Current Trends in Breast Augmentation: Analysis of 2011-2015 Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Tracer Data.

BACKGROUND: Breast augmentation is the most common aesthetic surgery performed in the United States. Despite its popularity, there is no consensus on many aspects of the procedure. OBJECTIVES: The authors assessed current trends and changes in breast augmentation from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2015. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study of 11,756 women who underwent breast augmentation based on the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) Maintenance of Certification Tracer Database was performed. RESULTS: There were clearly dominant trends in how ABPS-certified plastic surgeons performed breast augmentations. Most surgeries were performed in freestanding outpatient (47.3%) or office operating room (33.7%). The inframammary fold incision was most popular (75.1%), followed by periareolar (17.8%) and transaxillary approaches (4.1%). Implants were more commonly placed in a submuscular pocket (30.6%) compared with dual plane (26.7%) or subglandular (6.7%). Silicone implants (66.8%) were favored over saline (25.1%), with a statistically significant increase in silicone prostheses from 2011 to 2015. Data were "not applicable" or "other" in the remainder of cases. Administration of both preoperative antibiotics (3.8% in 2011, 98.7% in 2015, P < 0.05) and deep venous thromboembolism (DVT) prophylaxis (3.8% in 2011, 90.6% in 2015, P < 0.05) dramatically increased during the study period. Overall adverse events (7.4%) and reoperation rates (2.2%) were low. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in standard of care for breast augmentation are reflected by the evolving practice patterns of plastic surgeons. This is best evidenced by the dramatic increase in use of antibiotic and DVT prophylaxis from 2011 to 2015.

Autologous fat grafting to lumpectomy defects: complications, imaging, and biopsy rates.

BACKGROUND: Autologous fat grafting is emerging as a promising reconstructive technique after breast conservation therapy (BCT). Recent evidence suggests that autologous fat grafting does not increase the risk of cancer recurrence; however, women may still be subject to unnecessary biopsies secondary to suspicious radiologic findings. The purpose of this study was to assess surgical complications and biopsy rates in these patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of women who underwent autologous fat grafting after BCT at a single institution over a 6-y period. Independent variables included demographic and operative details. Outcome variables included complications, and incidence of palpable masses and/or suspicious breast imaging findings requiring biopsy. Descriptive statistics were generated. RESULTS: Between June 2008 and February 2015, 37 women aged 41 to 74 y (mean 54.4 y) underwent a total of 56 fat grafting sessions for correction of contour deformities after BCT. The mean number of fat grafting procedures was 1.5 (range 1-4) per breast. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 99 mo (mean 29.5 mo). Imaging data were available for 31 (83.7%) breasts after autologous fat grafting. Biopsy was recommended in four cases after suspicious imaging findings or palpable masses (10.8%), with benign pathology in all cases. There was one incidence of a local wound infection. No other local or systemic complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated a risk of unnecessary biopsies after autologous fat grafting. Complication rates were low, and it appears to be a safe reconstructive option for the correction of contour deformities after BCT.

Is chronic postsurgical pain surgery-induced? A study of persistent postoperative pain following breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) is a reported risk for women undergoing breast reconstruction, but it remains unclear that such persistent pain is induced by reconstructive surgery. To address this concern, this prospective cohort study examined the prevalence of and risk factors associated with CPSP among women undergoing breast reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women (n = 1996) recruited for the Mastectomy Reconstruction Outcomes Consortium (MROC) Study were assessed preoperatively and at two-years postoperatively for relevant medical/.surgical variables, pain experience, body physical well-being, anxiety, depression, and reconstruction procedure type and characteristics. RESULTS: Nearly half of the entire sample reported some level of preoperative pain. At two years there were statistically significant but not clinically meaningful increases in both pain intensity and chest/upper body discomfort but a decrease in affective pain rating. Average clinical pain severity was strikingly similar for preoperative and postoperative assessments. Preoperative levels of pain, acute postoperative pain, and (marginally) level of depression held consistent relationship at two-year follow-up with all outcome measures. Autologous flap reconstruction was associated with more severe CPSP compared to TE/I reconstruction. Older age, higher BMI, bilateral reconstruction, and adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy were associated with CPSP and chest/upper body discomfort for at least one outcome measure at two years. CONCLUSIONS: The substantial rate of preoperative pain and comparable prevalence of preoperative and postoperative pain ratings suggest that persistent pain after breast reconstruction may not necessarily reflect surgery-induced pain. Future research will need to determine those factors that contribute to long-term pain following breast reconstruction.

