Contemporary Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction: Abdominally Based Flaps.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Understand the types of abdominally based flaps, their anatomy, and their drawbacks. 2. Understand important aspects of the history and physical examination of patients wishing to undergo these procedures. 3. Understand the benefits of preoperative planning and its role in avoiding complication. 4. Understand the operative steps of the procedures and tips to increase efficiency. 5. Understand the postoperative care of these patients and the role of enhanced recovery pathways. SUMMARY: In this article, the authors review the history, current state, and future directions related to abdominally based microsurgical breast reconstruction. This article covers preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative considerations intended to improve patient outcomes and prevent complications. Evidence-based findings are reported when available to comprehensively review important aspects of these procedures.

Long-term Implications of Cosmetic Breast Surgeries on Subsequent Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Cosmetic breast surgeries, such as augmentation, mastopexy, and reduction, are common aesthetic medical procedures for enhancing physical appearance. Despite their popularity, the influence of these surgeries on subsequent breast reconstruction for cancer patients remains underexplored. OBJECTIVES: This study seeks to investigate the effects of previous cosmetic breast surgeries on the outcomes of breast reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted from January 2011 to May 2023. This analysis compared patients with histories of implant augmentation, breast reduction, mastopexy, and augmentation-mastopexy against those receiving reconstruction without any cosmetic surgery history. Demographics, comorbidities, complications, revisions, and BREAST-Q surveys were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, with significance set at p<0.05. RESULTS: The study included 124 patients (50 autologous, 74 implant) with a history of cosmetic breast surgery (102 implant augmentations, 17 breast reductions, five mastopexies, and nine augmentation mastopexies). They were analyzed against 1307 patients (683 autologous, 624 implant) without prior cosmetic breast surgery. Patients with prior cosmetic surgeries showed a higher incidence of hematoma with tissue expander placement. A preference for implant-based reconstruction was more common among patients with augmentation history (p<0.001), whereas autologous reconstruction was more common in those with history of breast reduction (p=0.047). Patients with history of breast augmentation had on average significantly more breast revisions (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a significantly higher hematoma rate and number of revisions compared to patients without a history of cosmetic surgery. Furthermore, it suggests that types of cosmetic breast surgery influence the decision-making process regarding implant versus autologous reconstruction.

"DIEP Flap vs PAP Flap vs LAP Flap: A Propensity Matched Analysis of Aesthetic Outcomes, Complications, and Satisfaction".

INTRODUCTION: As free breast reconstruction options evolve, a patient and body centric approach can distinguish refined aesthetic outcomes. While DIEP, PAP, and LAP flaps are all safe and effective options for breast reconstruction, a head-to-head analysis of these three flaps has not been performed. We aim to compare these three flaps based on outcomes, BREAST-Q, and aesthetic results. METHODS: After IRB approval, a retrospective review in a REDCap database guided analysis of patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral DIEP, PAP, or LAP flaps at a single academic institution. Propensity matching was performed to match 50 patients (100 flaps) in each group. Post-operative complications and BREAST-Q satisfaction survey scores were documented, and crowdsourcing was carried out to determine aesthetic preference in the general population. RESULTS: Overall patient post-operative breast satisfaction was insignificantly different across the three flap groups(p>0.05). Associations were seen with LAP flap donor site seromas, PAP flap donor site infections and wounds, and DIEP flap breast wounds and flap necrosis(p<0.05). DIEP flaps had a higher raw score average on crowdsourcing survey, although LAP flaps were rated significantly higher aesthetically than DIEP and PAP flaps when undergoing a matched head-to-head analysis(p<0.05). CONCLUSION: DIEP, PAP, and LAP flaps all have favorable outcomes with insignificantly different long-term satisfaction, with comparable complication profiles. While DIEP flaps may initially score higher, LAP flaps score higher frequently when analyzed in a head-to-head analysis. For these reasons, tailoring breast reconstruction to the patient's anatomy and morphology provides optimal outcomes.

How to Start a Microsurgery Practice: Success and Sustainability in Academic Practice.

