Patient-Reported Quality of Life After Breast Reconstruction: A One-Year Longitudinal Study Using the WHO-QOL Survey.

Background: Patient-reported quality of life (QOL) is an important measure of the impact that breast reconstruction has on postmastectomy patients. This study seeks to describe psychosocial outcomes after breast reconstruction and to identify factors that influence them.

Methods: All patients who underwent immediate postmastectomy reconstruction by the senior author between 2009 and 2011 were offered participation in this study.

Radiographic Implications of Fat Grafting to the Reconstructed Breast.

Autologous fat transfer is often used to smooth contour irregularities in the reconstructed breast. A potential concern with this technique is that it results in calcified lesions in the breast that can complicate subsequent cancer surveillance. The purpose of this review was to determine how fat grafting to the reconstructed breast impacts postoperative breast imaging.

Predictors of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy and the impact on breast reconstruction.

Background: Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) is being performed with increased frequency. Predictors of CPM and their impact on breast reconstruction are examined.

Methods: A retrospective review of a dually trained oncologic and plastic surgeon's experience with patients undergoing total mastectomy from 2002 to 2012 was performed.

Ventral hernia repair after bowel surgery: does gastrointestinal contamination matter in the era of biologic mesh?

Background: Ventral hernias are often repaired after planned or unplanned bowel procedures. Biologic materials are thought to better tolerate gastrointestinal contamination than synthetic alternatives. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the impact of intestinal contamination on ventral hernia repair with biologic material.

The management of abdominal contour defects following TRAM flap breast reconstruction.

Background: Incisional hernia can develop following breast reconstruction with abdominal tissue regardless of technique, and the management is often challenging.

Objectives: The authors characterize hernias following transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap procedures and evaluate outcomes of different strategies for repair.

Methods: All patients who underwent repair of a TRAM-related hernia or bulge between 2003 and 2011 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed.