Publications by authors named "Alessia M Lardi"

Background: As seroma formation is a common donor site complication following autologous breast reconstruction, we adapted the surgical protocol by introducing progressive tension sutures (PTS). This study aimed to evaluate the influence of PTS at the donor site in autologous breast reconstruction on seroma formation. Additionally, an exploratory analysis on patient satisfaction and aesthetic outcome was performed.

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Article Synopsis
  • A study evaluated the impact of Red Bull on blood pressure and flap outcomes in female patients after microsurgical breast reconstruction, amid concerns of low blood pressure post-surgery.
  • Red Bull was given to the intervention group while the control group received still water, with significant improvements in blood pressure observed in those drinking Red Bull after the second dose.
  • No negative flap outcomes occurred, suggesting Red Bull could help manage blood pressure in postoperative care.
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Background: Maintaining a sufficiently high systolic blood pressure is essential for free flap perfusion after microsurgical breast reconstruction. Yet, many women undergoing these procedures have low postoperative systolic blood pressure. Intravenous volume administration or vasopressors may be needed to maintain systolic blood pressure above a predefined threshold.

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Background: Subspecialization with dedicated perioperative teams has become common practice in some surgical disciplines. While surgeon experience, the number of surgeons involved, and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways are known factors affecting the outcome after microsurgical breast reconstruction, the impact of the perioperative team has not been studied.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study consisting of a chart review of all patients who underwent microsurgical breast reconstruction from January 2019-April 2020.

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Background: An appropriate and adequate blood flow and oxygen delivery is paramount to free flap viability and success. The perioperative use of tranexamic acid (TXA) is associated with less risk for blood loss and blood transfusion in trauma, gynaecology, ear nose and throat (ENT) and orthopaedic surgery. As an antifibrinolytic drug, TXA has generally been avoided in microsurgery.

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Background: Irradiation of implant-based breast reconstructions (BR) is known to increase capsular contracture (CC) rates on average by 4-fold over non-irradiated reconstructions. The use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) has been associated with lower CC rates in non-irradiated reconstructions (0-3%). Experimental and clinical studies suggest that ADM may also reduce CC rates in irradiated breasts.

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Objectives: To evaluate resource utilization of single stage porcine acellular dermal matrix (ADM) assisted breast reconstruction compared with tissue expander (TE), latissimus dorsi flap and implant (LD/I) and latissimus dorsi flap and TE (LD/TE) reconstructive techniques.

Materials And Methods: Clinical data was collected for length of stay, operative time, additional hospitalisations and operative procedures, and outpatient appointments for 101 patients undergoing unilateral implant based breast reconstruction. Resources utilised by ADM (Strattice Reconstructive Tissue Matrix™) patients were analysed and compared to the resource usage of traditional techniques.

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Background: The use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) for coverage of the lower pole in immediate implant-based breast reconstruction has changed surgeons' practice. We present our experience using a porcine ADM (Strattice), focusing on short-term outcomes, patient selection, and technique adaptations that may influence outcome.

Methods: A two-center, retrospective, cohort study was performed from December 2008 to October 2012 at Guy's and St.

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