Starting an academic microsurgery practice is a daunting task for plastic surgery graduates. Despite this, academic practice provides many advantages as a starting point for a career. Microsurgical faculty can make use of several unique benefits within an academic center. These include vast resources of clinical and basic science departments, communications and public affairs divisions, and quality improvement teams. Building a multi-disciplinary microsurgery practice with specific focus will jumpstart research questions and outcome data. Using residents and students to their full potential is both rewarding and efficient as a microsurgeon. Finally, peer faculty in an academic environment provide a stimulating resource for growth and assistance when needed. This special topic provides insight into starting a microsurgery practice for any resident considering a career in academics.

Safety and Feasibility of Single-Port Robotic-Assisted Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy.

Importance: Robotic-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomies with multiport robots have been described in the US since 2015; however, significant hurdles to multiport robotic surgery exist in breast surgery. Objective: To demonstrate that the single-port da Vinci SP (Intuitive Surgical) robotic system is feasible in patients undergoing robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy (rNSM). Design, Setting, and Participants: An initial case series of 20 patients at a large university hospital underwent bilateral single-port robotic nipple-sparing mastectomies (SPrNSM) with tissue expander reconstruction from February 1, 2020, through January 4, 2023. Participants included women who met surgical criteria for nipple-sparing mastectomies, per standard of care. Intervention: Surgery using a single-port robot and the surgical technique of the authors. Main Outcomes and Measures: Age, indication, body mass index, breast size, operative time, conversion to open surgery, systemic complications, postoperative skin necrosis, and reported skin and nipple areolar complex (NAC) sensation. Results: Twenty women aged 29 to 63 years (median, 40 years) underwent bilateral SPrNSM. Eleven patients completed prophylactic surgery due to a high risk for breast cancer (more than 20% lifetime risk) and 9 patients had breast cancer. Breast size ranged from A through D cup with median B cup and a body mass index range of 19.7 through 27.8 (median 24.4). The total duration of the procedure from incision to skin closure for both sides ranged from 205 minutes to 351 minutes (median, 277). The median robotic time for bilateral SPrNSM was 116 minutes and varied by cup size (A cup, 95 minutes; B cup, 140 minutes; C cup, 118 minutes; D cup, 114 minutes) with no inflection point in learning curve. No cases were converted to open and no immediate complications, such as hematoma, positive margins, or recurrence, were seen. In the first 10 patients prior to routine sensation testing, 20 resected breasts had measurable NAC sensation at a range from 4 to 36 months post-index resection (65%). In the second 10 patients of the cohort, measurable NAC was preserved in 13 of 20 resected breasts 2 weeks following the index operation (65%). Conclusion and Relevance: In this case series, SPrNSM with immediate reconstruction was feasible and performed safely by an experienced breast surgeon with limited previous robotic training. Further studies confirming the preliminary data demonstrating improved NAC and skin sensation following SPrNSM are warranted. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05245812.

Operative Time Predicts Long-Term Abdominal Morbidity and Complication Requiring Treatment after DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between skin-to-skin operative time and long-term complications, as well as complications requiring treatment, after deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstructions has not been thoroughly investigated. The study objective was to evaluate if operative time would independently prognosticate the type and number of treated complications, as well as long-term abdominal morbidity. METHODS: Patients who underwent bilateral DIEP flaps from 2010 to 2021 by two senior surgeons with standardized surgical and postoperative protocols were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion required at least 1 year of postoperative follow-up. Extensive multivariable regression analyses were utilized to adjust for potential confounders, including measures of intraoperative complexity. RESULTS: Three hundred thirty-five patients were entered into multivariable analyses. After risk adjustment, there was a significant increase in the risk of all treated complications per hour. Each hour of operation increased risk of complications requiring extended hospital stay for treatment by 25%, flap-site complications requiring readmission treatment by 24%, and flap-site complications requiring extended hospital stay for treatment by 26% (all p < 0.0001). Long-term abdominal morbidity (abdominal bulge) increased by 25% per hour of operative time (p < 0.0001). The number of complications requiring treatment, abdominal donor-site complications, and complications requiring extended hospital stay for treatment had statistically significant linear relationships with the duration of surgery (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Operative time predicts long-term abdominal morbidity and complications requiring treatment, especially impacting the odds of developing abdominal bulges and complications requiring extended hospital stay for treatment or readmission treatment. This study emphasizes the importance of reducing operative time to improve DIEP flap breast reconstruction outcomes.

