Splitting the Difference: Using Synthetic and Biologic Mesh to Decrease Cost in Prepectoral Immediate Implant Breast Reconstruction

 

Splitting the Difference: Using Synthetic and Biologic Mesh to Decrease Cost in Prepectoral Immediate Implant Breast Reconstruction

 

by Karp, Nolan S.; Salibian, Ara A. 

 

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: March 2021 - Volume 147 - Issue 3 - p 580-584

 

Prepectoral breast reconstruction has minimized morbidity and dynamic deformities associated with submuscular implant-based breast reconstruction. However, reliance on implant coverage with acellular dermal matrix in immediate implant reconstruction remains limited by high material costs. The authors describe a technique in which anterior implant coverage in prepectoral reconstruction is split into acellular dermal matrix inferolaterally and synthetic, absorbable mesh superiorly. Use of acellular dermal matrix inferiorly provides coverage and reinforces the inframammary fold, whereas the absorbable mesh is trimmed and sutured to the acellular dermal matrix at the appropriate tension to support the implant and relieve pressure on mastectomy flaps. A retrospective review was performed on all consecutive prepectoral one-stage breast reconstructions using this technique at a single institution. Patient demographics, mastectomy and reconstruction characteristics, reconstructive outcomes, and cost of support materials were queried and analyzed. Eleven patients (21 breasts) underwent prepectoral immediate implant reconstruction with Vicryl and acellular dermal matrix anterior coverage. Average mastectomy weight was 775.8 g. Smooth, round cohesive implants were used in all cases and average implant size was 514.5 ml. Overall complication rates were low and included one minor infection (4.8 percent) and one case of minor mastectomy flap and partial nipple necrosis each (4.8 percent). Calculated cost savings of Vicryl and acellular dermal matrix anterior coverage was up to $3415 in unilateral and $6830 in bilateral cases. Prepectoral breast reconstruction using acellular dermal matrix inferiorly and Vicryl mesh superiorly is a safe technique that decreases material costs associated with support materials and allows the surgeon to precisely control the implant pocket and position. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Immediate Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy with Polyurethane Implants versus Textured Implants: A Retrospective Study with Focus on Capsular Contracture

 

Immediate Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy with Polyurethane Implants versus Textured Implants: A Retrospective Study with Focus on Capsular Contracture

 

by Andrea Loreti, Giacomo Siri, Matteo De Carli, Benedetta Fanelli, Floriana Arelli, Diana Spallone, Ornella Abate, Massimo La Pinta, Elena Manna, Emanuele Zarba Meli, Leopoldo Costarelli, Damiana Andrulli, Laura Broglia, Paola Scavina, Lucio Fortunato

 

The Breast: VOLUME 54, P127-132, DECEMBER 01, 2020

 

Capsular contracture (CC) is the most common complication following Immediate Breast Reconstruction (IBR) with breast implants. Different implant surfaces were developed aiming to reduce the incidence of CC. We evaluated the incidence and degree of CC after Direct-to-Implant (DTI) IBR with insertion of textured (TE) or polyurethane (PU) covered implants.

Neurotization of the Nipple-Areola Complex during Implant-Based Reconstruction: Evaluation of Early Sensation Recovery

Link to article: Neurotization of the Nipple-Areola Complex during Implant-Based Reconstruction: Evaluation of Early Sensation Recovery

by Djohan, Risal; Scomacao, Isis; Knackstedt, Rebecca; Cakmakoglu, Cagri; Grobmyer, Stephen R. 

