Assessment of risk factors for postoperative complications of breast reduction by superior or superomedial pedicle.

Background: Some risk factors for breast reduction complications are well known but for others the results are contradictory in scientific literature. The choice between superior pedicle and superomedial pedicle as a risk factor has been rarely studied. We aim to better identify the risk factors for breast reduction complications, including the choice between these two pedicles, in order to better prevent their occurrence.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients who underwent a bilateral breast reduction from august 2020 to august 2023 in our center. Patient data were obtained and correlated with postoperative complications using statistical tests and a literature search was carried out to compare our results to the current evidence.

Results: We included 216 patients. The complication rate was 24.07%. The most frequent complication was wound dehiscence (17.59%), followed by partial Nipple-Areola-Complex necrosis or peroperative suffering requiring conversion to Nipple-Areola-Complex free graft (5.56%). Increased Body Mass Index, superomedial pedicle and resection weight ≥650g were associated with an increased probability of complication occurrence (P=0.048, P=0.005 and P=0.044). The superomedial pedicle and the resection weight ≥650g were associated with an increased probability of wound dehiscence (P=0.005 and P=0.037). The difference between the preoperative and the postoperative Sternal-Notch-Nipple distance was associated with an increased probability of partial Nipple-Areola-Complex necrosis or Nipple-Areola-Complex free graft (P=0.014).

Conclusion: Correcting modifiable preoperative risk factors and mastering both techniques, enabling the surgeon to choose the one best suited to each patient's clinical situation, reduces the complication rate.