Safety of Coupled Arterial Anastomosis in Autologous Breast Reconstruction

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariel McLaughlin ◽  
Brooke E. Porter ◽  
Rachel Cohen-Shohet ◽  
Mark M. Leyngold
Keyword(s):  
Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Operating Room ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Recipient Site ◽  
Flap Loss ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Internal Mammary ◽  
Arterial Anastomosis

Abstract Background This study compares the outcomes of coupled versus hand-sewn arterial anastomosis in microvascular breast reconstruction. Methods Retrospective chart review of breast reconstruction free flaps performed between 2013 and 2018 was conducted. Primary end points included flap loss, intraoperative arterial anastomosis revision, and operating room takeback. The decision to couple the arterial anastomosis was based on patient's age, surgeon's preference, history of radiation, and vessel quality. All anastomoses were performed under ×3.5 loupe magnification to internal mammary or thoracodorsal vessels. Results Authors reviewed 104 free flaps; two were lost in hand-sewn group; no flaps were lost in coupled group. There was no significant difference in anastomotic revision rate between coupled and hand-sewn arterial anastomosis (p = 0.186) or return to operating room (OR) between coupled and hand-sewn flaps (p = 1.000). Reasons for takeback included venous congestion and hematoma. Conclusion This study reflects that coupled arterial anastomosis in breast reconstruction may be safely performed without increased risk in anastomotic revision, takeback, or flap loss. Decision to couple should be based on surgeon skill, patient age and history, and assessment of flap and recipient site vasculature.

scholarly journals Age and Overweight Are Not Contraindications for a Breast Reconstruction with a TMG-Flap—A Risk and Complication Analysis of a Retrospective Double Center Study Including 300 Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 926
Author(s):  
Karl Schwaiger ◽  
Laurenz Weitgasser ◽  
Maximilian Mahrhofer ◽  
Kathrin Bachleitner ◽  
Selim Abed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Postoperative Complications ◽  
Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Demographic Development ◽  
Autologous Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Significant Difference

Introduction: The transverse myocutaneous gracilis (TMG) flap has become a popular and reliable alternative for autologous breast reconstruction. Initially described as a valuable tissue source for women with low body-mass index, indications nowadays have widely expanded. The Western civilization demographic development with its aging population and the steady growing average BMI has led to increasing breast reconstructions with TMG flaps in overweight and aged individuals. Patients and Methods: A total of 300 TMG free flaps for unilateral autologous breast reconstruction were evaluated in the form of a retrospective double center cohort study. Data extraction, study group formation and statistical analysis (One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson’s chi-squared statistical analysis and relative risk calculation) were done specifically to evaluate age and BMI as risk factors for postoperative complications and outcome. Results: No significant differences in patients’ age and BMI in the complication groups compared to the no-complication group could be found. No significant difference regarding the occurrence of complications could be found in any of the formed risk-groups. No significant increase of minor-, major- or overall complications, flap loss or revision surgeries were found in the elderly patient groups or for patients with overweight. Conclusion: Age and overweight do not significantly increase the risk for postoperative complications after breast reconstructions with free TMG flaps. The findings of this study support the fact that microsurgical breast reconstruction with a free TMG flap should not solely be reserved for younger patients and females with a lower BMI.

scholarly journals Increase of major complications with a longer ischemia time in breast reconstruction with a free deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-138
Author(s):  
Nadine S. Hillberg ◽  
Jop Beugels ◽  
Sander M. J. van Kuijk ◽  
René R. J. W. van der Hulst ◽  
Stefania M. H. Tuinder
Keyword(s):  
Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Major Complication ◽  
P Value ◽  
Diep Flap ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Recipient Site ◽  
Ischemia Time ◽  
Flap Loss ◽  
Major Complications

