Thursday 13 April 2017

Oncoplastic Breast Reduction Technique and Outcomes: An Evolution over 20 Years

Oncoplastic Breast Reduction Technique and Outcomes: An Evolution over 20 Years
Losken, A et al
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: April 2017 - Volume 139 - Issue 4 - p 824e–833e

Background: Reduction mammaplasty at the time of lumpectomy is a good option in women with breast cancer and macromastia. We critically evaluated refinements and outcomes of this technique. Methods: A prospectively maintained database was reviewed of all women with breast cancer who received lumpectomy and reduction mammaplasty at our institution from 1994 to 2015. Patients’ demographics were reviewed. Preoperative and postoperative patient satisfaction (BREAST-Q) was determined. Comparisons were made between early and recent cases. 
Results: There were 353 patients included. Average age was 54 (range, 21 to 80 years), with the largest number having stage I disease [n = 107 of 246 (43.5 percent)]. Average lumpectomy specimen was 207 g (range, 11.6 to 1954 g) and total reduction weight averaged 545 g (range, 21 to 4102 g). Tumor size averaged 2.02 cm (range, 0.00 to 15.60 cm). The positive margin rate was 6.2 percent (n = 22). Completion mastectomy rate was 9.9 percent (n = 35). Overall complication rate was 16 percent. The recurrence rate was 5.2 percent (n = 10 of 192) at a mean follow-up of 2 years (range, 2 months to 15 years). Resection weights greater than 1000 g were associated with having a positive margin (16.7 percent versus 5.0 percent; p = 0.016), and tended to be associated with having a completion mastectomy (p = 0.069). Positive margin and completion mastectomy rates have been lower in the past 10 years. Over 1 year postoperatively, women reported increased self-confidence (p = 0.020), feelings of attractiveness (p = 0.085), emotional health (p = 0.037), and satisfaction with sex life (p = 0.092). 
Conclusions: The oncoplastic reduction technique is effective and results in improved patient-reported outcomes. Resections over 1000 g are associated with a higher incidence of positive margins and may increase the risk for completion mastectomy. Outcomes have improved with experience and refinement in technique.

Differences in the Reporting of Racial and Socioeconomic Disparities among Three Large National Databases for Breast Reconstruction

Differences in the Reporting of Racial and Socioeconomic Disparities among Three Large National Databases for Breast Reconstruction
Kamali, P et al
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: April 2017 - Volume 139 - Issue 4 - p 795–807

Background: Research derived from large-volume databases plays an increasing role in the development of clinical guidelines and health policy. In breast cancer research, the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results, National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, and Nationwide Inpatient Sample databases are widely used. This study aims to compare the trends in immediate breast reconstruction and identify the drawbacks and benefits of each database. 
Methods: Patients with invasive breast cancer and ductal carcinoma in situ were identified from each database (2005–2012). Trends of immediate breast reconstruction over time were evaluated. Patient demographics and comorbidities were compared. Subgroup analysis of immediate breast reconstruction use per race was conducted. 
Results: Within the three databases, 1.2 million patients were studied. Immediate breast reconstruction in invasive breast cancer patients increased significantly over time in all databases. A similar significant upward trend was seen in ductal carcinoma in situ patients. Significant differences in immediate breast reconstruction rates were seen among races; and the disparity differed among the three databases. Rates of comorbidities were similar among the three databases. 
Conclusions: There has been a significant increase in immediate breast reconstruction; however, the extent of the reporting of overall immediate breast reconstruction rates and of racial disparities differs significantly among databases. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample and the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program report similar findings, with the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database reporting results significantly lower in several categories. These findings suggest that use of the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database may not be universally generalizable to the entire U.S. population.

