauma to the deep inferior epigastric (DIE) pedicle, leading to interruption. In these cases, a modification in operative strategy may be required. Methods:. A study was performed across two centers, during a 10-year period between January 1, 2010 and December 2019. Patient and outcome data were collected from the patient file and operation notes. Results:. Four cases with clear evidence of DIE pedicle interruption were found, with an average age of 54 years and an average body mass index of 28.9. Three patients had a preoperative diagnosis of DIE pedicle interruption on CT angiography, whereas in one case this was found peroperatively. For three cases, unilateral reconstruction was performed, and for one, bilateral reconstruction. Four flaps (in three cases) were unipedicled; the contralateral DIE pedicle was used in three, and the superficial system was used in one. For the bipedicled case, two hemiflaps were used, with the interrupted DIE pedicle anastomosed to a branch of the contralateral DIE pedicle. Conclusions:. Interrupted DIE vessels remain a challenge for free flap breast reconstruction. The four cases demonstrated in this article highlight different surgical strategies, with an emphasis on detailed preoperative planning, including CT angiography. We present an algorithm to aid the reader in approaching cases with an interrupted DIE pedicle

Occult Pathologic Findings in Reduction Mammaplasty in 5781 Patients—An International Multicenter Study

Breast cancer is among the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the world, affecting one in eight women in their lifetimes. The disease places a substantial burden on healthcare systems in developed countries and often requires surgical correction. In spite of this, much of the breast cancer pathophysiology remains unknown, allowing for the cancer to develop to later stages prior to detection. Many women undergo reduction mammaplasties (RM) to adjust breast size, with over 500,000 operations being performed annually. Tissue samples from such procedures have drawn interest recently, with studies attempting to garner a better understanding of breast cancer's development. A number of samples have revealed nascent cancer developments that were previously undetected and unexpected. Investigating these so-called "occult" findings of cancer in otherwise healthy patients may provide further insight regarding risk factors and countermeasures. Here, we detail occult findings of cancer in reduction mammaplasty samples provided from a cohort of over 5000 patients from 16 different institutions in Europe. Although the majority of our resected breast tissue specimens were benign, our findings indicate that there is a continued need for histopathological examination. As a result, our study suggests that preoperative imaging should be routinely performed in patients scheduled for RM, especially those with risk factors of breast cancer, to identify and enable a primary oncologic approach