Role of CTA in Women with Abdominal Scars Undergoing DIEP Breast Reconstruction: Review of 1,187 Flaps

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (04) ◽  
pp. 294-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren T. Daly ◽  
Andres F. Doval ◽  
Samuel J. Lin ◽  
Adam Tobias ◽  
Bernard T. Lee ◽  
...  

Abstract Background This study examines the effect of prior abdominal surgery on flap, donor-site, and overall complications in women undergoing deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction and assesses whether preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) affects outcomes. Methods All DIEP flaps performed at our institution between 2004 and 2015 were identified retrospectively. Patients were stratified based on a history of prior abdominal surgery and whether or not they underwent a preoperative CTA. A subgroup analysis was performed to compare operative times and incidence of complications using adjusted odds ratios (ORs). Results Over a 12-year period, 425 patients (640 flaps) had prior abdominal surgery, and 393 patients (547 flaps) had no prior abdominal surgery. Of the patients with previous abdominal surgery, 67 (15.7%) underwent preoperative CTA and 333 (78.4%) did not. Patients with prior abdominal surgery were more likely to have donor-site wound complications (OR: 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15–2.87, p = 0.01), fat necrosis ≥2cm of the transferred flap (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.0–1.94, p = 0.05), and were more likely to have bilateral DIEP flap reconstruction (OR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.22–2.12, p < 0.001). Preoperative CTA did not reduce the risk of complications and did not affect operative times. Conclusion DIEP flap reconstruction can be safely performed in women with prior abdominal surgery. However, these patients should be counseled that they are at an increased risk for donor-site wound breakdown and fat necrosis of the reconstructed breast. Preoperative CTA does not reduce complication rate, overall operative time, or time needed to dissect perforators in women with abdominal scars.

Author(s):  
Ara A. Salibian ◽  
Ian T. Nolan ◽  
Jonathan M. Bekisz ◽  
Jordan D. Frey ◽  
Nolan S. Karp ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Stacked and conjoined (SC) flaps are a useful means of increasing flap volume in autologous breast reconstruction. The majority of studies, however, have been limited to smaller, single-center series. Methods A systematic literature review was performed to identify outcomes-based studies on microvascular SC-flap breast reconstruction. Pooled rates of flap and operative characteristics were analyzed. Meta-analytic effect size estimates were calculated for reconstructive complication rates and outcomes of studies comparing SC flaps to non-SC flaps. Meta-regression analysis identified risk factors for flap complications. Results Twenty-six studies were included for analysis (21 case series, five retrospective cohort studies) for a total of 869 patients, 1,003 breasts, and 2006 flaps. The majority of flaps were harvested from the bilateral abdomen (78%, 782 breasts) followed by combined abdomen-thigh stacked flaps (22.2%, 128 breasts). About 51.1% of flaps were anastomosed to anterograde/retrograde internal mammary vessels (230 breasts) and 41.8% used internal mammary/intraflap anastomoses (188 breasts). Meta-analysis revealed a rate of any flap complication of 2.3% (95% confidence interval: 1.4–3.3%), Q-statistic value p = 0.012 (I 2 = 43.3%). SC flaps had a decreased risk of fat necrosis compared with non-SC flaps (odds ratio = 0.126, p < 0.0001, I 2 = 0.00%), though rates of any flap and donor-site complication were similar. Age, body mass index, flap weight, and flap donor site and recipient vessels were not associated with increased risk of any flap complication. Conclusion A global appraisal of the current evidence demonstrated the safety of SC-flap breast reconstruction with low complication rates, regardless of donor site, and lower rates of fat necrosis compared with non-SC flaps.


2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (01) ◽  
pp. 089-092
Author(s):  
Manuel Robustillo ◽  
Luis Parra Pont ◽  
Georgios Pafitanis ◽  
Pedro Ciudad ◽  
Daniel Grandes ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTDIEP flap has become the gold standard method for patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction; however, previous surgery or scars in the abdominal area have been considered a relative contraindication for the use of abdominal tissue. Longitudinal midline abdominal scars may be specially problematic because of the poor midline crossover of blood and the high risk of necrosis of the distal flap. Patients with small breast may be easily reconstructed with hemi-DIEP flap; however, patients with large breast need more tissue available. Our aim is to report a modification of a ‘fleur-de-lis pattern’ for a breast reconstruction in a patient with previous abdominal surgery and large breast. The post-operative course was uneventful, flap did not show blood supply compromise, volume and symmetry are preserved after 6 months post-operative and donor site morbidity has not been observed. This modification may be very useful to avoid complications related to poor blood supply associated with scar tissues. Careful pre-operative planning and the transfer of only well-vascularised tissue are essential for a successful reconstruction.


Author(s):  
Taehee Jo ◽  
Dong Nyeok Jeon ◽  
Hyun Ho Han

Abstract Background The posterior thigh-based profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap has been an emerging option as a secondary choice in breast reconstructions. However, whether a PAP flap could consistently serve as the secondary option in slim patients has not been investigated. Methods Records of immediate unilateral breast reconstructions performed from May 2017 to June 2019 were reviewed. PAP flap breast reconstructions were compared with standard deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstructions, and were grouped into single or stacked PAP flaps for further analysis. Results Overall, 43 PAP flaps were performed to reconstruct 32 breasts. Eleven patients underwent stacked PAP flap reconstruction, while 17 patients underwent 21 single PAP flap reconstruction. The average body mass index (BMI) of the patients was 22.2 ± 0.5 kg/m2. The results were as follows: no total loss, one case of venous congestion (2.3%), two donor site wound dehiscence cases (4.7%), and one case of fat necrosis from partial flap loss (2.3%). When compared with 192 DIEP flap reconstructions, the final DIEP flap supplied 98.1 ± 1.7% of mastectomy weight, while the final PAP flap supplied 114.1 ± 6.2% of mastectomy weight (p < 0.005), demonstrating that PAP flaps can successfully supply final reconstruction volume. In a separate analysis, single PAP flaps successfully supplied 104.2% (84.2-144.4%) of mastectomy weights, while stacked PAP flaps supplied 103.7% (98.8-115.2%) of mastectomy weights. Conclusion In our series of PAP flap reconstructions performed in low-to-normal BMI patients, we found that PAP flaps, as single or stacked flaps, provide sufficient volume to reconstruct mastectomy defects.


2021 ◽  
pp. 000313482110111
Author(s):  
Olivia M. DeLozier ◽  
Zachary E. Stiles ◽  
David Shibata ◽  
Jeremiah L. Deneve ◽  
Justin Monroe ◽  
...  

Background Gracilis flap reconstruction (GFR) following abdominoperineal resection (APR) or proctocolectomy (PC) can reduce pelvic wound complications but has not been adequately assessed in the setting of immunosuppression, fistulous disease, and neoadjuvant chemoradiation. Methods Patients undergoing APR/PC with GFR were retrospectively analyzed with regard to perioperative characteristics, and morbidity was assessed. Results Patients underwent GFR for rectal cancer ( n = 28), anal cancer ( n = 3), inflammatory bowel disease ( n = 13), or benign fistulizing disease ( n = 1). 22.2% were chronically immunosuppressed, and 66.7% underwent preoperative chemoradiation. Twenty (44.4%) patients had minor wound complications, all treated nonoperatively. Nine patients had major complications with 4 patients requiring reoperation. The 4 threatened flaps were unilateral, and all were salvaged. Donor site morbidity was minimal. Patients with major complications were older (56 vs. 71 years, P = .030), and less likely to have pelvic drains ( P = .018). Conclusion In high-risk perineal wounds, GFR offers durable reconstruction with acceptably low morbidity.


Author(s):  
Charles W. Patterson ◽  
Patrick A. Palines ◽  
Matthew J. Bartow ◽  
Daniel J. Womac ◽  
Jamie C. Zampell ◽  
...  

