Human-engineered auricular reconstruction (hEAR) by 3D-printed molding with human-derived auricular and costal chondrocytes and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Microtia is a small, malformed external ear, which occurs at an incidence of 1-10 per 10,000 births. Autologous reconstruction using costal cartilage is the most widely accepted surgical microtia repair technique. Yet, the method involves donor-site pain and discomfort and relies on the artistic skill of the surgeon to create an aesthetic ear. This study employed novel tissue engineering techniques to overcome these limitations, by developing a clinical-grade, 3D-printed biodegradable auricle scaffold that formed stable, custom-made, neocartilage implants. The unique scaffold design combined strategically reinforced areas to maintain the complex topography of the outer ear and micropores to allow cell adhesion for the effective production of stable cartilage. The auricle construct was CT scan-based composed of a 3D-printed clinical-grade polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold loaded with patient‐derived chondrocytes produced from either auricular cartilage or costal cartilage biopsies combined with adipose-derived MSCs. Cartilage formation was measured within the construct in vitro, and cartilage maturation and stabilization were observed 12 weeks after its subcutaneous implantation into a murine model. The proposed technology is simple and effective and is

Effect of health care disparities on procedure selection of autologous breast reconstruction in Florida

INTRODUCTION: Disparities in access to reconstructive surgery after breast cancer have been reported. We aim to evaluate demographic and socioeconomic factors influencing type of autologous breast reconstruction in Florida. METHODS: We queried the Florida Inpatient Discharge Dataset to evaluate disparities in type of autologous breast reconstructive surgery between January 1, 2013, and September 30, 2017. Patients 18 years of age or older were included. Women younger than 65 years old on Medicare were excluded. Patients were categorized into three groups according to type of autologous reconstruction: latissimus dorsi pedicled flap (pedicled flap), free flap, or pedicled flap with implant (combined flap). Demographic and socioeconomic variables were evaluated. 𝜒2 and Mann–Whitney tests were used to estimate statistical significance. A multivariate logistic regression was performed to find independent associations. RESULTS: Our results showed higher odds of reconstruction with free flap in Hispanic patients (odds ratio (OR), 1.66; 95% CI, 1.32–2.09; P < 0.0001) and patients with comorbidities (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.23–1.71; P < 0.0001). However, patients treated in Central and South Florida were less likely to undergo free flap than combined and pedicled flap reconstructions compared with those treated in North Florida (P < 0.05). Patients insured by Medicaid and Medicare were less likely to undergo free flap than combined or pedicled flap reconstruction compared to patients with private insurance (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified that race, region, insurance, and comorbidity are factors associated with type of autologous breast reconstruction in Florida.

Protocol for a national cohort study to explore the long-term clinical and patient-reported outcomes and cost-effectiveness of implant-based and autologous breast reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer: the brighter study

IntroductionBreast reconstruction (BR) is offered to improve quality of life for women with breast cancer undergoing mastectomy. As most women will be long-term breast cancer survivors, high-quality information regarding the long-term outcomes of different BR procedures is essential to support informed decision-making. As different techniques vary considerably in cost, policymakers also require high-quality cost-effectiveness evidence to inform care. The Brighter study aims to explore the long-term clinical and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of implant-based and autologous BR and use health economic modelling to compare the long-term cost-effectiveness of different reconstructive techniques.Methods and analysisWomen undergoing mastectomy and/or BR following a diagnosis of breast cancer between 1 January 2008 and 31 March 2009 will be identified from hospital episode statistics (HES). Surviving women will be contacted and invited to complete validated PRO measures including the BREAST-Q, EQ-5D-5L and ICECAP-A, or opt out of having their data included in the HES analysis. Long-term clinical outcomes will be explored using HES data. The primary outcome will be rates of revisional surgery between implant-based and autologous procedures. Secondary outcomes will include rates of secondary reconstruction and reconstruction failure. The long-term PROs of implant-based and autologous reconstruction will be compared using BREAST-Q, EQ-5D-5L and ICECAP-A scores. Multivariable regression will be used to examine the relationship between long-term outcomes, patient comorbidities, sociodemographic and treatment factors. A Markov model will be developed using HES and PRO data and published literature to compare the relative long-term cost-effectiveness of implant-based and autologous BR.Ethics and disseminationThe Brighter study has been approved by the South-West -Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee (20/SW/0020), and the Confidentiality Advisory Group (20/CAG/0021). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national meetings. We will work with the professional associations, charities and patient groups to disseminate the results.

