Background: Breast reconstruction often requires multiple operations. In addition to potential complications requiring reoperation, additional procedures are frequently essential in order to complete the reconstructive process, with aesthetic outcome and breast symmetry shown to be the most important factors in patient satisfaction. Despite the importance of these reoperations in decision-making and the consent process, a thorough review of the need for such operations has not been definitively explored.
Methods: A review of 370 consecutive autologous breast reconstructions (326 patients) was undertaken, comprising 365 deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flaps and 5 superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flaps. The need for additional procedures for either complications or aesthetic refinement following initial breast reconstruction was assessed.
Results: Overall, there was an average of 1.06 additional interventions for every patient carried out after primary reconstructive surgery. Of 326 patients, 46 underwent early postoperative operations for surgical complications (0.17 additional operations per patient as a consequence of complications). Procedures for aesthetic refinement included those performed on the reconstructed breast, contralateral breast, or abdominal donor site. Procedures for aesthetic refinement included nipple reconstruction, nipple-areola complex tattooing, dog-ear correction, liposuction, lipofilling, scar revision, mastopexy, and reduction mammaplasty.
Conclusion: While DIEP flap surgery for breast reconstruction provides favorable results, patients frequently require additional procedures to improve aesthetic outcomes. The need for reoperation is an important part of the consent process prior to reconstructive surgery, and patients should recognize the likelihood of at least one additional procedure following initial reconstruction.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00266-009-9424-y | DOI Listing |
Clin Breast Cancer
December 2024
Department of General Surgery, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Shilin, Taipei, Taiwan; Breast Cancer Center, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Shilin, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, Taipei, Taiwan. Electronic address:
Background: The use of robotic-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy (R-NSM) with immediate direct-to-implant (DTI) reconstruction in treatment of breast cancer has been a controversial topic. The adoption of robotic surgery in breast cancer treatment has gained traction globally due to its minimally invasive nature, potential for improved cosmetic outcomes and better intraoperative visualization. This study provides insights on safety and feasibility robotic mastectomy at one of the largest centers in Asia.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPlast Reconstr Surg Glob Open
January 2025
From the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE.
Background: Obesity is widely recognized as a significant risk factor for postoperative complications of breast reconstruction. Despite extensive research, there remains a lack of consensus regarding the specific complications and outcomes experienced by patients with obesity who undergo deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap reconstruction. To provide a clearer understanding of the challenges faced by patients with obesity, we present a single-center outcome analysis of individuals who underwent DIEP flap reconstruction.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGland Surg
December 2024
Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Sengkang General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
In recent years, minimally invasive breast surgery (MIBS) has revolutionized breast cancer treatment, allowing for preservation of aesthetic outcomes while ensuring oncological safety. However, this has created a new challenge in maintaining optimal visualization and dexterity during microvascular anastomosis which is critical for successful autologous tissue reconstruction. Traditional retractors often limit maneuverability, potentially impacting the outcomes of anastomotic procedures.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Reconstr Microsurg
January 2025
Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, United States.
BACKGROUND Simultaneous symmetrizing surgery at the time of unilateral free flap reconstruction has been described as a method to facilitate single stage breast reconstruction. However, the impact on cost and number of additional procedures is not well described. METHODS Patients with unilateral free flap reconstruction were identified in national administrative data from 2017-2021 and followed for one year.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg
December 2024
Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States.
Background: Poland syndrome (PS) is a congenital abnormality defined as aplasia or hypoplasia of the unilateral pectoralis muscle and breast tissue that may be accompanied by limb or thoracic deformities. Reconstruction of deformities associated with PS is challenging owing to the spectrum of differences. We aimed to evaluate the trends in surgical management of chest and breast anatomical anomalies associated with PS.
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