Minimizing complications with the use of acellular dermal matrix for immediate implant-based breast reconstruction.

Background: Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) use in implant-based breast reconstruction has been associated with higher rates of postoperative seroma and infection. This follow-up study was performed to determine whether specific modifications in technique are associated with a reduction in the rate of complications.

Methods: The authors performed a retrospective analysis of immediate ADM-assisted implant-based breast reconstructions performed by the lead author (Y.C.) during an 18-month period after instituting specific modifications to prevent seroma. These included draining both the submastectomy and sub-ADM planes, lowering the threshold for drain removal, and addition of postoperative soft compression dressings and surgical bras. A total of 179 implant-based reconstructions were evaluated for rates of complications, including infection, hematoma, seroma, and skin flap necrosis. These were compared to results of a series of 150 similar procedures performed by the lead author before institution of the procedural modifications described.

Results: Seroma rate decreased from 18.6% to 4.7% (P = 0.0022), and major infection rate decreased from 7% to 1.9% (0.0250).

Conclusions: Although implant-based breast reconstruction using ADM has been associated with increased seroma and possible infection rates, the use of specific clinical practices designed to prevent seroma has minimized our rate of these postoperative complications.