Mastotrainer new version: realistic simulator for training in breast surgery
Zucca-Matthes, G,Lebovic G, Lyra M
The Breast February 2017 Volume 31, Pages 82–84
The “Mastotrainer” was introduced as a new concept of simulators for use in surgical training. Simulators of this type are critical as the use of cadavers is limited or prohibited in some countries. The Mastotrainer has proved very useful in training various surgical techniques, with the first version of the simulator being focused on breast augmentation and reconstruction following mastectomy.This current project explores use of a new version of the surgical simulator that can facilitate a broader spectrum of procedures in the training of breast surgeons as well as plastic and reconstructive surgeons in order to achieve better outcomes.
Fully Awake Breast Reduction
Filson, S A. Yarhi, D. Ramon, Y.
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery November 2016 - Volume 138 - - Issue 5 - p 978–983
Summary: The authors present 25 cases and an in-depth 4-minute video of fully awake aesthetic breast reduction, which was made possible by thoracic epidural anesthesia. There are obvious and important advantages to this technique. Not only does this allow for intraoperative patient cooperation (i.e., patient self-positioning and opinion for comparison of breasts), meaning a shorter and more efficient intraoperative time, there also is a reduction in postoperative pain, complications, recovery, and discharge times. The authors have also enjoyed great success and no complications with this technique in over 150 awake abdominoplasty/total body lift patients. The authors feel that the elimination of the need for general anesthesia by thoracic epidural sensorial–only anesthesia is a highly effective and efficient technique, with very few disadvantages/complications, providing advantages to both patients and surgeons.
Techniques and Perforator Selection in Single, Dominant DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction:
Algorithmic Approach to Maximize Efficiency and Safety
Mohan, AT et al
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery November 2016 - Volume 138 - Issue 5 - p 790e–803e
Background: Perforator selection is critical to deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap harvest. Commitment to a single perforator has the potential benefit of a simpler dissection, but may increase fat necrosis or perfusion-related complications compared with multiple perforator harvest.
Methods: A 3-year retrospective study was carried out of all patients who underwent DIEP flap breast reconstruction performed by the senior author (M.S.-C). Data were collected on patient demographics and surgical outcomes.
Results: One hundred eighty-three flaps were performed (105 patients) over 3 years. One hundred fifty-six bilateral (78 patients) and 24 unilateral flaps were included in the final study. Mean age was 47.8 ± 8.4 years and mean body mass index was 29.1 ± 5.3 kg/m2. Seventy-five percent of flaps were based on single dominant perforators. Single perforators were used in 33.3 percent of flaps weighing over 1000 g, 80 and 74 percent of flaps weighing 500 to 1000 g and less than 500 g, respectively (p = 0.01). There were no differences in overall complications between single- versus multiple-perforator DIEP flaps. Neither body mass index nor flap weight posed additional risk to overall complications. Conversion to a muscle-sparing flap was 9.4 percent.
Conclusions: The authors present an algorithm for perforator selection, stepwise approach to flap harvest, and considerations for intraoperative decision-making in DIEP flap reconstruction. Single–dominant perforator flaps can be safely performed, but inclusion of the largest perforator is critical to flap perfusion. Additional perforators must be weighed against the associated tradeoff with donor-site morbidity. The threshold for conversion to a muscle-sparing flap is reduced with increased clinical experience.
Surgeon-Controlled Study and Meta-Analysis Comparing FlexHD and AlloDerm in Immediate Breast Reconstruction Outcomes
Sobti N, Liao E C
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery November 2016 - Volume 138 - Issue 5 - p 959–967
Background: The use of acellular dermal matrix has facilitated immediate prosthesis-based breast reconstruction. However, few studies directly compare surgical outcomes following acellular dermal matrix–based reconstruction with two of the most commonly available materials, AlloDerm and FlexHD. Those studies that are available often do not adequately control for the surgeon as a variable. The authors hypothesize that complication rates will not differ significantly between AlloDerm and FlexHD when practice and surgeon variables are properly controlled. Methods: Retrospective review was conducted to identify consecutive implant-based reconstruction procedures performed at a tertiary academic medical institution by a single plastic surgeon over 6 years. Univariate and binomial regression analyses were conducted to compare patient characteristics and clinical endpoints across acellular dermal matrix groups (AlloDerm/AlloDerm ready-to-use versus FlexHD Pliable/Perforated). Results: Of the 233 patients that underwent matrix-based breast reconstruction, 11 (4.7 percent) developed surgical-site infection. The infection rate was not statistically different between patients who received FlexHD [n = 5 (5.0 percent)] versus AlloDerm [n = 6 (4.6 percent)] on either univariate (p = 0.89) or binomial regression analysis (p = 0.56). Likewise, there were no statistical differences in rates of seroma, hematoma, explantation, or delayed wound healing. Conclusions: Clinical endpoints of interest were all equivalent between acellular dermal matrix types. This study uniquely reports a single-surgeon case series comparing outcomes between different acellular dermal matrix types. Instead of focusing on acellular dermal matrix as a predictor of outcome, other patient and surgeon factors should be addressed to improve results and innovate better alternatives.
