Comparative Analysis of Recurrence-Free Survival and Mortality in Postmastectomy Patients: Insights From Multidecade, Multiinstitutional Propensity Score Matching.

Introduction: Disparities in postmastectomy reconstructive care are widely acknowledged. However, there is limited understanding regarding the impact of reconstructive services on cancer recurrence and breast cancer-related mortality. Therefore, this study aims to examine how patient-specific factors and breast reconstruction status influence recurrence-free survival and mortality rates in breast cancer patients.

A Machine Learning Approach to Predicting Donor Site Complications Following DIEP Flap Harvest.

Background:  The additional donor site incisions in autologous breast reconstruction can predispose to abdominal complications. The purpose of this study is to delineate predictors of donor site morbidity following deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap harvest and use those predictors to develop a machine learning model that can identify high-risk patients.

Methods:  This is a retrospective study of women who underwent DIEP flap reconstruction from 2011 to 2020.

A Pilot Study Comparing Sensation in Buried Versus Nonburied Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flaps.

Background: Neurotized deep inferior epigastic perforator (DIEP) flaps have been shown to improve sensory recovery after mastectomy and reconstruction. With the recent trend toward nipple-sparing mastectomies, sensation likely originates within the buried DIEP flap and then innervates the breast skin. In contrast, for patients undergoing skin-sparing mastectomies, the DIEP flap skin is preserved, brought up to the surface, and directly innervated.

A Comparison Between Immediate and Babysitter Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction in Postoperative Outcomes.

Background: Delayed-immediate, or "babysitter," deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap reconstruction, defined as immediate tissue expander or implant placement at the time of mastectomy followed by eventual exchange for DIEP flap, is becoming increasingly popular in breast cancer patients anticipated to receive adjuvant radiotherapy. In this study, we aim to compare delayed-immediate to immediate DIEP flap patients in postoperative outcomes including major complications and surgical site morbidity.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study between immediate and delayed-immediate DIEP flap patients was performed.

Is It Worth the Risk? Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy With Immediate Bilateral Breast Reconstruction.

Background: An increasing number of women are choosing to undergo contralateral prophylactic mastectomy with immediate bilateral breast reconstruction. Operating on the contralateral noncancer side is not without its own set of risks. We sought to compare complication rates between the cancerous and contralateral prophylactic breasts.

Radiation Oncology Applications in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: A Nonsystematic Review of Concepts and Principles.

Careful consideration of radiotherapy can determine the success of reconstructive therapy. There is a broad spectrum of radiotherapy modalities, both benign and malignant. Delivery mechanisms differ in the physical design, setup, radiation source, administrable dosage, and mode of delivery.