Breast Reconstruction With Simultaneous Bilateral Lumbar Artery Perforator Flaps Improves Waistline Definition and Buttock Projection.

BACKGROUND: The lumbar artery perforator (LAP) flap is a valuable secondary option for autologous breast reconstruction when abdominal donor sites are not available. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine how the LAP donor site affects waistline and gluteal proportions, and whether LAP flaps may produce potential secondary benefits concerning donor site aesthetics. METHODS: A retrospective review of 50 patients who underwent bilateral breast reconstruction with LAP flaps (100 flaps) between 2018 and 2022 was performed. Patient characteristics and postoperative complications were recorded. Pre- and postoperative standardized frontal and lateral patient photographs were analyzed to identify postoperative changes in waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) to assess waistline definition and buttock projection. The patients' individual perception of postoperative aesthetic changes to their waistline and buttocks was determined by an electronic survey. RESULTS: The patients had a mean age of 51 years (range, 24-63 years) and a mean BMI of 26.9 kg/m2 (range, 19.3-37.4 kg/m2). Postoperative donor site complications included seroma (n = 10), wound dehiscence (n = 5), hematoma (n = 4), and wound infection (n = 2). Flap loss rate was 2%. After reconstruction, patients were found to have a more defined waistline, indicated by a significantly decreased WHR on frontal images (mean [standard error of the mean], 0.85 [0.05] vs 0.80 [0.05], P < .005) and a more projected buttocks indicated by a significant reduction in WHR on lateral images (0.92 [0.07] vs 0.87 [0.07], P < .0001). Among the patients who responded to the survey, 73% indicated that their waistline had aesthetically improved, 6.7% felt it had not changed, and 20% felt that it had worsened. An aesthetic improvement of the buttocks was reported by 53%, 40% felt their buttocks had not changed, and 6.7% felt their buttocks appearance had worsened. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral LAP flap breast reconstruction leads to improved waistline definition and buttock projection, bringing patients closer to ideal aesthetic proportions. This reconstructive approach is ideal for patients who are not candidates for abdominal free flaps, but who demonstrate excess flank tissue and seek a more defined waistline and projected buttocks.

Aesthetic Implications of Bilateral Profunda Artery Perforator Flaps on Thigh and Buttock Proportions.

BACKGROUND: The profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap has emerged as an excellent secondary option for autologous breast reconstruction. Despite the increased acceptance, potential secondary benefits concerning aesthetic proportions of proximal thigh and buttock at the donor site have never been systematically investigated. METHODS: A retrospective review of 151 patients who underwent breast reconstruction with horizontally designed PAP flaps (292 flaps) from 2012 to 2020 was performed. Patient characteristics, complications, and numbers of revision surgeries were collected. In bilateral reconstructions, pre- and postoperative standardized patient photographs were analyzed to identify postoperative changes in proximal thigh and buttock contour. The patients' own perception of postoperative aesthetic changes was determined by an electronic survey. RESULTS: The patients had a mean age of 51 and a mean body mass index of 26.3 kg/m2. The most common complications were minor and major wound complications affecting 35.1% of patients, followed by cellulitis (12.6%), seroma (7.9%), and hematoma (4.0%). A total of 38 patients (25.2%) underwent revision of the donor site. After reconstruction, patients were found to have aesthetically improved proximal thigh and buttock proportions, indicated by a wider thigh gap (thigh gap-hip ratio: 0.05 ± 0.04 vs. 0.13 ± 0.05, p < 0.0001) and reduction in lateral thigh-to-buttock ratio (0.85 ± 0.05 vs. 0.76 ± 0.05, p < 0.0001). Among the 85 patients who responded to the survey (56.3% response rate), 70.6% felt that PAP surgery had aesthetically either improved their thigh contour (54.12%) or not changed it (16.47%), whereas only 29.4% reported that the surgery negatively impacted their thigh contour. CONCLUSION: PAP flap breast reconstruction leads to improved aesthetic proportions of the proximal thigh and buttock. This approach is ideal for patients with ptotic tissue of the inferior buttocks and medial thigh, a poorly defined infragluteal fold, and inadequate anterior-posterior buttock projection.