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: August 2020 - Volume 146 - Issue 2 - p 250-254

Summary:

The concept of sensate autologous breast reconstruction is not novel, and prior literature has focused mainly on sensate abdominally based breast reconstruction. The goal of this article is to present the authors’ results with a novel technique performing sensate implant-based reconstruction. A database was prospectively maintained for patients who underwent implant-based sensate breast reconstruction. The anterior branch of the lateral fourth intercostal is identified and preserved during the mastectomy by the breast surgeon. A processed nerve allograft is used as an interpositional graft connecting the donor nerve to the targeted nipple-areola complex. The sensory recovery process was objectively monitored using a pressure-specified sensory device. Thirteen patients underwent the proposed technique. Eight patients with 15 breasts were monitored for sensory recovery. For sensory measurement, the nipple had a mean threshold of 67.33 ± 34.48 g/nm2. The upper inner (29 ± 26.75 g/nm2) and upper outer (46.82 ± 32.72 g/nm2) nipple-areola complex quadrants demonstrated better scores during the moving test compared with the static test. Mean time between the test and surgery was 4.18 ± 2.3 months, and mean time between the second test and surgery was 10.59 ± 3.57 months. Threshold improvements were documented after the second test for all nipple-areola complex areas evaluated. This is the first study to report on early results obtained after performing sensate implant-based breast reconstruction. More studies are required to determine the long-term outcomes and impact on quality of life and to assess whether patient or breast characteristics impact the success of this procedure.

Intravenous Tranexamic Acid in Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction Safely Reduces Hematoma without Thromboembolic Events

Link to article: Intravenous Tranexamic Acid in Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction Safely Reduces Hematoma without Thromboembolic Events

by Weissler, Jason M.; Banuelos, Joseph; Jacobson, Steven R.; Manrique, Oscar J.; Nguyen, Minh-Doan T.; Harless, Christin A.; Tran, Nho V.; Martinez-Jorge, Jorys

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: August 2020 - Volume 146 - Issue 2 - p 238-245

Background:

Antifibrinolytic medications, such as tranexamic acid, have recently garnered increased attention. Despite its ability to mitigate intraoperative blood loss and need for blood transfusion, there remains a paucity of research in breast reconstruction. The authors investigate whether intravenous tranexamic acid safely reduces the risk of hematoma following implant-based breast reconstruction.

Methods:

 A single-center retrospective cohort study was performed to analyze all consecutive patients undergoing immediate two-stage implant-based breast reconstruction following mastectomy between 2015 and 2016. The incidence of postoperative hematomas and thromboembolic events among all patients was reviewed. The patients in the intervention group received 1000 mg of intravenous tranexamic acid before mastectomy incision and 1000 mg at the conclusion of the procedure. Fisher’s exact test and the Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon test were used. Multivariate logistic regression models were performed to study the impact of intravenous tranexamic acid after adjusting for possible confounders.

Results:

A total of 868 consecutive breast reconstructions (499 women) were reviewed. Overall, 116 patients (217 breasts) received intravenous tranexamic acid, whereas 383 patients (651 breasts) did not. Patient characteristics and comorbidities were similar between the two the groups. Patients who received tranexamic acid were less likely to develop hematomas [n = 1 (0.46 percent)] than patients who did not [n = 19 (2.9 percent)] after controlling for age, hypertension, and type of reconstruction (prepectoral and subpectoral) (p = 0.018). Adverse effects of intravenous tranexamic acid, including thromboembolic phenomena were not observed. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that age and hypertension independently increase risk for hematoma.

Conclusions:

 Intravenous tranexamic acid safely reduces risk of hematoma in implant-based breast reconstruction. Further prospective randomized studies are warranted to further corroborate these findings. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

[Articles] Short-term safety outcomes of mastectomy and immediate implant-based breast reconstruction with and without mesh (iBRA): a multicentre, prospective cohort study

[Articles] Short-term safety outcomes of mastectomy and immediate implant-based breast reconstruction with and without mesh (iBRA): a multicentre, prospective cohort study

 by Shelley Potter, Elizabeth J Conroy, Ramsey I Cutress, Paula R Williamson, Lisa Whisker, Steven Thrush, Joanna Skillman, Nicola L P Barnes, Senthurun Mylvaganam, Elisabeth Teasdale, Abhilash Jain, Matthew D Gardiner, Jane M Blazeby, Chris Holcombe, iBRA Steering Group, Breast Reconstruction Research Collaborative  

The Lancet Oncology: Volume 20, issue 2, P254-266, February 01, 2019

Complications after immediate implant-based breast reconstruction are higher than recommended by national standards. A randomised clinical trial is needed to establish the optimal approach to immediate implant-based breast reconstruction.

Tissue Expander Complications Do Not Preclude a Second Successful Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction

Tissue Expander Complications Do Not Preclude a Second Successful Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction

by Poppler, Louis H.; Mundschenk, Minh-Bao; Linkugel, Andrew; Zubovic, Ema; Dolen, Utku C.; Myckatyn, Terence M.  

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: January 2019 - Volume 143 - Issue 1 - p 24–34

Background: Implant-based breast reconstruction is the most common method of breast reconstruction in the United States, but the outcomes of subsequent implant-based reconstruction after a tissue expander complication are rarely studied. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term incidence of implant loss in patents with a previous tissue expander complication. Methods: This is a retrospective review of the long-term outcomes of all patients with tissue expander complications at a large academic medical center from 2003 to 2013. Patients with subsequent tissue expander or implant complications were compared to those with no further complications to assess risk factors for additional complications or reconstructive failure.

Results: One hundred sixty-two women were included in this study. The mean follow-up period was 8.3 ± 3.1 years. Forty-eight women (30 percent) went on to undergo a second tissue expander or implant placement. They did not differ from women who went on to autologous reconstruction or no further reconstruction. Of these, 34 women (71 percent) had no further complications and 38 women (79 percent) had a successful implant-based reconstruction at final follow-up. There were no patient or surgical factors significantly associated with a second complication or implant loss. 

Conclusions: Following tissue expander complications, it is reasonable to offer women a second attempt at tissue expansion and implant placement. This study demonstrates that long-term success rates are high, and there are no definitive patient or surgical factors that preclude a second attempt at implant-based breast reconstruction. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

Impact of Evolving Radiation Therapy Techniques on Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction

Impact of Evolving Radiation Therapy Techniques on Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction

Muresan, H et al
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: June 2017 - Volume 139 - Issue 6 - p 1232e–1239e

Background: Patients undergoing implant-based reconstruction in the setting of postmastectomy radiation therapy suffer from increased complications and inferior outcomes compared with those not irradiated, but advances in radiation delivery have allowed for more nuanced therapy. The authors investigated whether these advances impact patient outcomes in implant-based breast reconstruction. 
Methods: Retrospective chart review identified all implant-based reconstructions performed at a single institution from November of 2010 to November of 2013. These data were cross-referenced with a registry of patients undergoing breast irradiation. Patient demographics, treatment characteristics, and outcomes were analyzed. 
Results: Three hundred twenty-six patients (533 reconstructions) were not irradiated, whereas 83 patients (125 reconstructions) received radiation therapy; mean follow-up was 24.7 months versus 26.0 months (p = 0.49). Overall complication rates were higher in the irradiated group (35.2 percent versus 14.4 percent; p < 0.01). Increased maximum radiation doses to the skin were associated with complications (maximum dose to skin, p = 0.05; maximum dose to 1 cc of skin, p = 0.01). Different treatment modalities (e.g., three-dimensional conformal, intensity-modulated, field-in-field, and hybrid techniques) did not impact complication rates. Prone versus supine positioning significantly decreased the maximum skin dose (58.5 Gy versus 61.7 Gy; p = 0.05), although this did not translate to significantly decreased complication rates in analysis of prone versus supine positioning. 
Conclusions: As radiation techniques evolve, the maximum dose to skin should be given consideration similar to that for heart and lung dosing, to optimize reconstructive outcomes. Prone positioning significantly decreases the maximum skin dose and trends toward significance in reducing reconstructive complications. With continued study, this may become clinically important. Interdepartmental studies such as this one ensure quality of care.