Improved Rates of Immediate Breast Reconstruction at Safety Net Hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Substantial federal resources have been directed toward ensuring the delivery of high-quality care at safety net hospitals. Although disparities in receipt of breast reconstruction persist at the patient level, the extent to which hospital factors contribute to these differences remains unclear. The rates of immediate breast reconstruction across safety net and non-safety net hospitals were investigated. METHODS: Women 21 years and older with breast cancer or increased risk of breast cancer undergoing immediate post-mastectomy reconstruction were identified in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. Safety net hospitals were defined as hospitals with the highest tertile of Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payment adjustments. Adjusted odds ratios of undergoing reconstruction were calculated. RESULTS: Thirty-one percent of patients (n = 10,910) at safety net hospitals underwent immediate reconstruction compared with 46 percent of patients (n = 14,619) at non-safety net hospitals (p < 0.001). Logistic regression revealed that women at non-safety net hospitals were significantly more likely to undergo reconstruction (OR, 1.89; 95 percent CI, 1.65 to 2.16). However, analysis by study year revealed that rates of reconstruction at safety net hospitals increased over time. CONCLUSIONS: After accounting for sociodemographic factors, women undergoing mastectomies at safety net hospitals remain less likely to undergo immediate breast reconstruction. However, the differences in rates of reconstruction between safety net and non-safety net hospitals have narrowed over time. The availability of immediate reconstruction lessens the psychological trauma of mastectomy, and it is critical to continue redirecting federal efforts toward this valuable component of breast cancer care. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, II.

Computer Modeling to Evaluate the Impact of Technology Changes on Resident Procedural Volume.

BACKGROUND: As resident "index" procedures change in volume due to advances in technology or reliance on simulation, it may be difficult to ensure trainees meet case requirements. Training programs are in need of metrics to determine how many residents their institutional volume can support. OBJECTIVE: As a case study of how such metrics can be applied, we evaluated a case distribution simulation model to examine program-level mediastinoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) volumes needed to train thoracic surgery residents. METHODS: A computer model was created to simulate case distribution based on annual case volume, number of trainees, and rotation length. Single institutional case volume data (2011-2013) were applied, and 10 000 simulation years were run to predict the likelihood (95% confidence interval) of all residents (4 trainees) achieving board requirements for operative volume during a 2-year program. RESULTS: The mean annual mediastinoscopy volume was 43. In a simulation of pre-2012 board requirements (thoracic pathway, 25; cardiac pathway, 10), there was a 6% probability of all 4 residents meeting requirements. Under post-2012 requirements (thoracic, 15; cardiac, 10), however, the likelihood increased to 88%. When EBUS volume (mean 19 cases per year) was concurrently evaluated in the post-2012 era (thoracic, 10; cardiac, 0), the likelihood of all 4 residents meeting case requirements was only 23%. CONCLUSIONS: This model provides a metric to predict the probability of residents meeting case requirements in an era of changing volume by accounting for unpredictable and inequitable case distribution. It could be applied across operations, procedures, or disease diagnoses and may be particularly useful in developing resident curricula and schedules.

Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy and Two-Stage Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction: Is There a Better Time to Irradiate?

