Two-staged immediate procedure of breast reconstruction with tissue expansion / 中华医学美学美容杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To present our experience in two-stage procedure immediate breast reconstruction,which aimed to retain local tissue condition for breast reconstruction,overcome the limitation of radiotherapy on implant reconstruction,and simplify the procedure as well as improve cosmetic result.Methods The proceduces of our method were divided into two stagesin the first stage,the round-shaped expander was implanted in the subpectoral major space during the procedure of mastectomy; at the same time as expander implanted,the first saline injection was performed; with 4 to 8 weeks of inflation,the tissue expander offered adequate tissue for breast reconstruction; in the second stage,silicon gel implant,latissimus dorsi muscle flap,extended latissimus dorsi muscle flap and deep inferior epigastic perforatior flap were used for breast reconstruction after the tissue expander was exchanged.Results Thirty-four patients had undergone the two-staged breast reconstruction using tissue expansion.The average time of therapy was 5.5 months.There were no postoperative complications such as implant exposure,additional scar,and flap necrosis.The follow-up time was 6 to 18 months and the result showed excellent contour of the breast at a satisfactory rate of 97.1％.Conclusions Two-staged technique using tissue expansion in breast reconstruction is easily done and the complications are rare.The technique possesses advantages such as avoiding affection of radiotherapy on silicongel implant and elasticity of skin,retaining maximal local tissue for breast reconstruction.There is no necessary for correction of skin defect and additional scarring,thus the patch-like appearance of breast is avoided.The patients need not to experience depression post mastectomy.Two-staged procedure immediate breast reconstruction is a safe and reliable technique that is especially applicable to the patients who need radiotherapy.