Abstract Background The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is one of the most used free flaps for postmastectomy breast reconstruction. Prolonged ischemia can result in (partial) flap loss. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between ischemia time and postoperative complications of DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Methods A retrospective study of all patients who received a breast reconstructionwith aDIEP flap atMaastricht University Medical Center in theNetherlands, between January 2010 and June 2017 (n = 677). The flaps were divided into two groups: flaps with an ischemia time less than 60 min and those with 60 min or more. Recipient site complications, in particular major complications equal to re-exploration, and partial or total flap loss were the primary outcome measures. Results In 23.9% of the 677 included DIEP flaps, the ischemia time was 60 min or longer. Within this group, a complication of the recipient site occurred in 30.9% of the flaps. A major complication occurred in 17.3% of the flaps with 60 min or more ischemia time.With regard to the flaps with less than 60-min ischemia time, a complication occurred in 22.1% of the cases of which 8.9%would be considered amajor complication. A significant association was found between ischemia time and major complications on univariate (p value = 0.003) and multivariate analyses (p value = 0.016). Conclusions This study demonstrates that an ischemia time less than 60 min is associated with a significantly lower risk of major recipient site complications compared to an ischemia time of 60 min or more. Level of evidence: Level III, therapeutic, risk/prognostic study.

610 Small Pediatric Burns Can Be Safely Managed on an Outpatient Basis

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S148-S149
Author(s):  
Andrea C Grote ◽  
Alexandra M Lacey ◽  
Warren L Garner ◽  
Justin Gillenwater ◽  
Ellen Maniago ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Outpatient Setting ◽  
Outpatient Basis ◽  
Close Monitoring ◽  
Burn Center ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Pediatric Burns ◽  
Inpatient Management

Abstract Introduction American Burn Association guidelines recommend that all pediatric burns be transferred to a burn center if their presenting hospital lacks the necessary personnel or equipment for their care. Our institution often treats small (< 10% TBSA) burns in pediatric patients as outpatients with a non-daily dressing. The aim of this study was to determine if small pediatric burns could be managed in an outpatient manner and risk factors for failure. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted from July 2016 to July 2019 at a single ABA-verified burn center. All patients under the age of 18 who presented for evaluation were included. Post burn day, age, sex, TBSA, burn etiology, body area burned, burn dressing type, outpatient versus inpatient management, reason(s) for admission, and any operative intervention were collected. Results In total, 742 patients were included in our cohort (Table 1). The most common burn etiologies were scald (68%), contact (20%), and flame (5%). From initial presentation, 101 patients (14%), mean TBSA 9%, were admitted to the burn unit and 641 patients (86%), mean TBSA 3%, were treated outpatient. Of those, 613 (96%) were treated entirely outpatient and 28 (4%) were admitted at a later date. There were no significant differences in age (p=0.6) nor gender distribution between those who were successfully treated outpatient and those who failed. There was a significant difference (p < 0.001) in TBSA between the patients who were treated successfully as outpatients (3±2%) versus those who failed outpatient care (4±3%). The primary reason for admission of these patients was nutrition optimization (61%). Conclusions The vast majority of small pediatric burns can be treated as an outpatient with a non-daily dressing with good results. Over 80% of pediatric patients seen in our clinic were successfully managed in this manner. As suspected, when the burns are larger in size (>4% TBSA) there is a potential increased risk for admission especially with regards to poor PO intake, so this requires close monitoring and family education. Applicability of Research to Practice Pediatric patients with small burns can be safely managed in an outpatient setting with a non-daily dressing. Those who fail will most likely fail from poor PO intake at home.

Sampling of Internal Mammary Chain Lymph Nodes during Breast Reconstruction by Free Flaps from the Abdomen

2005 ◽  
Vol 91 (5) ◽  
pp. 415-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoran M Arnez ◽  
Marko Snoj
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Lymph Node ◽  
Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Internal Mammary Artery ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Microvascular Anastomosis ◽  
Internal Mammary Chain ◽  
Free Flap Transfer ◽  
Internal Mammary

The role of internal mammary chain lymph node removal in breast cancer is still not clarified. Although it has been proven that elective dissection of the internal mammary chain nodes does not improve survival, their selective treatment based on sentinel lymph node biopsy is under evaluation. There is another possibility to establish the status of internal mammary chain nodes - sampling of the nodes during the preparation of the site for microvascular anastomosis to the internal mammary artery and vein for free flap transfer. From August 2002 to December 2003, 54 free flaps were performed for breast reconstruction. In 11 cases, an internal mammary chain lymph node was harvested. A positive internal mammary chain node was found in only one case. In this case, the treatment policy was changed by adding irradiation to the internal mammary chain. The sampling of internal mammary chain nodes during preparation of the site for microvascular anastomosis to the internal mammary artery and vein should be a part of the reconstructive procedure after total mastectomy for invasive breast cancer because it could change the treatment plan.

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