To Ablate or Not to Ablate: Does Umbilectomy Decrease Donor-Site Complications in DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction?

BACKGROUND: Improving outcomes for deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction is an evolving area of interest. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of umbilectomy in abdominally based breast reconstruction. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated postoperative outcomes of patients who underwent autologous DIEP flap breast reconstruction at an academic center between January of 2015 and December of 2021 performed by one of two reconstructive surgeons. The primary outcome variable was abdominal donor-site complications. A secondary outcome variable was treatment outcomes for complications. Covariates included demographic information, comorbidities, cancer treatment, and smoking. RESULTS: A total of 408 patients underwent DIEP flap breast reconstruction, with 194 (47.5%) undergoing umbilectomy. Umbilectomy resulted in decreased number of total wounds per patient (0.35 ± 0.795) compared with umbilical preservation (0.75 ± 1.322; P < 0.001), as well as decreased associated risk of any reported wounds (OR, 0.530; P = 0.009). Associations that trended toward significance occurred between umbilectomy and minor wound separation and partial necrosis, with both showing decreased risk. A significant association was noted between umbilectomy and donor-site seroma [χ 2 (1) = 6.348; P = 0.016], showing an increased risk (OR, 5.761). CONCLUSIONS: Umbilectomy should be discussed with patients and considered as a part of DIEP flap breast reconstruction given the reduction in the risk of abdominal donor-site wounds. Although umbilectomy decreases the rate of wounds, it can increase the risk of seroma; therefore, other interventions, such as progressive tension sutures, may be explored to aid in reducing seroma and improving wound healing. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Reduction in Seroma Rate Following Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap with Umbilectomy Utilizing Progressive Tension Sutures.

BACKGROUND: Umbilectomy has been implemented in both abdominoplasties and deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps to improve abdominal wound healing and better control the location of the neoumbilicus; however, seroma rates are increased. The objective of this study is to compare the seroma rate following DIEP flap reconstruction with umbilectomy when progressive tension sutures (PTS) are implemented. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed to evaluate postoperative seroma rates in patients undergoing DIEP flap breast reconstruction at a single academic institution between January 2015 and September 2022. All procedures were performed by two senior surgeons. Patients were included if their umbilicus was removed intraoperatively. PTS were utilized in all abdominal closures beginning in late February 2022. Demographics, comorbidities, and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 241 patients underwent DIEP flap breast reconstruction with intraoperative umbilectomy. Forty-three consecutive patients received PTS. Overall complications were significantly lower in those who received PTS (p = 0.007). There were no abdominal seromas (0%) in patients who received PTS, whereas 14 (7.1%) occurred without PTS. The use of PTS conferred a decreased likelihood of abdominal seroma (5.687× lower risk, p = 0.017). Additionally, wound formation was significantly lower in those who received PTS (p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: The use of PTS in the abdominal closure during DIEP flap reconstruction addresses the previously seen rise in seroma rates when concomitant umbilectomy is performed. Decrease in both donor-site wounds and now seroma rates reaffirm the efficacy of removing the umbilicus to improve patient outcomes.

Head-to-Head Analysis of Vertical vs Horizontal Incision Patterns in Breast Reconstruction: Surgical Outcomes and Aesthetic Implications.

BACKGROUND: Modern aesthetically optimized breast reconstruction requires collaboration between the patient, breast surgeon, and plastic surgeon. To optimize both surgical outcome and aesthetic results, incision patterns must be carefully planned. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine whether vertical or horizontal orientation of mastectomy incision was preferred in the general population and to analyze corresponding complication profiles. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all patients undergoing bilateral mastectomy followed by autologous breast reconstruction utilizing either vertical or horizontal incision from January 2011 to November 2022. Postoperative complications of the 2 incision patterns were analyzed. Additionally, crowdsourcing was utilized to assess aesthetic implications of horizontal and vertical incision patterns on postoperative pictures of completed breast reconstruction. Survey rater demographics were also analyzed to assess differences in scoring based on voter characteristics. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in postoperative breast complications between patients with horizontal or vertical incisions when considering wound, infection, seroma, hematoma, fat necrosis, or overall complications (P > .05). Crowdsourcing showed that, regardless of voter demographics, vertical incisions were preferred over horizontal incisions (P < .001). Additionally, voters who knew someone who had undergone breast reconstruction were more likely to rate all incision patterns higher than other voters (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Although there are no significant differences in complication profiles between vertical and horizontal incisions in autologous breast reconstruction patients, vertical incision patterns are preferred aesthetically by the general population.