Shaped versus Round Implants in Breast Reconstruction: A Multi-Institutional Comparison of Surgical and Patient-Reported Outcomes

Shaped versus Round Implants in Breast Reconstruction: A Multi-Institutional Comparison of Surgical and Patient-Reported Outcomes

Khavanin N et al
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: May 2017 - Volume 139 - Issue 5 - p1063 -1070

Background: Since the 2012 approval of shaped implants, their use in breast reconstruction has increased in the United States. However, large-scale comparisons of complications and patient-reported outcomes are lacking. The authors endeavored to compare surgical and patient-reported outcomes across implant types. 
Methods: The Mastectomy Reconstruction Outcomes Consortium database was queried for expander/implant reconstructions with at least 1-year postexchange follow-up (mean, 18.5 months). Outcomes of interest included postoperative complications, 1-year revisions, and patient-reported outcomes. Bivariate and mixed-effects regression analyses evaluated the effect of implant type on patient outcomes. 
Results: Overall, 822 patients (73.5 percent) received round and 297 patients (26.5 percent) received shaped implants. Patients undergoing unilateral reconstructions with round implants underwent more contralateral symmetry procedures, including augmentations (round, 18.7 percent; shaped, 6.8 percent; p = 0.003) and reductions (round, 32.2 percent; shaped, 20.5 percent; p = 0.019). Shaped implants were associated with higher rates of infection (shaped, 6.1 percent; round, 2.3 percent; p = 0.002), that remained significant after multivariable adjustment. Other complication rates did not differ significantly between cohorts. Round and shaped implants experienced similar 2-year patient-reported outcome scores. 
Conclusions: This prospective, multicenter study is the largest evaluating outcomes of shaped versus round implants in breast reconstruction. Although recipients of round implants demonstrated lower infection rates compared with shaped implants, these patients were more likely to undergo contralateral symmetry procedures. Both implant types yielded comparable patient-reported outcome scores. With appropriate patient selection, both shaped and round implants can provide acceptable outcomes in breast reconstruction.

Reducing implant loss rates in immediate breast reconstructions

Reducing implant loss rates in immediate breast reconstructions
The Breast: February 2017Volume 31, Pages 208–213
Darragh L et al

UK best practice guidelines for oncoplastic breast reconstruction were published in 2012. Implant-based reconstruction quality indicator (QI) targets for readmission, return to theatre and implant loss rates were set at 5% by 3 months, along with guidance to achieve these targets. The aims of this study were to quantify complication rates following implant-based reconstruction before and after the implementation of the guidelines. A retrospective audit of 86 patients with 106 implants in the 12 months to June 2013 was performed, C1.

Is Single-Stage Prosthetic Reconstruction Cost Effective? A Cost-Utility Analysis for the Use of Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction Relative to Expander-Implant Reconstruction in Postmastectomy Patients

Is Single-Stage Prosthetic Reconstruction Cost Effective? A Cost-Utility Analysis for the Use of Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction Relative to Expander-Implant Reconstruction in Postmastectomy Patients

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery:
September 2016 - Volume 138 - Issue 3 - p 537–547

Krishnan NM et al

Background: Prosthetic breast reconstruction is most commonly performed using the two-stage (expander-implant) technique. However, with the advent of skin-sparing mastectomy and the use of acellular dermal matrices, one-stage prosthetic reconstruction has become more feasible. Prior studies have suggested that one-stage reconstruction has economic advantages relative to two-stage reconstruction despite a higher revision rate. This is the first cost-utility analysis to compare the cost and quality of life of both procedures to guide patient care. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases to include studies directly comparing matched patient cohorts undergoing single-stage or staged prosthetic reconstruction. Six studies were selected examining 791 direct-to-implant reconstructions and 1142 expander-implant reconstructions. Costs were derived adopting both patient and third-party payer perspectives. Utilities were derived by surveying an expert panel. Probabilities of clinically relevant complications were combined with cost and utility estimates to fit into a decision tree analysis. Results: The overall complication rate was 35 percent for single-stage reconstruction and 34 percent for expander-implant reconstruction. The authors’ baseline analysis using Medicare reimbursement revealed a cost decrease of $525.25 and a clinical benefit of 0.89 quality-adjusted life-year when performing single-stage reconstructions, yielding a negative incremental cost-utility ratio. When using national billing, the incremental cost-utility further decreased, indicating that direct-to-implant breast reconstruction was the dominant strategy. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the authors’ conclusions. Conclusions: Direct-to-implant breast reconstruction is the dominant strategy when used appropriately. Surgeons are encouraged to consider single-stage reconstruction when feasible in properly selected patients.