Predictors for Prolonged Drain Use Following Autologous Breast Reconstruction

Background Surgical drains are routinely used following autologous reconstruction, but are often cited as the leading cause of peri-operative discomfort. This study defined routine drain use duration and assessed the risk factors for prolonged breast and abdominal drain use during microvascular breast reconstruction, measures which have never previously been defined. Methods Patients who underwent an abdominal microvascular free flap were included. Demographics, comorbidities, and operation-related characteristics were retrospectively collected in a prospectively maintained database. Statistical analysis utilized chi-square independent t-test, and linear regression analyses. Results One hundred forty-nine patients comprising 233 breast flaps were included. Average breast and abdominal drain duration were 12.9 ± 3.9 and 17.7 ± 8.2 days, respectively. Prolonged breast and abdominal drain duration were defined as drain use beyond the 75th percentile at 14 and 19 days, respectively. Multivariable regression revealed hypertension was associated with an increased breast drain duration by 1.4 days (p = 0.024), axillary dissection with 1.7 days (p = 0.026), African-American race with 3.1 days (p < 0.001), Hispanic race with 1.6 days (p = 0.029), return to the OR with 3.2 days (p = 0.004), and each point increase in BMI with 0.1 days (p = 0.028). For abdominal drains, each point increase in BMI was associated with an increased abdominal drain duration by 0.3 days (p = 0.011), infection with 14.4 days (p < 0.001), and return to the OR with 5.7 days (p = 0.007). Conclusion Elevated BMI, hypertension, and axillary dissection increase risk for prolonged breast drain requirement in autologous reconstruction. African-American and Hispanic populations experience prolonged breast drain requirement after controlling for other factors, warranting further study.

Obesity and the Latissimus Dorsi Flap: A Radiologic Study

Introduction: The increasing prevalence of obesity in patients with breast cancer has prompted a reappraisal of the role of the latissimus dorsi flap (LDF) in breast reconstruction. Although the reliability of this flap in obese patients is well-documented, it is unclear whether sufficient volume can be achieved through a purely autologous reconstruction (eg, extended harvest of the subfascial fat layer). Additionally, the traditional combined autologous and prosthetic approach (LDF + expander/implant) is subject to increased implant-related complication rates related to flap thickness in obese patients. The purpose of this study is to provide data on the thicknesses of the various components of the latissimus flap and discuss the implications for breast reconstruction in patients with increasing body mass index (BMI). Methods: Measurements of back thickness in the usual donor site area of an LDF were obtained in 518 patients undergoing prone computed tomography–guided lung biopsies. Thicknesses of the soft tissue overall and of individual layers (e.g., muscle, subfascial fat) were obtained. Patient, demographics including age, gender, and BMI were obtained. Results: A range of BMI from 15.7 to 65.7 was observed. In females, total back thickness (skin, fat, muscle) ranged from 0.6 to 9.4 cm. Every 1-point increase in BMI resulted in an increase of flap thickness by 1.11 mm (adjusted R 2 of 0.682, P < .001) and an increase in the thickness of the subfascial fat layer by 0.513 mm (adjusted R 2 of 0.553, P < .001). Mean total thicknesses for each weight category were 1.0, 1.7, 2.4, 3.0, 3.6, and 4.5 cm in underweight, normal weight, overweight, and class I, II, III obese individuals, respectively. The average contribution of the subfascial fat layer to flap thickness was 8.2 mm (32%) overall and 3.4 mm (21%), 6.7 mm (29%), 9.0 mm (30%), 11.1 mm (32%), and 15.6 mm (35%) in normal weight, overweight, class I, II, III obese individuals, respectively. Conclusion: The above findings demonstrate that the thickness of the LDF overall and of the subfascial layer closely correlated with BMI. The contribution of the subfascial layer to overall flap thickness tends to increase as a percentage of overall flap thickness with increasing BMI, which is favourable for extended LDF harvests. Because this layer cannot be separated from overall thickness on examination, these results are useful in estimating the amount of additional volume obtained from an extended latissimus harvest technique.