Understanding the Health Burden of Macromastia: Normative Data for the BREAST-Q Reduction Module

Understanding the Health Burden of Macromastia: Normative Data for the BREAST-Q Reduction Module
Mundy, L et al
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: April 2017 - Volume 139 - Issue 4 - p 846e–853e

Background: The BREAST-Q Reduction module evaluates outcomes in reduction mammaplasty. However, there are currently no published normative scores, limiting the interpretation of BREAST-Q data. 
Methods: The BREAST-Q Reduction module was administered via the Army of Women, an online community of women (with and without breast cancer) engaged in breast-cancer related research. Normative data were generated from women aged 18 years and older, without a history of breast cancer or breast surgery. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and a linear multivariate regression. Generated normative data were compared to published BREAST-Q Reduction findings. 
Results: The preoperative version of the BREAST-Q Reduction module was completed by 1206 women. Participant mean age was 55 ± 13 years, mean body mass index was 27 ± 6 kg/m2, and 40 percent (n = 481) had a bra cup size ≥ D. Mean normative scores were as follows: Satisfaction with Breasts, 57 ± 16; Psychosocial Well-being, 68 ± 19; Sexual Well-being, 55 ± 19; and Physical Well-being, 76 ± 11. Normative scores were lower in women with body mass index ≥ 30 and bra cup size ≥ D. In comparison to normative Army of Women scores, published BREAST-Q scores for women undergoing reduction mammaplasty were lower (worse) for preoperative patients and higher (better) for postoperative patients. 
Conclusion: These new Army of Women normative data provide insights into breast-related satisfaction and well-being in women not pursuing breast reduction, giving new clinical context to better understand the health burden of macromastia, and to demonstrate the value of reduction mammaplasty in certain patients.

Reconstruction of the Irradiated Breast: A National Claims-Based Assessment of Postoperative Morbidity

Reconstruction of the Irradiated Breast: A National Claims-Based Assessment of Postoperative Morbidity
Chetta, M et al
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: April 2017 - Volume 139 - Issue 4 - p 783–792

Background: Implant-based reconstruction rates have risen among irradiation-treated breast cancer patients in the United States. This study aims to assess the morbidity associated with various breast reconstruction techniques in irradiated patients. 
Methods: From the MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database, the authors selected breast cancer patients who had undergone mastectomy, irradiation, and breast reconstruction from 2009 to 2012. Demographic and clinical treatment data, including data on the timing of irradiation relative to breast reconstruction were recorded. Complications and failures after implant and autologous reconstruction were also recorded. A multivariable logistic regression model was developed with postoperative complications as the dependent variable and patient demographic and clinical variables as independent variables. 
Results: Four thousand seven hundred eighty-one irradiated patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected. A majority of the patients [n = 3846 (80 percent)] underwent reconstruction with implants. Overall complication rates were 45.3 percent and 30.8 percent for patients with implant and autologous reconstruction, respectively. Failure of reconstruction occurred in 29.4 percent of patients with implant reconstruction compared with 4.3 percent of patients with autologous reconstruction. In multivariable logistic regression, irradiated patients with implant reconstruction had two times the odds of having any complication and 11 times the odds of failure relative to patients with autologous reconstruction. 
Conclusions: Implant-based breast reconstruction in the irradiated patient, although popular, is associated with significant morbidity. Failures of reconstruction with implants in these patients approach 30 percent in the short term, suggesting a need for careful shared decision-making, with full disclosure of the potential morbidity.

Versatility of the Profunda Artery Perforator Flap: Creative Uses in Breast Reconstruction

Versatility of the Profunda Artery Perforator Flap: Creative Uses in Breast Reconstruction
Haddock, N et al

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: March 2017 - Volume 139 - Issue 3 - p 606e–612e