BACKGROUND: The ideal timing of postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) in the setting of two-stage implant-based breast reconstruction remains unclear. In this cohort study, the authors sought to determine whether complication rates differed between patients who received PMRT following tissue expander placement (TE-XRT) and those who received PMRT after exchange for permanent implants (Implant-XRT) utilizing using prospective, multicenter data. METHODS: Eligible patients in the Mastectomy Reconstruction Outcomes Consortium study from 11 institutions across North America were included in the analysis. All patients had at least 6-month follow-up after their last intervention (i.e., implant exchange for TE-XRT patients, and radiation for Implant-XRT patients). Complications including seroma, hematoma, infection, wound dehiscence, capsular contracture, and implant loss were recorded. RESULTS: The authors identified a total of 150 patients who underwent immediate, two-stage implant-based breast reconstruction and received PMRT. Of these, there were TE-XRT 104 patients (69.3 percent) and 46 (30.7 percent) Implant-XRT patients. There were no differences in the incidence of any complications or complications leading to reconstructive failure between the two cohorts. After adjusting for patient characteristics and site effect, the timing of PMRT (i.e., TE-XRT versus Implant-XRT) was not a significant predictor in the development of any complication, a major complication, or reconstructive failure. CONCLUSION: In the setting of PMRT and two-stage implant-based reconstruction, patients who received PMRT after expander placement (TE-XRT) did not have a higher incidence or increased odds of developing complications than those who received PMRT after exchange for a permanent implant (Implant-XRT). CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Minocycline-induced orbital rim discoloration.

A 20-year-old woman underwent lacrimal gland biopsy for unilateral swelling and was unexpectedly found to have olive-green discoloration of her orbital rim. Postoperative questioning revealed that as a teenager she had been treated for acne with minocycline, a semisynthetic tetracycline antibiotic and a first-line treatment for moderate and severe acne. While hyperpigmentation is a known side effect of minocycline, reports of pigmentation changes of the periorbital bones are relatively rare and could pose a diagnostic dilemma during surgery.

The BREAST-Q in surgical research: A review of the literature 2009-2015.

BACKGROUND: Health outcomes research has gained considerable traction over the past decade as the medical community attempts to move beyond traditional outcome measures such as morbidity and mortality. Since its inception in 2009, the BREAST-Q has provided meaningful and reliable information regarding health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and patient satisfaction for use in both clinical practice and research. In this study, we review how researchers have used the BREAST-Q and how it has enhanced our understanding and practice of plastic and reconstructive breast surgery. METHODS: An electronic literature review was performed to identify publications that used the BREAST-Q to assess patient outcomes. Studies developing and/or validating the BREAST-Q or an alternate patient-reported outcome measure (PROM), review papers, conference abstracts, discussions, comments and/or responses to previously published papers, studies that modified a version of BREAST-Q, and studies not published in English were excluded. RESULTS: Our literature review yielded 214 unique articles, 49 of which met our inclusion criteria. Important trends and highlights were further examined. DISCUSSION: The BREAST-Q has provided important insights into breast surgery highlighted by literature concerning autologous reconstruction, implant type, fat grafting, and patient education. The BREAST-Q has increased the use of PROMs in breast surgery and provided numerous important insights in its brief existence. The increased interest in PROMs as well as the underutilized potential of the BREAST-Q should permit its continued use and ability to foster innovations and improve quality of care.

Autologous Fat Grafting After Breast Reconstruction in Postmastectomy Patients: Complications, Biopsy Rates, and Locoregional Cancer Recurrence Rates.

BACKGROUND: Autologous fat grafting is widely used for refinements in postmastectomy breast reconstruction. However, there are few studies evaluating outcomes in this patient population. The purpose of this study was to assess outcomes of autologous fat grafting after breast reconstruction in postmastectomy patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of consecutive postmastectomy patients who underwent autologous fat grafting after breast reconstruction at a university center over a 5-year period. Patients with at least 6 months of follow-up were included. Medical records were reviewed for demographics, operative details, complications, incidence of palpable masses, and/or suspicious breast imaging findings requiring biopsy, and locoregional cancer recurrence. Descriptive statistics were generated. RESULTS: Between January 2008 and July 2013, 108 women and a total of 167 breast reconstructions underwent autologous fat grafting for revision of postmastectomy breast reconstruction. Their ages ranged from 22 to 71 years (mean, 48 years). Fat grafts were harvested, processed, and injected using the Coleman technique. The mean number of fat grafting procedures was 1.3 (range, 1-4) per breast. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 57 months (mean, 20.2 months). Fifty-three (31.7%) breasts underwent imaging after autologous fat grafting. Suspicious imaging findings requiring biopsy were discovered in 4 (2.4%) breasts, and clinically palpable lesions combined with suspicious imaging findings requiring biopsy were present in another 4 (2.4%) breasts. All 8 biopsies showed fat necrosis, scar, or oil cysts without evidence of malignancy. One (0.6%) local complication (a wound infection at the recipient site requiring oral antibiotics) after autologous fat grafting was reported. During the limited follow-up period, there were no locoregional cancer recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous fat grafting in conjunction with breast reconstruction resulted in a biopsy rate of 4.8%, and no cases of locoregional cancer recurrence were observed. Based on these preliminary findings, autologous fat grafting appears to be a relatively safe procedure for refinement of the reconstructed breast in postmastectomy patients.