Craniofacial implants in a failed autologous reconstruction of microtia: a case report

Plastic surgical reconstruction is considered to be the gold standard for the repair of microtia as the results are permanent and constructed from the patient’s own tissue; however, the multiple surgeries required and the difficulty in attaining adequate cosmetic results often result in patients choosing a prosthesis as a long-term rehabilitation. Advances in osseointegration in the craniofacial region have improved the outcomes with auricular prosthetics by providing a reliable method of attachment of the prosthesis and increasing patient acceptance. A case presentation illustrates the results of both treatment modalities and examines the outcomes on the same patient.

Radiotherapy Increases Major Complications and Complication-related Reconstruction Failures in Patients with Implant-based Breast Reconstruction

Purpose This study was designed to assess the impact of post-mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) on reconstruction complications and failures in patients undergoing mastectomy and different types of breast reconstruction.Methods We retrospectively identified 832 breast cancer patients who underwent mastectomy and breast reconstruction at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center between June 2001 and December 2015. Of these, 159 patients received PMRT, and 673 patients did not receive PMRT. The endpoints of the reconstruction outcomes included any complications, major complications, overall reconstruction failures and complication-related reconstruction failures. Multivariate analysis was applied to identify independent predictors of reconstruction outcomes in patients with different types of breast reconstruction. The nomogram model was built on the basis of the multivariate analysis to predict complication-related reconstruction failures.Results The median follow-up time was 58.5 months. Of all 832 patients, 394 patients received implant-based reconstruction, and 438 patients received autologous reconstruction. For patients with implant-based reconstruction, multivariate analysis showed that PMRT was associated with 3.16 times (95% CI 1.17-8.54, p=0.023) higher odds of major complications and 3.22 times (95% CI 1.01-10.20, p=0.047) higher odds of complication-related reconstruction failures but was not associated with any complications (OR 1.73, 95% CI 0.88-3.38, p=0.113) or overall reconstruction failures (OR 2.09, 95% CI 0.76-5.73, p=0.152). The nomogram model for implant-based reconstruction showed good predictive performance for complication-related reconstruction failures (AUC =0.714).Conclusions PMRT appears to be associated with an increased risk of major complications and complication-related reconstruction failures in patients with implant-based reconstruction.

Short-Scar Latissimus Dorsi (SSLD) With a Lateral Approach: A Game Changer in Breast Reconstruction?

Background In delayed breast reconstruction, the thoraco-mammary cutaneous tissue often shows residual damage from radiotherapy. The fragility of this tissue is associated with a risk of skin necroses of about 8% when dissection is performed by reopening of the mastectomy scar. Objectives The objective of our study was to adapt the technique of short-scar latissimus dorsi flap surgery with an abdominal advancement flap using a lateral approach only avoiding re-incision of the mastectomy scar. Methods In this retrospective study, we performed 150 reconstructions in 146 patients to assess the safety and effectiveness of the SSLD technique with lateral approach. The primary outcome was the occurrence of postoperative skin necrosis of the thoraco-mammary area. Results Of the 150 delayed breast reconstruction procedures performed, none showed skin necrosis of the thoraco-mammary area, and a positive effect on skin trophicity of this area was observed. The resulting patient and surgical team satisfaction were very favorable. Conclusions In our practice, this technique changed our paradigm because of good skin safety and effectiveness. It allows reconstruction without a patch-effect in patients with very poor skin quality in whom the thoraco-mammary skin would have been replaced in the past by a skin paddle. Reconstruction would have even be contraindicated. It could also be an alternative to many other more complex and longer techniques of autologous reconstruction.

Use of Tendon Allograft for Recurrent Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Instability in Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome: A Case Report

Background Subluxation of the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon can be a challenging problem to the surgeon, with no options described for failure following autologous reconstruction. It is our intention to provide guidance on technique by describing our experience in a 20-year-old male with Ehlers–Danlos syndrome. Case Description The patient presented with pain and snapping of the ECU tendon, and failed both immobilization and ECU reconstruction with autologous extensor retinaculum. A gracilis tendon allograft was used to reconstruct the ECU sheath, in addition to ulnar groove deepening. At 1-year follow-up, the patient had no pain and the ECU was stable without recurrent subluxation. Literature Review To the authors' knowledge, the use of tendon allograft for stabilization of recurrent ECU subluxation following surgical repair or reconstruction has not been previously described in the medical literature. Clinical Relevance Utilization of tendon allograft is a viable technique to stabilize the ECU tendon while minimizing the risk in relying on compromised autologous tissue. This report represents the first account of successful reconstruction following failed autologous reconstruction.