The Effect of Low-Dose Nitroglycerin Ointment on Skin Flap Necrosis in Breast Reconstruction after Skin-Sparing or Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy

Introduction: Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy (NSM) is increasingly indicated for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes due to better cosmetic results with nipple maintenance. Postoperative complications have not been compared among patients who have undergone simultaneous therapeutic and contralateral prophylactic NSM. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for postoperative complications in bilateral/unilateral NSMs, and therapeutic and/or prophylactic NSMs. Methods: Retrospective study of patients who underwent NSM between 2007 and 2017 at A.C. Camargo Cancer Center. Results: Among 290 patients, 367 NSMs were performed, 64 simultaneous therapeutic and contralateral prophylactic NSM. The latter were associated with more postoperative complications (OR=3.42; p=0.002), mainly skin flap necrosis (OR=3.79; p=0.004), hematoma (OR=7.1; p=0.002), wound infection (OR=3.45; p=0.012), and nipple-areola complex (NAC) loss (OR=9.63; p=0.003). Of the 367 NSMs, 213 were unilateral NSMs, which were associated with lower rates of postoperative complications (OR=0.44; p=0.003), especially skin flap necrosis (OR=0.32; p=0.001), hematoma (OR=0.29; p=0.008), wound infection (OR=0.22; p=0.0001), and reoperation (OR=0.38; p=0.008). Obesity was related to more postoperative complications (OR=2.55; p=0.01), mainly hematoma (OR=3.54; p=0.016), reoperation (OR=2.68; p=0.023), and NAC loss (OR=3.54; p=0.016). Patients’ age (p=0.169), their smoking status (p=0.138), breast ptosis (0.189), previous chest radiotherapy (p 1), or previous breast surgery (p=0.338) were not related to higher chances of postoperative complications. Conclusions: Results suggest that performing therapeutic and contralateral prophylactic NSM as separated procedures may represent a good strategy for minimizing postoperative complications.

Download Full-text

Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy via Inframammary Fold: Reconstructive Red Flags

Cancer and Clinical Oncology ◽

10.5539/cco.v5n1p102 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 102

Author(s):

Umbareen Mahmood ◽

Jessica Suber ◽

Ronit Zadikany ◽

Brian Kellogg ◽

William Fulp ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Skin Flap ◽

Smoking History ◽

Inframammary Fold ◽

Flap Necrosis ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Immediate Reconstruction ◽

Aesthetic Result ◽

Nipple Sparing Mastectomy ◽

Nipple Sparing ◽

Skin Flap Necrosis

Background: Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is a technically feasible and oncologically sound option for patients who meet eligibility criteria. Inframammary fold (IMF) incision results in a well-hidden scar and enhanced final aesthetic result. While oncologic eligibility criteria have been well established, reconstructive criteria are less defined. We report Moffitt Cancer Center's (MCC) outcomes with IMF incision for NSM and immediate reconstruction, and factors associated with increased complication rate.Methods: IRB approved retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent NSM through an IMF approach with immediate reconstruction at MCC from 2006-2013 was conducted. Analysis included patient demographics, tumor characteristics, ancillary treatment, reconstructive method, and nipple and skin flap necrosis. A literature review was performed to compare outcomes with other types of incisions.Results: 115 patients met inclusion criteria, representing 199 breasts. The average age was 48.1 (range 18-74). The two main complication categories evaluated were nipple necrosis (8%) and skin flap necrosis (10.6%). Older age demonstrated a significant relationship with skin flap necrosis (p=0.0155) and overall complications (p=0.0492). Complication rate was significantly higher in the cancer side vs. prophylactic side in patients who underwent bilateral mastectomies (p=0.0088). Factors with trends related to increased skin flap necrosis included increased mastectomy specimen weight (p=0.0704), smoking (p=0.0726), and significant comorbidities (p=0.0665).Conclusion: Our institution's results substantiate that NSM through an IMF approach with immediate reconstruction is a viable option. Recognized risk factors such as age, laterality, breast weight, smoking history, and comorbidities associated with increased complications should be considered when determining patient selection for reconstruction.

Download Full-text