Over Troubled Water: An Outbreak of Infection Due to a New Species of Mycobacterium following Implant-Based Breast Surgery

Over Troubled Water: An Outbreak of Infection Due toa New Species of Mycobacterium following Implant-Based Breast Surgery

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: January 2016 - Volume 137 - Issue 1 - p 97–105

Scheflan, M, Wixtrom, R


Summary: Mycobacterial infection is a rare complication associated with breast surgery using implants. Over the course of 5 months, one center experienced 12 such cases, 10 of which were linked to a single surgeon. Most presented 3 to 6 weeks postoperatively with clear serous drainage from the incision, minimal local redness, no fever or other systemic signs of infection, and negative standard bacterial cultures. Patients were given empiric broad-spectrum oral antibiotic therapy. In eight cases, implants were removed and exchanged for new devices after irrigation of the pocket with antibiotics; these patients nonetheless experienced recurrent infection, which led to explantation (without immediate exchange for new implants). The last two patients proceeded straight to explantation. Because mycobacteria grow in water, the water supply and air-conditioning system were initially suspected as the source, and both were disinfected. However, this did not stop the outbreak. Eventually, the source was traced to a new species of mycobacteria isolated from a garden hot tub. These bacteria had then been unwittingly transferred to patients during surgery. A Triclosan-containing shampoo effectively ended the outbreak. This series is unique in several respects: the novelty of the pathogen, the heavy colonization of the surgeon, and the mechanism of transmission (the first occurrence of human-to-human mycobacterial transfer published in the plastic surgery literature). Surgeons who perform breast surgery with implants should be aware of the possibility of mycobacterial infection. Proactive culturing of the organism, use of antibiotics, and reoperation are essential to good outcomes.

Patient-Reported Satisfaction and Quality of Life following Breast Reconstruction in Thin Patients: A Comparison between Microsurgical and Prosthetic Implant Recipients

Patient-Reported Satisfaction and Quality of Life following Breast Reconstruction in Thin Patients: A Comparison between Microsurgical and Prosthetic Implant Recipients
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: August 2015 - Volume 136 - Issue 2 - p 213–220

Weichman, K et al

Background: Patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction have higher long-term satisfaction rates compared with those undergoing prosthetic reconstruction. Regardless, most patients still undergo prosthetic reconstruction. The authors compared outcomes of microsurgical reconstruction to those of prosthetic reconstruction in thin patients and evaluated the effect of reconstructive type on quality of life. Methods: After institutional review board approval was obtained, the authors reviewed all patients undergoing breast reconstruction at a single institution from November of 2007 to May of 2012. Thin patients were included for analysis and divided into two cohorts: microsurgical reconstruction and tissue expander/implant reconstruction........

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma and breast implants

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma and breast implants: Five Australian cases. Plastic & reconstructive surgery, April 2012, Vol. 129(4), p.610e-617e.

Taylor, K.O., et al.

http://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Abstract/2012/04000/Anaplastic_Large_Cell_Lymphoma_and_Breast.3.aspx

Textured surface implants only became widely used in the 1990s and therefore were not significantly represented in the large cohort studies of breast implant safety undertaken in the early 1990s. The diagnosis of anaplastic large cell lymphoma in the breast needs to be considered in patients, particularly those presenting with a periprosthetic seroma 6 months or more after breast implant insertion.