Abstract Background From both a medical and surgical perspective, obese breast cancer patients are considered to possess higher risk when undergoing autologous breast reconstruction relative to nonobese patients. However, few studies have evaluated the continuum of risk across the full range of obesity. This study sought to compare surgical risk between the three World Health Organization (WHO) classes of obesity in patients undergoing deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction. Methods A retrospective review of 219 obese patients receiving 306 individual DIEP flaps was performed. Subjects were stratified into WHO obesity classes I (body mass index [BMI]: 30–34), II (BMI: 35–39), and III (BMI: ≥ 40) and assessed for risk factors and postoperative donor and recipient site complications. Results When examined together, the rate of any complication between the three groups only trended toward significance (p = 0.07), and there were no significant differences among rates of specific individual complications. However, logistic regression analysis showed that class III obesity was an independent risk factor for both flap (odds ratio [OR]: 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.91–3.20, p = 0.03) and donor site (OR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.09–5.05, p = 0.03) complications. Conclusion DIEP breast reconstruction in the obese patient is more complex for both the patient and the surgeon. Although not a contraindication to undergoing surgery, obese patients should be diligently counseled regarding potential complications and undergo preoperative optimization of health parameters. Morbidly obese (class III) patients should be approached with additional caution, and perhaps even delay major reconstruction until specific BMI goals are met.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Jun Hyeok Kim ◽  
Ye Sol Kim ◽  
Suk-Ho Moon ◽  
Young Joon Jun ◽  
Jong Won Rhie ◽  
...  

Background. In microvascular anastomosis, size discrepancy is common and can increase thrombotic complications. If size differences can be predicted, then vessels of the appropriate size can be selected. This study documented the difference in diameter between the thoracodorsal (TD) vessel and deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) pedicle in each patient who underwent breast reconstruction using free tissue transfer. Patients and Methods. This retrospective study included 32 anastomoses (27 breasts including five cases of supercharged anastomosis) of breast reconstruction with the free DIEP flap and TD recipient between August 2018 and June 2019. In the microscopic view, the caliber of the TD vessel, the largest branch to the serratus anterior muscle, the descending branch, the largest and the second largest branches to the latissimus dorsi muscle, and the DIEP pedicle were measured. Results. The diameter of the deep inferior epigastric artery was similar to that of the descending branch, and their anastomosing rate was 56.3%. The diameter of the deep inferior epigastric vein was similar to the branch to the serratus anterior muscle and the descending branch, and their anastomosing rates were 29.3% and 29.3%, respectively. All flaps were survived; however, in one case, a reoperation was needed to remove the hematoma, in which case fat necrosis occurred as the only complication. Conclusion. TD branches of similar size to the DIEP pedicle were prioritized in anastomosis. The descending branch and the branch to the serratus anterior muscle are expected to be good candidates as recipients in breast reconstruction with DIEP free flap. Moreover, supercharged anastomosis of DIEP pedicles can be achieved within TD branches.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 2513826X1989883
Author(s):  
Trina V. Stephens ◽  
Nancy Van Laeken ◽  
Sheina A. Macadam

Donor-site seroma formation is a complication of autologous breast reconstruction reported most commonly with the use of latissimus dorsi flaps. First-line treatment is percutaneous aspiration which leads to resolution in the majority of cases. Those that persist may progress to a chronic, refractory seroma, which can prove challenging in terms of treatment. The aim of this article is to provide an updated literature review of interventions for chronic donor-site seroma and present the case of a 65-year-old female with a recalcitrant abdominal seroma following deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction. Literature review revealed a single article that reported 2 cases of persistent donor-site seroma after DIEP flap breast reconstruction. The patient presented here underwent repeat aspiration, drain placement, and multiple surgical procedures to achieve resolution. In total, the post-reconstruction seroma history of the patient extended over approximately 14 months. We conclude with evidence-based suggestions for chronic, donor-site seroma prevention and treatment.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1107-1114
Author(s):  
Hinne A. Rakhorst

Microsurgery in general has made dramatic improvements over the past decades. This applies to microsurgery in general and to breast reconstructive surgery especially. The demand for autologous breast reconstruction has risen. Since the introduction of the free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flaps, through the muscle-sparing TRAM, flaps designs have evolved into the current gold standard, the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap. From experiences and increasing numbers of flap procedures performed by surgeons, techniques became more familiar and part of standard care. These factors gave rise to the development of a growing number of areas of the body where tissues of interest can be harvested using perforator flap-based techniques. This chapter discusses the most common as well as the ‘rising stars’ in terms of flaps to be used as alternative flaps to the DIEP flap for breast reconstruction. It discusses practical issues on dissection as well as donor site morbidity.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document