Reduction mammaplasty in patients with history of breast cancer: The incidence of occult cancer and high-risk lesions

Reduction mammaplasty in patients with history of breast cancer: The incidence of occult cancer and high-risk lesions
Merkkola-von Schantzet, P A al
The Breast October 2017 Volume 35, Pages 157–161

Contralateral reduction mammaplasty is regularly included in the treatment of breast cancer patients. We analyzed the incidence of occult breast cancer and high-risk lesions in reduction mammaplasty specimens of women with previous breast cancer. We also analyzed if timing of reduction mammaplasty in relation to oncological treatment influenced the incidence of abnormal findings, and compared if patients with abnormal contralateral histopathology differed from the study population in terms of demographics.

Variation in the provision and practice of implant-based breast reconstruction in the UK: Results from the iBRA national practice questionnaire

Variation in the provision and practice of implant-based breast reconstruction in the UK: Results from the iBRA national practice questionnaire
Mylvaganam S et al
The Breast October 2017Volume 35, Pages 182–190

The introduction of biological and synthetic meshes has revolutionised the practice of implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) but evidence for effectiveness is lacking. The iBRA (implant Breast Reconstruction evAluation) study is a national trainee-led project that aims to explore the practice and outcomes of IBBR to inform the design of a future trial. We report the results of the iBRA National Practice Questionnaire (NPQ) which aimed to comprehensively describe the provision and practice of IBBR across the UK.

Prognostic assessment and systemic treatments of invasive local relapses of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer

Prognostic assessment and systemic treatments of invasive local relapses of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer
Zingarello A et al
The Breast October 2017 Volume 35, Pages 162–168

The rate of local recurrences, after breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy for hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer, has dramatically changed in last decades, due to advances in surgical and radiation techniques and a more extensive use of adjuvant systemic treatments. However, the occurrence of local recurrences remains a major predictor for distant metastasis and is responsible for increased cancer-specific death. It has been estimated that 1 in 4 HR+ and HR-ipsilateral breast recurrences leads to widespread metastatic disease, with an annual mortality rate of 10% in the first 5 years.

Current trials to reduce surgical intervention in ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast: Critical review

Current trials to reduce surgical intervention in ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast: Critical review
Toss M et al
The Breast October 2017 Volume 35, Pages 151–156

The high proportion of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) presented in mammographic screening and the relatively low risk of progression to invasive disease have raised questions related to overtreatment. Following a review of current DCIS management protocols a more conservative approach has been suggested. Clinical trials have been introduced to evaluate the option of avoiding surgical intervention in a proportion of patients with DCIS defined as “low-risk” using certain clinicopathological criteria.

Determining the Oncologic Safety of Autologous Fat Grafting as a Reconstructive Modality: An Institutional Review of Breast Cancer Recurrence Rates and Surgical Outcomes

Determining the Oncologic Safety of Autologous Fat Grafting as a Reconstructive Modality: An Institutional Review of Breast Cancer Recurrence Rates and Surgical Outcomes
Cohen, O et al

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: September 2017 - Volume 140 - Issue 3 - p 382e–392e

Background: The increasing use of autologous fat grafting in breast cancer patients has raised concerns regarding its oncologic safety. This study evaluated patient outcomes and tumor recurrence following mastectomy reconstruction and autologous fat grafting. 

Methods: Retrospective chart review identified patients who underwent mastectomy followed by breast reconstruction from 2010 to 2015. Eight hundred twenty-nine breasts met inclusion criteria: 248 (30.0 percent) underwent autologous fat grafting, whereas 581 (70.0 percent) breasts did not. Patient demographics, cancer characteristics, oncologic treatment, surgical treatment, surgical complications, local recurrence, and distant metastases were analyzed. 
Results: Autologous fat grafting patients and control patients were of similar body mass index, smoking status, and BRCA status. Patients who underwent fat grafting were significantly younger than control patients and were less likely to have diabetes, hypertension, or hyperlipidemia. The two groups represented similar distributions of BRCA status, Oncotype scores, and hormone receptor status. Patients underwent one to four grafting procedures: one procedure in 83.1 percent, two procedures in 13.7 percent, three in 2.8 percent, and four in 0.4 percent. Mean follow-up time from initial surgery was 45.6 months in the fat grafting group and 38.8 months in controls. The overall complication rate following fat grafting was 9.4 percent. Among breasts undergoing surgery for therapeutic indications, there were similar rates of local recurrence (fat grafting group, 2.5 percent; controls, 1.9 percent; p = 0.747). Interestingly, mean time to recurrence was significantly longer in the fat grafting group (52.3 months versus 22.8 months from initial surgery; p = 0.016). 
Conclusions: Autologous fat grafting is a powerful tool in breast reconstruction. This large, single-institution study provides valuable evidence-based support for its oncologic safety.

Surgical Indications and Outcomes of Mastectomy in Transmen: A Prospective Study of Technical and Self-Reported Measures

Surgical Indications and Outcomes of Mastectomy in Transmen: A Prospective Study of Technical and Self-Reported Measures
van de Grift, T C et al
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: September 2017 - Volume 140 - Issue 3 - p 415e–424e

Background: Although transgender surgery constitutes a growing field within plastic surgery, prospective studies on masculinizing mastectomies are lacking. The objectives of the present study were to prospectively follow a cohort of transmen undergoing mastectomy to assess technical and self-reported outcomes and to evaluate surgical decision-making.
Methods: Fifty-four transmen were recruited during a 10-month period at the Department of Plastic Surgery of the Centre of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria. Preoperative assessment included standardized chest examination. Six months postoperatively, participants rated their satisfaction with surgery, and 12-month postoperative surgical outcomes were reviewed independently. Surgical decision-making was evaluated by comparing indications and outcomes per technique, and assessing the clinical validity of the most-used decision aid (using the Cohen's kappa statistic).
Results: One periareolar mastectomy, 26 concentric circular mastectomies, and 22 inframammary skin resections with free nipple graft were performed in the authors’ cohort. Five participants were still to be operated on. Concentric circular mastectomy was performed in smaller or medium-size breasts with low ptosis grade and good elasticity, whereas the inframammary skin resection group showed a wider range of physical characteristics. Despite being performed in better quality breasts, concentric circular mastectomy was associated with more secondary corrections (38.5 percent), dehiscence, seroma, and lower postoperative satisfaction compared with inframammary skin resections. Clinical decision-making was generally in line with the published decision aid. Conclusions: Compared with inframammary skin resections, concentric circular mastectomy—despite being performed in favorable breast types—appears to produce poorer technical and self-reported outcomes. Surgical indications and preoperative counseling regarding secondary corrections may therefore be subject to improvement.

Autologous Fat Grafting as a Novel Antiestrogen Vehicle for the Treatment of Breast Cancer

Autologous Fat Grafting as a Novel Antiestrogen Vehicle for the Treatment of Breast Cancer
Thomas, S et al
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: September 2017 - Volume 140 - Issue 3 - p 537–544
Background: Adipose fat transfer is increasingly used for contour corrections of the tumor bed after lumpectomy and breast reconstructions after mastectomy. The lipophilic nature of the fat tissue may render adipocytes an ideal vehicle with which to deliver a high boost of an antiestrogen to the tumor bed to serve as an adjunct systemic hormonal therapy. The authors therefore tested whether adipocytes could safely be loaded with an antiestrogen and allow for release at therapeutic concentrations to treat breast cancer. 
Methods: Adipose tissue was collected from patients undergoing autologous fat grafting. The influence of adipose tissue on tumorigenesis was determined both in vitro and in vivo using breast cancer cell lines. Ex vivo, adipose tissue was assessed for its ability to depot fulvestrant and inhibit the growth of breast cancer cell lines. 
Results: Adipose tissue harvested from patients did not promote breast cancer cell growth in vitro or in an in vivo mouse model. Adipose tissue was successfully loaded with fulvestrant and released at levels sufficient to inhibit estrogen receptor signaling and growth of breast cancer cells. 
Conclusions: This work supports the hypothesis that adipose tissue used for autologous fat grafting can serve as a novel method for local drug delivery. As this technique is used to reconstruct a variety of postsurgical defects following cancer resection, this approach for local drug delivery may be an effective alternative in therapeutic settings beyond breast cancer.

Prophylactic Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy and Direct-to-Implant Reconstruction of the Large and Ptotic Breast: Is Preshaping of the Challenging Breast a Key to Success?

Prophylactic Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy and Direct-to-Implant Reconstruction of the Large and Ptotic Breast: Is Preshaping of the Challenging Breast a Key to Success?
Gunnarsson, G L et al
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: September 2017 - Volume 140 - Issue 3 - p 449–454

Background: Nipple-sparing mastectomy with simultaneous hammock technique direct-to-implant reconstruction is increasingly offered to patients opting for risk-reducing mastectomy. Despite this promising method, patients with macromastia and ptotic breasts remain a challenging group to treat satisfactorily and more often end up undergoing a difficult corrective procedure and experience an unacceptably high rate of failed reconstruction. The authors examined whether targeted preshaping mastopexy/reduction could prepare these patients for a successful nipple-sparing mastectomy/direct-to-implant reconstruction. 

Methods: Patients seeking risk-reducing nipple-sparing mastectomy/direct-to-implant reconstruction at the authors’ institutions deemed unfit for a one-stage procedure based on their previous experience were offered a targeted two-stage, risk-reducing mastopexy/reduction followed by a delayed secondary nipple-sparing mastectomy and direct-to-implant reconstruction. Patients were followed up at 3 weeks and 6 or 12 months. 
Results: Forty-four reconstructions were performed in 22 patients aged 43 years (range, 26 to 57 years). All 44 procedures were completed successfully without any failure or nipple-areola complex losses. Patients’ median body mass index was 30 kg/m2 (range, 22 to 44 kg/m2). Six patients were smokers and one had hypertension. Two patients underwent reoperation because of hematoma and fat necrosis. 
Conclusions: The authors’ results demonstrate that a targeted preshaping mastopexy/reduction followed by nipple-sparing mastectomy/direct-to-implant reconstruction can be safely planned in women who opt for a risk-reducing mastectomy and can be performed successfully with a 3- to 4-month time span between operations. On the basis of these results and the superior cosmetic outcome, the two-stage approach has become the authors' standard of care in all such settings. 

Macrotextured Breast Implants with Defined Steps to Minimize Bacterial Contamination around the Device: Experience in 42,000 Implants

Macrotextured Breast Implants with Defined Steps to Minimize Bacterial Contamination around the Device: Experience in 42,000 Implants
Adams, W P et al
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: September 2017 - Volume 140 - Issue 3 - p 427–431

Background: Bacteria/biofilm on breast implant surfaces has been implicated in capsular contracture and breast implant–associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL). Macrotextured breast implants have been shown to harbor more bacteria than smooth or microtextured implants. Recent reports also suggest that macrotextured implants are associated with a significantly higher incidence of breast implant–associated ALCL. Using techniques to reduce the number of bacteria around implants, specifically, the 14-point plan, has successfully minimized the occurrence of capsular contracture. The authors hypothesize that a similar effect may be seen in reducing the risk of breast implant–associated ALCL. 
Methods: Pooled data from eight plastic surgeons assessed the use of macrotextured breast implants (Biocell and polyurethane) and known cases of breast implant–associated ALCL. Surgeon adherence to the 14-point plan was also analyzed. 
Results: A total of 42,035 Biocell implants were placed in 21,650 patients; mean follow-up was 11.7 years (range, 1 to 14 years). A total of 704 polyurethane implants were used, with a mean follow-up of 8.0 years (range, 1 to 20 years). The overall capsular contracture rate was 2.2 percent. There were no cases of implant–associated ALCL. All surgeons routinely performed all 13 perioperative components of the 14-point plan; two surgeons do not routinely prescribe prophylaxis for subsequent unrelated procedures. 
Conclusions: Mounting evidence implicates the role of a sustained T-cell response to implant bacteria/biofilm in the development of breast implant–associated ALCL. Using the principles of the 14-point plan to minimize bacterial load at the time of surgery, the development and subsequent sequelae of capsular contracture and breast implant–associated ALCL may be reduced, especially with higher-risk macrotextured implants. 

Prepectoral Breast Reconstruction: A Safe Alternative to Submuscular Prosthetic Reconstruction following Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy

Prepectoral Breast Reconstruction: A Safe Alternative to Submuscular Prosthetic Reconstruction following Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy
Sbitany, H et al

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: September 2017 - Volume 140 - Issue 3 - p 432–443

Background: Nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate prosthetic reconstruction is routinely performed because of excellent aesthetic results and safe oncologic outcomes. Typically, subpectoral expanders are placed, but in select patients, this can lead to significant postoperative pain and animation deformity, caused by pectoralis major muscle disinsertion and stretch. Prepectoral reconstruction is a technique that eliminates dissection of the pectoralis major by placing the prosthesis completely above the muscle with complete acellular dermal matrix coverage. 
Methods: A single surgeon’s experience with immediate prosthetic reconstruction following nipple-sparing mastectomy from 2012 to 2016 was reviewed. Patient demographics, adjuvant treatment, length and characteristics of the expansion, and incidence of complications during the tissue expander stage were compared between the partial submuscular/partial acellular dermal matrix (dual-plane) cohort and the prepectoral cohort. 
Results: Fifty-one patients (84 breasts) underwent immediate prepectoral tissue expander placement, compared with 115 patients (186 breasts) undergoing immediate partial submuscular expander placement. The groups had similar comorbidities and postoperative radiation exposure. There was no significant difference in overall complication rate between the two groups (17.9 percent versus 18.8 percent; p = 0.49). 
Conclusions: Prepectoral breast reconstruction provides a safe and effective alternative to partial submuscular reconstruction, that yields comparable aesthetic results with less operative morbidity. In the authors’ experience, the incidence of acute and chronic postoperative pain and animation deformity is significantly lower following prepectoral breast reconstruction. This technique is now considered for all patients who are safe oncologic candidates and are undergoing nipple-sparing mastectomy and prosthetic reconstruction.