scholarly journals Breast and abdominal scarring after DIEP flap breast reconstruction: an exploration of patient-reported scar quality

Author(s):  
Kristel E. Everaars ◽  
Esther P.M. Tjin ◽  
Erik H. de Laat ◽  
Coralie R. Arends ◽  
Stefan Hummelink ◽  
...  
Author(s):  
Linda Tallroth ◽  
Håkan Brorson ◽  
Nathalie Mobargha ◽  
Patrik Velander ◽  
Stina Klasson ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Objectively measured breast softness in reconstructed breasts and its relation to patients’ subjective satisfaction with breast softness has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate breast softness in patients 1 year following delayed breast reconstruction with an expander prosthesis (EP) or deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap, using objective and subjective methods. Methods Seventy-three patients were randomised to breast reconstruction with an EP or DIEP flap between 2012 and 2018. Of these, 69 completed objective evaluation at a mean of 25 (standard deviation, SD 9.4) months following breast reconstruction. Objective evaluation included measurements of breast volume, jugulum-nipple distance, clavicular-submammary fold distance, ptosis and Baker scale grading. Breast softness was assessed with applanation tonometry. Subjective evaluation was performed using the BREAST-Q questionnaire. Results Objectively, DIEP flaps were significantly softer than EP breast reconstructions. Non-operated contralateral breasts were significantly softer compared with reconstructed breasts. In the subjective evaluation, the median score on the question (labelled 1.h) “How satisfied or dissatisfied have you been with the softness of your reconstructed breast (s)?” was higher in the DIEP flap group corresponding to greater satisfaction in this group. A fair correlation was found between the applanation tonometry and the patient-reported satisfaction with the reconstructed breast’s softness (rs = 0.37). Conclusions In terms of breast softness, breast reconstructions with DIEP flaps result in more satisfied patients. Concerning applanation tonometry as an objective tool for softness assessment, future studies on interobserver agreement are warranted. Level of evidence: Level I, therapeutic study


Author(s):  
Dries Opsomer ◽  
Tom Vyncke ◽  
Michelle Ryx ◽  
Koenraad Van Landuyt ◽  
Phillip Blondeel ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The lumbar artery perforator flap is a second-choice flap in autologous breast reconstruction whenever a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is not possible. Ideal candidates are pear-shaped women who do not have enough bulk on the abdomen or thighs. Patient-reported “satisfaction with breasts” is excellent but we were curious about the donor site morbidity. Methods We performed a retrospective study of all lumbar flap breast reconstructions performed between 2010 and 2019. Patients were invited by e-mail and telephone to take part in a BREAST-Q survey. Results One hundred fifty-four flaps were performed in 110 patients. Sixty-three patients filled out the BREAST-Q questionnaire. The most frequently observed donor site complications are seroma (35.1%), dehiscence (8.4%), and hematoma (3.2%). Correction of the donor site scar was performed in 31.8% of patients, lipofilling of the donor flank in 5.2%, and liposuction of the contralateral flank in 18.3% of patients. Body mass index (BMI) was the only significant risk factor for donor site complications. Patient-reported “satisfaction with donor site appearance” was good but significantly lower for primary reconstructions compared with secondary and tertiary procedures. Flap weight significantly influences patient-reported “physical wellbeing of the donor site.” Ninety-seven percent of patients would recommend the surgery to someone in a similar position and would do it all over. Conclusion The lumbar artery perforator flap is a good alternative for breast reconstruction in selected patients. The donor site issues consist mainly of seromas, prolonged discomfort, and a scar that might be noticeable to others, but patient-reported satisfaction is very high.


2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (S 01) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Suñé ◽  
David Carrillo ◽  
Cristian Lopez ◽  
Marco Serena Signes ◽  
Alejandra Sainz ◽  
...  

2005 ◽  
Vol 21 (07) ◽  
Author(s):  
Koenraad Landuyt ◽  
Moustapha Hamdi ◽  
Phillip Blondeel ◽  
Nathalie Roche ◽  
Stanislas Monstrey

Author(s):  
Anouk A. M. A. Lindelauf ◽  
Nousjka P. A. Vranken ◽  
Rutger M. Schols ◽  
Esther A. C. Bouman ◽  
Patrick W. Weerwind ◽  
...  

Abstract Early detection of vascular compromise after autologous breast reconstruction is crucial to enable timely re-exploration for flap salvage. Several studies proposed non-invasive tissue oximetry for early identification of ischemia of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps. The present study aimed to explore the utility of non-invasive tissue oximetry following DIEP flap surgery using a personalized oxygenation threshold. Methods Patients undergoing immediate/delayed DIEP flap surgery were included in this prospective observational study. DIEP flap tissue oxygenation (StO2) was monitored continuously using near-infrared spectroscopy. A baseline measurement was performed by positioning one sensor at the marked position of the major inferior epigastric perforator on the abdomen. A new sensor was positioned postoperatively on the transplanted tissue. In unilateral procedures, postoperative StO2 values of the native breast were also obtained. Measurements were continued for 24 h. Results Thirty patients (42 flaps) were included. Fourteen patients (46.7%) had an uncomplicated postoperative course. A minor complication was observed in thirteen patients; in five patients, at least one major complication occurred, requiring re-exploration. Median StO2 readings were significantly lower in patients with major complications compared to uncomplicated cases. In fourteen unilateral DIEP flap procedures, StO2 values of the native breast were similar to the preoperative baseline measurement (92%; p = 0.452). Conclusions Non-invasive tissue oximetry following DIEP flap surgery could aid in early detection of vascular compromise. StO2 values of the native breast and abdominal wall preoperatively can be used interchangeably and can serve as personalized reference value. Level of evidence: Level IV, diagnostic / prognostic study.


2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 386-404 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. F. Davies ◽  
R. Macefield ◽  
K. Avery ◽  
J. M. Blazeby ◽  
S. Potter

Abstract Background Breast reconstruction (BR) is performed to improve outcomes for patients undergoing mastectomy. A recently developed core outcome set for BR includes six patient-reported outcomes that should be measured and reported in all future studies. It is vital that any instrument used to measure these outcomes as part of a core measurement set be robustly developed and validated so data are reliable and accurate. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the development and measurement properties of existing BR patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to inform instrument selection for future studies. Methods A PRISMA-compliant systematic review of development and validation studies of BR PROMs was conducted to assess their measurement properties. PROMs with adequate content validity were assessed using three steps: (1) the methodological quality of each identified study was assessed using the COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist; (2) criteria were applied for assessing good measurement properties; and (3) evidence was summarized and the quality of evidence assessed using a modified GRADE approach. Results Fourteen articles reported the development and measurement properties of six PROMs. Of these, only three (BREAST-Q, BRECON-31, and EORTC QLQ-BRECON-23) were considered to have adequate content validity and proceeded to full evaluation. This showed that all three PROMs had been robustly developed and validated and demonstrated adequate quality. Conclusions BREAST-Q, BRECON-31, and EORTC QLQ-BRECON-23 have been well-developed and demonstrate adequate measurement properties. Work with key stakeholders is now needed to generate consensus regarding which PROM should be recommended for inclusion in a core measurement set.


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