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Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2018 Dec 17;6(12):e2046. Epub 2018 Dec 17.

Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Stanford University Medical Center Palo Alto, Calif.

Background: Implant-based breast reconstruction is the most common reconstructive modality in the United States. Significant advances in surgical technique and technology have resulted in improvement of clinical outcomes. A recent innovation has been the introduction of a tissue expander with an integral drain that permits access to the periprosthetic space. Read More

Ann Chir Plast Esthet 2018 Dec 28. Epub 2018 Dec 28.

Service de chirurgie plastique, hôpital Civil Strasbourg, 1, place de l'hôpital, 67091 Strasbourg, France.

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to evaluate patients' satisfaction after immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) according to the surgical technique.

Methods: Included patients had an IBR between 2012 and 2017 and finished their reconstruction since a year. Patients were contacted by phone and their satisfaction was evaluated with the Breast Q questionnaire. Read More

Arch Plast Surg 2018 Nov 15;45(6):542-549. Epub 2018 Nov 15.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Background: Despite the increasing popularity of prosthetic breast reconstruction, scant data exist on the microbiological profile of drainage fluid from closed-suction drains and the relationship thereof to surgical-site infections (SSIs) in breast reconstruction surgery. This study aimed to determine whether bacteria isolated from drainage fluid were associated with the development of SSIs, and whether the bacterial profile of drainage fluid could be a clinically useful predictor of SSIs.

Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of 61 women who underwent tissue expander/implant or direct-to-implant reconstructions. Read More

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2018 Dec 6;71(12):1761-1767. Epub 2018 Aug 6.

Department of Plastic Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Irwon-ro 81, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea. Electronic address:

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of breast reconstruction modality on the incidence of shoulder morbidity.

Methods: Breast cancer patients who underwent immediate reconstructions using three modalities, namely, tissue expander-implant, latissimus dorsi (LD) pedicled flap, and deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap, from 2008 to 2013 were examined. The cumulative incidence of shoulder morbidity was compared among the reconstruction modalities, and risk factor analysis was performed using multivariable analysis. Read More

Cancer Control 2018 Jan-Dec;25(1):1073274818795489

2 Department of Radiation Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA.

Purpose: The optimal approach to the integration of postmastectomy reconstruction and radiation therapy is not well-established. This review will summarize current literature pertaining to the most common types of reconstruction in the setting of postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT).

Data Sources: Literature from PubMed was reviewed from 2000 to 2016. Read More

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2018 Nov 6;71(11):1547-1556. Epub 2018 Jul 6.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. 601 N. Caroline St. Baltimore, MD USA. Electronic address:

Background: Human acellular dermal matrix (HADM) is an increasingly used adjunct to breast reconstruction. Previous meta-analyses demonstrate increased risks of complications, but these studies largely represent one product. The purpose of this study is to stratify outcomes on the basis of a meta-analysis of complications incorporating all new studies after 2012 and their associated new human-based products. Read More

Ann Surg Oncol 2018 Oct 2;25(10):2909-2916. Epub 2018 Jul 2.

Breast Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.

Introduction: Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is increasingly used for breast cancer risk reduction and treatment. Prior small studies with variable control for baseline characteristics suggest superior satisfaction with NSM. The purpose of this study was to compare patient satisfaction following NSM and total mastectomy (TM) utilizing the BREAST-Q patient-reported outcome measure in a well-characterized patient population. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg 2018 09;142(3):414e

Department of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China.

Plast Reconstr Surg 2018 07;142(1):89e-91e

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Department of Senology Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy.

JAMA Surg 2018 Oct;153(10):901-908

Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Importance: In breast reconstruction, it is critical for patients and surgeons to have comprehensive information on the relative risks of the available options. However, previous studies that evaluated complications were limited by single-center designs, inadequate follow-up, and confounding.

Objective: To assess 2-year complication rates across common techniques for postmastectomy reconstruction in a multicenter patient population. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2018 May 18;6(5):e1744. Epub 2018 May 18.

Department of Plastic Surgery, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, Calif.

Background: AlloDerm Ready To Use (RTU) is a sterile version of AlloDerm regenerative tissue matrix, developed in response to concerns regarding the potential risk of infectious complications with the latter aseptic matrix. Clinical data on AlloDerm RTU use is, however, limited, particularly with respect to histologic evidence of graft integration and clinical outcomes.

Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent tissue-expander/implant reconstruction with the use of AlloDerm RTU from March 2011 to September 2012 were included in this analysis. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2018 Jun;97(24):e10979

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea.

Immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) after mastectomy has been proven to affect patient quality of life, psychological well-being, and functional capacities. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of breast reconstruction on postoperative shoulder function and muscle performance by evaluating isokinetic muscle performance tests.A retrospective chart review to collect data on shoulder function analysis with isokinetic muscle performance testing was performed among patients who received mastectomy with IBR from July 2013 to March 2015. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2018 Apr 4;6(4):e1712. Epub 2018 Apr 4.

Department of Plastic Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange, Calif.

Fenestrated acellular dermal matrix (ADM) has improved patient outcomes in both direct-to-implant and 2-stage tissue expander/implant breast reconstruction. This technical alteration utilizes optimal fenestration overlap to enhance the breast reconstruction experience. We present a novel, surgeon-designed shaped fenestrated ADM, placed in the recently repopularized prepectoral pocket for anterior coverage of implants in direct-to-implant and 2-stage breast reconstruction. Read More

Ann Surg Oncol 2018 Aug 31;25(8):2279-2287. Epub 2018 May 31.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Background: Capsular contracture is one of the most common complications of expander-implant breast reconstruction. Recently, clinical reports have shown that use of an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) to cover breast implants decreases incidence of capsular contracture, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. Here, we examine how ADM reduces capsular formation in expander-implant breast reconstruction and identify cellular and molecular mechanisms of ADM-mediated reduction of capsular contracture in nonirradiated and irradiated patients. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg 2018 07;142(1):91e

Department of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China.

Br J Surg 2018 Sep 16;105(10):1305-1312. Epub 2018 Apr 16.

Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Background: In the multicentre randomized trial BRIOS (Breast Reconstruction In One Stage), direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction with an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) was associated with a markedly higher postoperative complication rate compared with two-stage tissue expander/implant breast reconstruction. This study aimed to identify factors that contribute to the occurrence of complications after DTI ADM-assisted breast reconstruction.

Methods: Data were obtained from the BRIOS study, including all patients treated with DTI ADM-assisted breast reconstruction. Read More

Int J Infect Dis 2018 Jun 13;71:67-72. Epub 2018 Apr 13.

Clinica Malattie Infettive, Programma Infettivologia dell'Ospite Immunocompromesso Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genoa 16132, Italy; Department of Health Sciences, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy. Electronic address:

Objectives: Considerable efforts have been devoted so far to improve salvage procedures of infected breast implants in absence of defined guidelines or validated clinical protocols. Within a cohort of prospectively recruited patients who underwent breast reconstruction, we performed a retrospective review of proven implant infections in order to describe factors contributing to management success.

Methods: We collected data in 1293 consecutive patients who underwent two stage (expander+prosthesis) breast reconstruction with at least 12 months of follow-up. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2017 Dec 27;5(12):e1576. Epub 2017 Dec 27.

Emory University, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Atlanta, Ga.; Atlanta Plastic Surgery, Atlanta, Ga.

Background: Acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) are an integral component of breast reconstruction. The ideal matrix would be relatively immuno-inert, allow rapid vascularization, and be affordable. The purpose of this study was to histologically compare 2 commonly used ADM products. Read More

Eplasty 2018 26;18:e13. Epub 2018 Feb 26.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom.

Thin women have fewer autologous tissue breast reconstructive options than their higher body mass index counterparts-due to a lack of adequate donor sites. They are therefore usually offered expander/implant techniques. The total autologous latissimus dorsi flap is generally used in "well-padded" individuals, as they have enough fat on their back on which a completely autologous reconstruction could be based. Read More

Ann Plast Surg 2018 May;80(5S Suppl 5):S292-S294

From the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford Health Care, Stanford, CA.

Background: Two-stage expander implant breast reconstruction is commonly performed after mastectomy. Salvage and long-term outcomes after development of complications have not been well described. We examined a single surgeon's experience to study the rate of reoperation secondary to complications after first-stage expander placement and to evaluate their outcomes. Read More

Ann Plast Surg 2018 May;80(5S Suppl 5):S285-S287

From the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford Health Care, Stanford, CA.

Background: Mastectomy skin necrosis is a significant problem after breast reconstruction. We sought to perform a comparative analysis on this complication between patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction and patients undergoing 2-stage expander implant breast reconstruction.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed on consecutive patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction or 2-stage expander implant breast reconstruction by the senior author from 2006 through 2015. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg 2018 03;141(3):590-597

Chicago, Ill. From the Division of Plastic Surgery and the Department of Anesthesiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Background: The authors' study represents the first level I evidence to assess whether intraoperative nerve blocks improve the quality of recovery from immediate tissue expander/implant breast reconstruction.