The Profunda Artery Perforator Flap Experience for Breast Reconstruction
Allen, R J et al
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery November 2016 - Volume 138 - Issue 5 - p 968–975
Background: The profunda artery perforator flap was first introduced for breast reconstruction in 2010. In this article, the authors analyze the results of all profunda artery perforator flaps performed by their group to date. Methods: A retrospective review was completed of consecutive profunda artery perforator flaps performed by the senior author (R.J.A.) from 2010 to 2014. Patient demographics, indications, operative techniques, flap specifics, complications, and number of operations were recorded. Results: Ninety-six patients have undergone 164 profunda artery perforator flap operations for breast reconstruction since 2010. Reconstructions were performed following breast cancer management (59.5 percent), following prophylactic mastectomy for cancer risk reduction (35.7 percent), and for congenital breast deformity (4.8 percent). The average age of the patients was 48 years (range, 24 to 64 years) and their average body mass index was 22.5 kg/m2. Average flap weight was 367.4 g and average pedicle length was found to be 10.2 cm. The success rate of the profunda artery perforator flap was greater than 99 percent, with a 3 percent take-back rate and only one flap loss recorded. Complications included hematoma (1.9 percent), seroma (6 percent), fat necrosis (7 percent), and donor-site infection (1.9 percent). Conclusions: The profunda artery perforator flap is an excellent option for breast reconstruction. Advantages include a reliable blood supply, long pedicle, thick donor tissue, and a favorable donor site. Currently, the profunda artery perforator flap is second only to the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator among flaps used by the authors for breast reconstruction.
Robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy for the treatment of breast cancer: Feasibility and safety study
Toesca A et al
The Breast February 2017 Volume 31, Pages 51–56
We previously devised and reported on an innovative surgical technique of robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy and immediate robotic breast reconstruction. Here we describe the outcome of the first 29 such consecutive procedures performed on breast cancer patients to assess feasibility, reproducibility and safety.
Matching the Implant to the Breast: A Systematic Review of Implant Size Selection Systems for Breast Augmentation
Adams, WP. Mckee, D
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery November 2016 - Volume 138 - Issue 5 - p 987–994
Background: For primary breast augmentation, several implant selection systems have been described to guide the surgeon with choosing from a variety of manufactured implant dimensions and properties. Controversy exists regarding the most efficacious method of selecting an appropriate implant size that best matches the patient’s breast.
Methods: The goal of this systematic review was to provide a comprehensive list of documented implant size selection systems, and to critically evaluate them. Implant size selection systems were grouped into categories based on selection principles. Articles were evaluated based on reported outcome measures and methodologic quality.
Results: Thirty-three implant size selection systems were included in the final analysis. Only 12 percent of articles (four of 33) reported clinical outcomes that could be compared to accepted literature values or industry standards. Articles that described tissue-based planning systems, which use clinical guidelines to determine the optimal patient-specific implant dimensions, were of highest methodologic quality using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomised Studies scale, when compared to systems that used breast “dimensional” analyses that stress tissues to the desire of the patient and/or surgeon, and compared to systems that did not use breast measurement (means ± SD, 6.0 ± 1.4, 1.4 ± 2.3, and 0.0 ± 0.0, respectively).
Conclusions: There is some evidence to support tissue-based planning as a superior approach to implant size selection planning; studies that used tissue-based planning reported lower reoperation rates compared with industry standards and accepted literature values. The authors offer several suggestions on how to improve the methodologic quality of future studies describing new implant selection systems.
Contemporary social media engagement by breast surgeons
Ekatah GE et al
The Breast December 2016 Volume 30, Pages 172–174
There continues to be a steady rise in the use of social media among healthcare professionals. We present an overview of social media use among breast surgeons within the United Kingdom including demographic variations and some of the factors that underpin these trends. The benefits and drawbacks of open social media platforms are also considered.
Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy: A Comprehensive Review of the Evidence
Anghel, EL, Kim, PJ.
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery September 2016 - Volume 138 - Issue 3S - p 129S–137S
Background: Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and its variations are an established adjunctive modality for the treatment of wounds. Since its introduction, there have been an increasing number of publications with periods of rapid increases in the number of publications after innovations to the technology. Its application in different wound types and varying clinical scenarios has also contributed to the growing number of publications.
Methods: A comprehensive literature review (1998–2016) was performed using key words most relevant to NPWT using PubMed/Medline and OVID. Eligibility criteria included higher level evidence studies.
Results: One thousand three hundred and forty-seven publications were identified. A total of 26 publications are included in this review: 16 comparing NPWT with standard wound dressing, 6 comparing variations of NPWT, and 4 for NPWT with instillation. The level of evidence, wound type studied, reported outcomes and impact, and key findings are tabulated and discussed.
Conclusions: The number of publications has grown significantly since the inception of NPWT. In part, this reflects the variations of NPWT that have developed. However, a greater number of robust, randomized, prospective studies are needed to support its wide spread use.
