Patient-Reported Outcomes in Free-Flap Breast Reconstructive Surgery over Time (PRO-BREST)

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) are increasingly relevant to assess surgical quality and guide decisions in breast reconstruction (BR). Satisfaction with outcomes may change as time progresses. We assessed satisfaction in patients who underwent free-flap BR in the last 12 years. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> All patients who underwent free-flap BR from 2006 to 2018 were invited to complete the validated BREAST-Q for reconstruction. The BREAST-Q comprises 6 domains covering various aspects of satisfaction. Unadjusted linear regression assessed the relationship between different domains of the BREAST-Q and time since BR. Two-sample <i>t</i> tests assessed differences in satisfaction between patients who underwent BR ≥5 years versus &#x3c;5 years prior. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Forty-three women with primary or secondary free-flap BR between 2006 and 2018 were included in the study. Most patients (<i>n</i> = 33, 76.7%) underwent DIEP flap BR. Overall satisfaction with breasts and with outcomes improved as time since BR increased (<i>p</i> = 0.031 and <i>p</i> = 0.017, respectively). Overall satisfaction with outcomes scored higher in patients with BR ≥5 years prior (≥5 years vs. &#x3c;5 years: breast score 88.6 (SD 12.5) versus 66.9 (SD 21.8); <i>p</i> = 0.005). Satisfaction with breasts and psychosocial well-being also scored higher in these patients. There was no difference in results between primary and secondary BR. Patients who underwent additional surgery (refinements) reported higher satisfaction with outcomes and abdominal well-being. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> PROMs concerning satisfaction with breast and with outcomes following BR improve as time since treatment progresses. This study demonstrates that time since diagnosis may be an important factor in satisfaction. It underlines the importance of long-term PROMs related to BR, to help provide patients and health care professionals in decision-making and in managing expectations related to BR.

Breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap (DIEP-flap). History of development

The article is devoted to the actual topic of breast reconstruction with autologous tissues. The article discusses the key stages in the development of breast reconstructive surgery using free flaps using microsurgical techniques. A flap of the anterior abdominal wall, among other techniques, is the method of choice for breast reconstruction today, also because it allows you to achieve the most "natural" result. The authors compares different variants of autologous flaps, describes the advantages of the DIEP flap in comparison with the TRAM flap. Also, special attention is paid to the choice of breast reconstruction method depending on age, constitutional characteristics and the presence of risk factors such as smoking, diabetes mellitus and excess BMI. Analyzing the advantages of breast reconstruction with autograft flaps, the author concludes that there is a higher quality of life and improved outcomes in these patients than in patients who underwent implant-based reconstruction. Based on the literature review, it was found that breast reconstruction with the help of perforating flaps is still an area of innovation and constant progress: research in this area to date is mainly aimed at reducing the morbidity of the donor area and methods for isolating recipient vessels, shortening the rehabilitation period and developing reproducible reconstruction method.

Alternative flaps for microsurgical breast reconstruction

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.

Accordion: A Useful and Workable Classification of Complications After Breast Reconstructive Surgery

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether Accordion Severity Grading System can serve as a tool for classification, and severity assessment in reporting postoperative complications after breast reconstructive surgery. Methods: A retrospective analysis covered 88 breast reconstruction surgeries following mastectomy and prophylactic breast amputation with simultaneous reconstruction conducted from January 2015 to December 2017. All registered postoperative complications were evaluated using the Accordion Severity Grading System. The time horizon selected was 6 weeks after surgery. Results: Eighty-two adverse events which met the criteria for complications according to the Accordion classification were observed in 53.4% (n = 47) of the patients. The highest percentage of complications was observed in the group where reconstruction involved using autologous tissues (pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous), which were associated with 77.4% risk of complications. In patients with combined methods (latissimus dorsi + prosthesis), complications occurred in half of the cases (51.4%). In patients who underwent reconstructive procedures with artificial materials (expander/prosthesis), complications occurred in 20% of cases. A high γ correlation coefficient of 0.7 ( P < .001) was observed between the Accordion degree assigned to the patient and the length of hospital stay. A moderately strong correlation was found between the degree of Accordion system and rehospitalization rate (r = 0.54; P < .0001) and cost of hospital care (r = 0.65; P < .001). Discussion: Based upon the presented study, Accordion Severity Grading System is a workable, intuitive and universal scale for classifying and assessing the severity of postoperative complications and may be recommended for documenting complications in breast reconstructive procedures.

Acellular dermal matrices in immediate breast reconstruction: a literature review

There has been an increase in invasive breast carcinoma which many times end up with a mastectomy. The psychological effects of mastectomy can be overwhelming, urging the need for optimum breast reconstruction procedures. Acellular dermal matrices are widely used nowadays due to their favorable outcomes with a few complications. In this study, we review the literature to explore the different types used, cons, and pros of this procedure. Databases like PubMed, Medline, Web of science, Embase, Google scholar, and Scopus were used and searched for following terms “implant-based reconstruction” or “breast reconstruction” or “acellular dermal matrix”. All studies that discuss the use of acellular dermal matrices for breast reconstructive surgery were included. Acellular dermal matrices may allow a relatively easy, affordable and time-efficient breast reconstructive surgery. They are associated with less incidence of infection and capsular contracture making them an excellent fit for most procedures. However, m ore studies are needed to help understand possible risk factors, and complications and how to avoid them.