Methods: A prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in which patients undergoing immediate tissue expander/implant breast reconstruction were randomized to either (1) intraoperative intercostal and pectoral nerve blocks with 0.25% bupivacaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine and 4 mg of dexamethasone or (2) sham nerve blocks with normal saline. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2018 Jan 11;6(1):e1609. Epub 2018 Jan 11.

Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.

Background: When tissue expansion is necessary in breast reconstruction, a single-stage approach is possible using adjustable expander/implants, with or without the use of acellular dermal matrix. We aimed to present the senior author's single-stage experience over a period of 12 years using combined expander/implants in breast reconstruction.

Methods: This is a Single-institution, retrospective review of breast reconstruction with combined expander/implants from 2002 to 2014. Read More

Ann Plast Surg 2018 May;80(5):481-486

Introduction: Breast reconstruction using implants is still the main breast reconstruction technique worldwide. Current debate within implant-based breast reconstruction is whether to perform a 1-stage (direct implant) or 2-stage (tissue expander/implant) reconstruction. Volume differences between a woman's native breast and changes in volume after breast reconstruction might be an important factor for a patient's choice between these types of reconstruction. Read More

Ann Plast Surg 2018 May;80(5):475-480

Background: The acceptance of nipple-sparing mastectomy for the treatment of breast cancer in selected patients has introduced ancillary procedures to improve breast shape, correct ptosis, and enhance breast symmetry. Mastopexy before or at the time of nipple-sparing mastectomy has been performed to correct ptosis, but there have been no reports on secondary Wise pattern mastopexy after completion of staged subcutaneous expander/implant reconstruction.

Methods: Between 2005 and 2015, 155 patients (255 breasts) underwent staged subcutaneous implant/expander-based reconstruction after inframammary nipple-sparing mastectomy. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg 2018 02;141(2):251-256

MetroHealth, Cleveland, Ohio From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Background: Half of all cancers occur in women older than 65 years, yet only 4 to 14 percent of these women undergo reconstruction. Most studies on reconstruction in the elderly have focused on tissue expander/implant or autologous reconstruction. A direct-to-implant approach theoretically reduces the number of operations and postoperative visits, but has yet to be investigated in the elderly. Read More

Aesthet Surg J 2018 Jun;38(7):734-741

Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO.

Background: Implant-based breast reconstruction (IBR) after nipple-sparing mastectomies (NSM) can have complications that require explantation of a tissue expander or permanent prosthesis. When complications occur, preservation of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) remains critical to ensure aesthetic breast reconstruction. To date, there are minimal data on outcomes for patients experiencing unplanned explantations in IBR after NSM. Read More

Cancer Control 2018 Jan-Mar;25(1):1073274817744603

4 Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA.

Despite the growing elderly population, there is limited research specific to this demographic concerning breast reconstruction (BR). Lack of evidence-based BR recommendations in older populations may contribute to misconceptions and subsequent underutilization of BR, especially autologous BR. Patients who received either deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap BR or tissue expander/implant (TE/I) BR by a single surgeon between July 2011 and July 2015 were surveyed postoperatively by using the psychometrically validated BREAST-Q questionnaire to determine patient satisfaction. Read More

Aesthetic Plast Surg 2018 Feb 21;42(1):64-72. Epub 2017 Dec 21.

Department of Plastic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.

Introduction: Removal of tissue expanders (TE) or implants is a dire consequence of breast reconstruction, and has the potential to halt the reconstructive efforts. Our goals were to characterize a cohort of patients with TE/implant removal, to perform a time-based analysis, and to review the bacteriology associated with explanted devices.

Materials And Methods: Review of a prospectively maintained database was performed to identify patients who underwent TE/implant removal. Read More

Aesthet Surg J 2018 May;38(6):605-613

Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.

Background: While recent studies have reported modest to no difference in breast aesthetics for shaped and round implant types in breast augmentations, the anatomy and biomechanics in the setting of breast reconstruction is different.

Objectives: Accordingly, we endeavored to evaluate whether two implant types impacted nipple position and aesthetic features in prosthetic breast reconstruction.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was carried out on patients who underwent nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) with immediate tissue expander breast reconstruction. Read More

Lancet Oncol 2017 12;18(12):e742-e753

Section of Plastic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.

