The influence of a previous implant-based breast reconstruction on postoperative sensation of the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap.

Background: Implants and DIEP flaps have different outcomes regarding postoperative breast sensation. When compared to the preoperative healthy breast, implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) negatively influences postoperative breast sensation. However, it is currently unknown whether a prior IBBR also influences postoperative sensation of a replacing DIEP flap.

Replacing an Implant-Based with a DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction: Breast Sensation and Quality of Life.

Background: In this cohort study, the authors compared breast sensation and quality of life (QoL) after replacement of an implant-based breast reconstruction with a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap reconstruction in a singular sample of women.

Methods: Women with implant-based breast reconstruction before their DIEP flap were included. Women formed their own control.

Clinical Relevance of Sensory Nerve Coaptation in DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction Evaluated Using the BREAST-Q.

Background: Sensory nerve coaptation in autologous breast reconstruction positively affects sensory recovery in the reconstructed breast. However, patient-reported outcomes are lacking and no conclusions on the clinical relevance of nerve coaptation could be drawn. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical relevance of nerve coaptation in deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction.

Innervation of the Female Breast and Nipple: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Anatomical Dissection Studies.

Background: Primary cadaveric studies were reviewed to give a contemporary overview of what is known about innervation of the female breast and nipple/nipple-areola complex.

Methods: The authors performed a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis. The authors searched four electronic databases for studies investigating which nerve branches supply the female breast and nipple/nipple-areola complex or describing the trajectory and other anatomical features of these nerves.

Visualization of Both the Superficial and Deep Lymphatic System of the Upper Extremity Using Magnetic Resonance Lymphography.

The lymphatic system consists of the superficial and deep lymphatic system. Several diagnostic methods are used to assess the lymphatic system. Lymphoscintigraphy and indocyanine green lymphography are widely applied, both showing disadvantages, such as a poor resolution and lack of field of view.

Nerve Coaptation Improves the Sensory Recovery of the Breast in DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction.

Background: Restoring the sensation of the reconstructed breast has increasingly become a goal of autologous breast reconstruction. The aim of this study was to analyze the sensory recovery of the breast and donor site of innervated compared to noninnervated deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstructions, to assess associated factors, and to compare the differences between preoperative and postoperative sensation.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted, including patients who underwent innervated or noninnervated DIEP flap breast reconstruction between August of 2016 and August of 2018.

Rerouting of the pectoralis major muscle for breast animation deformity in sub-pectoral autologous breast reconstruction: A case report and review of the literature.

Introduction: Breast animation deformity (BAD) is a known complication of sub-pectoral implant placement that is usually corrected by simply repositioning the implant to a pre-pectoral position. However, when this complication occurs in the case of a sub-pectorally placed free-flap, the solution becomes a lot less straightforward: repositioning of the flap carries the risk of possible damage to the pedicle. In order to avoid having to re-do the anastomoses we opted for a rerouting of the pectoralis major muscle around the vascular anastomoses.

Breast sensibility in bilateral autologous breast reconstruction with unilateral sensory nerve coaptation.

Background: Patient satisfaction after breast reconstruction is dependent on both esthetics and functional outcomes. In an attempt to improve breast sensibility, a sensory nerve coaptation can be performed. The aim of this study was to objectify the sensory recovery in patients who, by chance, underwent bilateral autologous breast reconstruction with one innervated and one non-innervated flap.

Intercostal nerve block of the anterior cutaneous branches and the sensibility of the female breast.

Introduction: Better sensation in the reconstructed breast improves the quality of life. Sensory nerve coaptation is a valuable addition to autologous breast reconstruction. There are few publications concerning the sensory nerves of the breast and the nipple-areola complex and reports are contradictory, so it is unknown which nerve is best suited as a recipient for coaptation.

Evaluation of a Novel Water-Based Volumetric Device for Measuring Upper Limb Lymphedema: First Experience with Healthy Volunteers.

Lymphedema is a chronic, progressive disease consisting of tissue swelling resulting from excessive retention of lymphatic fluid. Measuring upper limb volume is crucial in patients to detect disease progression and to study the effects of treatment. The aim is to assess the validity and reliability of a newly developed system, Peracutus Aqua Meth, for measuring the upper limb volume compared with the gold standard water volumetry device.