Preoperative breast volume evaluation of one-stage immediate breast reconstruction using three-dimensional surface imaging and a printed mold

Abstract Background Breast reconstruction is an important coping tool for patients undergoing a mastectomy. There are numerous surgical techniques in breast reconstruction surgery (BRS). Regardless of the technique used, creating a symmetric outcome is crucial for patients and plastic surgeons. Three-dimensional surface imaging enables surgeons and patients to assess the outcome’s symmetry in BRS. To discriminate between autologous and alloplastic techniques, we analyzed both techniques using objective optical computerized symmetry analysis. Software was developed that enables clinicians to assess optical breast symmetry using three-dimensional surface imaging. Methods Twenty-seven patients who had undergone autologous (n = 12) or alloplastic (n = 15) BRS received three-dimensional surface imaging. Anthropomorphic data were collected digitally using semiautomatic measurements and automatic measurements. Automatic measurements were taken using the newly developed software. To quantify symmetry, a Symmetry Index is proposed. Results Statistical analysis revealed that there is no difference in the outcome symmetry between the two groups (t test for independent samples; p = 0.48, two-tailed). Conclusion This study’s findings provide a foundation for qualitative symmetry assessment in BRS using automatized digital anthropometry. In the present trial, no difference in the outcomes’ optical symmetry was detected between autologous and alloplastic approaches. Level of evidence Level IV. Level of Evidence IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

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A comparison of volume and anthropometric breast measurements using the Crisalix and VECTRA XT 3-dimensional surface imaging systems in women who have undergone breast-conserving surgery

Medical Research Archives ◽

10.18103/mra.v9i4.2395 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Astrid MBChB ◽

Rachel Connell ◽

Stephanie Dean ◽

Rosa Micco ◽

Naser Alotaibi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Three Dimensional ◽

Breast Conserving Surgery ◽

Observer Agreement ◽

Surface Imaging ◽

Breast Volume ◽

Limits Of Agreement ◽

Sternal Notch ◽

3 Dimensional ◽

The Mean ◽

Dimensional Surface

Introduction Three-dimensional surface imaging (3D-SI) of the breasts enables the measurement of anthropometric distances and breast volume. These measurements may be used in surgical planning and to facilitate clear communication with patients. The aim of this study was to compare measurements using a portable 3D-SI system, Crisalix, with a more established non-mobile camera, the VECTRA XT. Methods Participants were imaged three times using the Crisalix and the VECTRA XT system. Breast volume, sternal notch to nipple distance, nipple to nipple distance and breast width were measured. Intra-observer agreement was measured using the co-efficient of variation (CV). Agreement between the two methods was represented with Bland Altman agreement plots. Results Intra-method variation was low for both methods (maximum CV 3.3% for Crisalix and 3.2% for VECTRA XT), with only nipple-to-nipple distance being statistically significant, marginally in favour of VECTRA. The mean inter-method differences were small but the limits of agreement (LoA) were wide for all parameters: best for sternal notch to nipple distance, mean difference (MD) -0.03cm and LoA 1.8 to -1.8cm; the widest LoA were for breast volume: MD 31.1cm3 and LoA 286.7 to -244.6cm3. Conclusion This is the first comparison of anthropometric distances and breast volume measured using the two most widely used 3D-SI systems, Crisalix and VECTRA XT. Intra-method variation is low but currently it would not be appropriate to use the two systems interchangeably due to the wide limits of agreement for all four parameters assessed.

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