As the use of breast reconstruction and postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) has increased over the past decade, the typical approach to integrating radiotherapy with breast reconstruction has provoked intense controversy in the management of breast cancer. PMRT can lead to an increased frequency of complications in the reconstructed breast. Conversely, the reconstructed breast can increase the complexity of radiotherapy delivery. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg 2017 Dec;140(6S Prepectoral Breast Reconstruction):31S-38S

Peoria, Ill.; and Boston, Mass. From the University of Illinois College of Medicine; University of Massachusetts; and Illinois Plastic Surgery.

Background: Staged subpectoral expander-implant breast reconstruction is widely performed. Disruption of the pectoralis major origin and the frequent occurrence of animation deformity and functional discomfort associated with subpectoral reconstruction remain ongoing concerns. Prepectoral single-stage direct-to-implant reconstruction resolves many of these issues. Read More

Arch Plast Surg 2017 Nov 27;44(6):516-522. Epub 2017 Oct 27.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Institute for Human Tissue Restoration, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Background: Implant-based breast reconstruction is being performed more frequently, and implants are associated with an increased risk of infection. We reviewed the clinical features of cases of implant infection and investigated the risk factors for breast device salvage failure.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 771 patients who underwent implant-based breast reconstruction between January 2010 and December 2016. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg 2017 Nov;140(5):869-877

Ann Arbor, Mich.; Houston, Texas; and New York, N.Y. From the Section of Plastic Surgery and the Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan; the Department of Plastic Surgery, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center; and the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Background: Direct-to-implant breast reconstruction offers time-saving advantages over two-stage techniques. However, use of direct-to-implant reconstruction remains limited, in part, because of concerns over complication rates., The authors' aim was to compare 2-year complications and patient-reported outcomes for direct-to-implant versus tissue expander/implant reconstruction. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg 2017 Nov;140(5S Advances in Breast Reconstruction):44S-50S

Boston, Mass. From the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School.

Breast reconstruction following mastectomy has evolved to preserve the native skin and nipple of the breast and create a natural-appearing reconstruction in 1 or 2 surgeries. Nipple-sparing procedures appear to be oncologically safe with low risks of cancer recurrence. In our series of 2,182 nipple-sparing mastectomies, there was no development or recurrence of cancer in the nipple. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2017 Sep 13;5(9):e1490. Epub 2017 Sep 13.

Division of Plastic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.; The John Wayne Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, Calif.; and Renaissance Medical Center for Aesthetic Surgery, Los Angeles, Calif.

Background: The best treatment for nipple malposition following nipple-sparing mastectomy is prevention. This article reviews basic elements for success in nipple-sparing mastectomy and offers an option to patients with grade 2-3 breast ptosis who strongly desire to preserve the nipple.

Methods: Retrospective review identified patients undergoing nipple-sparing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. Read More

Ann Plast Surg 2018 Mar;80(3):212-216

From the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Summa Health System, Akron, OH.

Background: Current literature comparing outcomes of immediate breast reconstruction using direct-to-implant (DTI) single-stage and 2-stage tissue expanders (TEs) is conflicting. This study compared overall outcomes and determined predictive patient factors associated with higher complication rates.

Methods: After institutional review board approval, a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction from 2010 to 2014 at a single hospital was performed. Read More

Cancer Control 2017 Oct-Dec;24(4):1073274817729064

1 Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA.

Background: Augmentation mammoplasty remains the most common cosmetic surgery procedure performed. The objective of this article is to evaluate the impact of augmented volume of the reconstructed breast in patients that undergo nipple-sparing mastectomy and patients previously augmented who undergo mastectomy with tissue expander/implant-based reconstruction.

Methods: Patients undergoing skin-sparing mastectomy, nipple-sparing mastectomy, and mastectomy after previous augmentation followed by tissue expander/implant-based reconstruction between June 2011 and April 2015 by 2 surgeons at the same institution were included. Read More

Aesthetic Plast Surg 2018 Feb 15;42(1):49-58. Epub 2017 Sep 15.

Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, PO Box 208041, New Haven, CT, 06520-8041, USA.

This retrospective study utilizes 3D imaging and mammometrics to compare implant-based breast reconstruction with and without the use of ADM. Previous studies have suggested improved aesthetic outcomes with the use of ADM, but none have been able to quantify this difference. Images were obtained at early and late time points following the expander-implant exchange procedure. Read More

J Surg Oncol 2018 Feb 22;117(2):116-123. Epub 2017 Aug 22.

Division of Business Administration, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Korea.

Background And Objectives: Alterations in muscle activation and restricted shoulder mobility, which are common in breast cancer patients, have been found to affect upper limb function. The purpose of this study was to determine muscle activity patterns, and to compare the prevalence of abnormal patterns among the type of breast surgery.