Understanding and Optimizing the Patient Experience in Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Optimizing the patient experience is a central pillar in healthcare quality. Although this may be recognized as important in breast reconstruction, surgeons are often unaware of how well they and members of their team achieve this goal. The objective of our study was to evaluate patient satisfaction with the experience of care in a multicenter, prospective cohort of patients undergoing breast reconstruction. Specifically, we sought to determine which aspects of the care experience might be most amenable to quality improvement. METHODS: As part of the Mastectomy Reconstruction Outcomes Consortium Study, 2093 patients were recruited from 11 centers in North America. Of these, 1534 (73.3%) completed the BREAST-Q Satisfaction with Care scales (satisfaction with information, surgeon, medical team, and office staff) at 3 months after reconstruction and were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Patients scored lowest on 'Satisfaction with Information' (mean = 72.8) compared to all other Satisfaction with Care scales (mean, 89.5-95.5). Patients with immediate reconstruction were less satisfied with their plastic surgeon compared to those with delayed reconstruction. The racial category, "Other" (Asians, Pacific Islanders, Hawaiians, American Indians), was the least satisfied group across all Satisfaction with Care scales. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing breast reconstruction perceive significant gaps in their knowledge and understanding of expected outcomes. Immediate reconstruction patients and minority racial groups may require additional resources and attention. As a means to improve quality of care, these findings highlight an important unmet need and suggest that improving patient education may be central to providing patient-centered care.

Sociodemographic Predictors of Breast Reconstruction Procedure Choice: Analysis of the Mastectomy Reconstruction Outcomes Consortium Study Cohort.

Background. To promote patient-centered care, it is important to understand the impact of sociodemographic factors on procedure choice for women undergoing postmastectomy breast reconstruction. In this context, we analyzed the effects of these variables on the reconstructive method chosen. Methods. Women undergoing postmastectomy breast reconstruction were recruited for the prospective Mastectomy Reconstruction Outcomes Consortium Study. Procedure types were divided into tissue expander-implant/direct-to-implant and abdominally based flap reconstructions. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated from logistic regression. Results. The analysis included 2,203 women with current or previous breast cancer and 202 women undergoing prophylactic mastectomy. Compared with women <40 years old with current or previous breast cancer, those 40 to 59 were significantly more likely to undergo an abdominally based flap. Women working or attending school full-time were more likely to receive an autologous procedure than those working part-time or volunteering. Women undergoing prophylactic mastectomy who were ≥50 years were more likely to undergo an abdominal flap compared to those <40. Conclusions. Our results indicate that sociodemographic factors affect the reconstructive procedure received. As we move forward into a new era of patient-centered care, providing tailored treatment options to reconstruction patients will likely lead to higher satisfaction and better outcomes for those we serve.

Successfully Integrating Research into Plastic Surgery Training Programs.

Successful integration of research into the educational mission of a plastic surgery residency program requires the support and dedication of the faculty members to create a culture that promotes innovation, discovery, and advancement of the field of plastic surgery. Dedicated research time during plastic surgery training is beneficial to both the resident and training program. Regardless of whether residents plan to pursue an academic career or enter private practice, participating in research provides an opportunity to develop skills to think critically and mature professionally. In this article, we review the benefits of resident research to both the trainee and training program and discuss strategies to overcome barriers to integrating research into the curriculum.