Background: Flaps based on the profunda artery perforators were first used for reconstruction of pressure sores, burn contractures, and extremity wounds. Recently, a revised profunda artery perforator flap was introduced for breast reconstruction. However, the flap is rarely used despite interesting reports on its use. The authors present their experience with the profunda artery perforator flap, describing its versatile applications in breast reconstruction. 
Methods: The authors conducted a retrospective review of all patients of the lead author who underwent breast reconstruction with profunda artery perforator flaps before January of 2015. Patient demographics, perioperative data, and postoperative complications were recorded and analyzed. Results: Seventy-three consecutive profunda artery perforator flaps were used to reconstruct 71 breasts. In 21 breasts, a profunda artery perforator flap was used in conjunction with another flap—with a deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (n = 18), a superior gluteal artery perforator flap (n = 1), or as stacked profunda artery perforator flaps (n = 2). The flap failure rate was 2.7 percent. There was one case of clinically apparent fat necrosis. There were no other major flap complications. Donor-site complications included cellulitis in two thighs (2.7 percent) and minor wound dehiscence in six thighs (8.2 percent). All donor-site complications healed satisfactorily by secondary intention without any additional procedures. 
Conclusions: The profunda artery perforator flap is a safe and versatile option for breast reconstruction. It can be combined with other flaps when additional volume or skin requirements are present. Flap and donor-site complications are comparable to other free tissue breast reconstruction options.

Molecular Profiling Using Breast Cancer Subtype to Plan for Breast Reconstruction

Molecular Profiling Using Breast Cancer Subtype to Plan for Breast Reconstruction
Sandberg, L J et al
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: March 2017 - Volume 139 - Issue 3 - p 586e–596e

Background: Molecular profiling using breast cancer subtype has an increasing role in the multidisciplinary care of the breast cancer patient. The authors sought to determine the role of breast cancer subtyping in breast reconstruction and specifically whether breast cancer subtyping can determine the need for postmastectomy radiation therapy and predict recurrence-free survival to plan for the timing and technique of breast reconstruction. 
Methods: The authors reviewed prospectively collected data from 1931 reconstructed breasts in breast cancer patients who underwent mastectomy between November of 1999 and December of 2012. Reconstructed breasts were grouped by breast cancer subtype and examined for covariates predictive of recurrence-free survival and need for postmastectomy radiation therapy. 
Results: Of the reconstructed breasts, 753 (39 percent) were luminal A, 538 (27.9 percent) were luminal B, 224 (11.6 percent) were luminal HER2, 143 (7.4 percent) were HER2-enriched, and 267 (13.8 percent) were triple-negative breast cancer. Postmastectomy radiation therapy was delivered in 69 HER2-enriched patients (48.3 percent), 94 luminal HER2 patients (42 percent), 200 luminal B patients (37.2 percent), 99 triple-negative breast cancer patients (37.1 percent), and 222 luminal A patients (29.5 percent) (p < 0.0001). Luminal A cases had better recurrence-free survival than HER2-enriched cases, and triple-negative breast cancer cases had worse recurrence-free survival than HER2-enriched cases. Luminal B and luminal HER2 cases had recurrence-free survival similar to that for HER2-enriched cases. Luminal A subtype was associated with the best recurrence-free survival. Subtyping may have improved the breast surgery planning for 33.1 percent of delayed reconstructions that did not require postmastectomy radiation therapy and 37 percent of immediate reconstructions that did require postmastectomy radiation therapy. 
Conclusion: This study is the first publication in the literature to evaluate breast cancer subtype to stratify risk for decision making in breast reconstruction.

Laser interstitial thermotherapy application for breast surgery: Current situation and new trends

Laser interstitial thermotherapy application for breast surgery: Current situation and new trends
Kerbage,Y et al
The Breast: June 2017Volume 33, Pages 145–152

While breast specialists debate on therapeutic de-escalation in breast cancer, the treatment of benign lesions is also discussed in relation to new percutaneous ablation techniques. The purpose of these innovations is to minimize potential morbidity. Laser Interstitial ThermoTherapy (LITT) is an option for the ablation of targeted nodules. This review evaluated the scientific publications investigating the LITT approach in malignant and benign breast disease. Three preclinical studies and eight clinical studies (2 studies including fibroadenomas and 6 studies including breast cancers) were reviewed.