Methods: In total, 274 breast cancer patients were recruited after surgery. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg 2017 Dec;140(6):1091-1100

Ann Arbor, Mich.; and New York, N.Y. From the Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, and the Center for Statistical Consultation and Research, Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan; and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Background: Acellular dermal matrix has gained widespread acceptance in immediate expander/implant reconstruction because of perceived benefits, including improved expansion dynamics and superior aesthetic results. Although previous investigators have evaluated its risks, few studies have assessed the impact of acellular dermal matrix on other outcomes, including patient-reported measures.

Methods: The Mastectomy Reconstruction Outcomes Consortium Study used a prospective cohort design to evaluate patients undergoing postmastectomy reconstruction from 10 centers and 58 participating surgeons between 2012 and 2015. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2017 Jun 28;5(6):e1382. Epub 2017 Jun 28.

Department of Surgery, Section of Plastic Surgery, The Research Institute, St. Luke's University Health Network, Bethlehem, Pa.; and Department of Research and Innovation, St. Luke's University Health Network, Bethlehem, Pa.

Background: Approximately 250,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed yearly in the U.S. resulting in more postmastectomy breast reconstructions (PMBRs). Read More

Ann Surg Oncol 2017 Oct 17;24(11):3180-3187. Epub 2017 Jul 17.

Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.

Background: Autologous breast reconstruction offers excellent long term outcomes after mastectomy. However, maintaining adequate postoperative analgesia remains challenging. Use of paravertebral blocks (PVBs) reduces postoperative narcotic use and length of stay, and enhanced recovery protocols with mixed analgesia methods are gaining popularity, but few studies have explored the intraoperative effects of these interventions. Read More

JPRAS Open 2017 Mar 15;11:1-13. Epub 2016 Sep 15.

University of Michigan Healthcare Systems, Ann Arbor, MI.

Introduction: Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction has become an increasingly important component of breast cancer treatment. Unfortunately, some patients experience severe postoperative pain, placing them at risk for increased clinical morbidity and the development of disabling chronic pain. In an attempt to identify at-risk patients, we prospectively evaluated patient characteristics and medical/surgical variables associated with more severe acute post-reconstruction pain. Read More

Breast J 2018 03 13;24(2):180-183. Epub 2017 Jul 13.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.

More than 50% of breast cancer care occurs in elderly but women aged 65 and over generally have lower breast reconstruction (BR) rates. In medical literature, few papers focused on BR in elderly patients and usually the reported techniques are multisteps such as expander-implant reconstruction, local, and free flaps. We present a one-stage reconstruction technique employed in elderly patients: muscle-sparing immediate BR with subcutaneous implant and Braxon acellular dermal matrix. Read More

Ann Plast Surg 2018 Jan;80(1):10-13

Background: Many patients undergoing total-skin sparing mastectomy (TSSM) and 2-staged expander-implant (TE-I) reconstruction require postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT). Additionally, many patients undergoing TSSM for recurrent cancer have a history of lumpectomy and radiation therapy (XRT). Few studies have looked at the impact of XRT on the stages of TE-I reconstruction. Read More

Breast Cancer 2018 Jan 23;25(1):81-85. Epub 2017 Jun 23.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan.

Background: Whether a durometer was suitable for objectively measuring reconstructed breast hardness was evaluated.

Methods: Subjects were 81 women who underwent expander-implant reconstructions following breast cancer ablation. Capsular contracture was evaluated with Baker grading. Read More

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2017 Oct 18;70(10):1345-1353. Epub 2017 May 18.

Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.

Introduction: Current guidelines in the United States require reporting only the 30-day postoperative outcomes to standardized databases, including the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). Thus, many breast implant-related complications go unreported in standard databases. We sought to characterize late periprosthetic infections following implant-based breast reconstruction. Read More

J Plast Surg Hand Surg 2018 Feb 12;52(1):53-59. Epub 2017 Jun 12.

b Department of Plastic Surgery , Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine , Seoul , Korea.

Background: Placement of a closed suction drain is a common cause of patient complaints, such as postoperative pain or discomfort following immediate expander-implant breast reconstruction. This study aims to identify factors that affect drainage volume, time to drain removal, and seroma formation.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of prospectively collected data was conducted on patients who underwent immediate expander-implant breast reconstructions following nipple-sparing or skin-sparing mastectomy without skin excision (nipple areolar complex excision only) between February 2010 and April 2015. Read More