Aesthetic Evaluation and Validation: Umbilicus Reconstruction after DIEP Flap.

BACKGROUND: The most common method for autologous breast reconstruction is the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap. The umbilicus can be managed in various ways, including re-inset, neoumbilicus, and umbilectomy without reconstruction. This study evaluated the aesthetic differences in umbilicus reconstruction choice and variation in patients' postoperative satisfaction with their abdomen. METHODS: A retrospective review of 1,019 patients treated with DIEP flap breast reconstruction between August 2009 and January 2022 was conducted. Patients were stratified by management of the umbilicus: preservation and re-inset of the native umbilicus, umbilectomy with delayed reconstruction, and umbilectomy with no reconstruction. A crowdsourced survey was created to assess the aesthetic preference of each photograph using a Likert scale. RESULTS: There were 1,063 responses to the umbilicus preference crowd source survey. Patients who had delayed umbilicus reconstruction after umbilectomy were rated to be significantly more attractive (4.397 ± 1.697) than both preservation of the native umbilicus (4.176 ± 1.669) and lack of the umbilicus (3.994 ± 1.733; p < 0.001 and <0.001, respectively). In an analysis of the BREAST-Q scores, delayed reconstruction patients had a similar change across measures when compared to the re-inset group. The delayed group had a significantly higher change in overall satisfaction and well-being with abdomen when compared with the no reconstruction group (p = 0.006 and 0.027, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that umbilectomy with delayed reconstruction yields a significantly higher aesthetic rating and comparable patient satisfaction when compared to re-inset of the umbilicus.

The Effects of High Deductible Health Plans on Breast Cancer Treatment and Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: High-deductible health plans (HDHP) have expanded rapidly creating the potential for substantially increased out-of-pocket (OOP) costs. The associated financial strain has been associated with the decision to forego care, but the impact on patients undergoing breast cancer reconstruction is not known. We examined the impact of HDHPs vs. LDHPs and OOP maximums on breast reconstruction. METHODS: Between January 2014 and 2020, patients who had breast reconstruction by the 2 senior authors were retrospectively evaluated. Information on patient's insurance contract was collected. Criteria for HDHP and LDHP were defined following section 223(c)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code. All aspects of cancer diagnosis, cancer treatment, and surgical procedures were reviewed. RESULTS: About 507 patients (262 in LDHPs and 245 in HDHPs) were reviewed. Patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy were more likely to be enrolled in HDHPs (25.7% vs. 36.8%, P < .01). There was no significant difference in total operations, number of revisions, or length of reconstruction in days or calendar years. Additionally, no difference existed in the choice of autologous implant reconstruction. CONCLUSION: The cost-sharing burden of HDHPs creates the potential for patients to forego care, and thus, effort should be directed toward increasing patient education concerning health plan benefits. Utilization of postdeductible spending, as well as resources of health savings accounts, may limit the adverse effects of HDHPs. This study also emphasizes the importance for providers to increase cost transparency.

"Categorizing Patient Selection, Outcomes, and Indications in a Decade of 405 PAP Flaps".

INTRODUCTION: Autologous tissue is the only permanent option for breast reconstruction. While abdominal tissue remains popular, considering alternative donor sites ensures comprehensive care tailored to a patient. The thigh has been established as an excellent choice in autologous reconstruction. We present a ten-year experience with 405 profunda artery perforator flaps (PAP flaps). METHODS: An IRB approved ten-year retrospective review of all patients treated with PAP flaps for breast reconstruction was performed. Procedures were carried out by two surgeons at the same institution. PAP flaps were divided into four consecutive groups with approximately 100 flaps in each group. Demographics, indications, intraoperative data, post-operative complications, revisions, and patient reported outcomes were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: 207 patients (405 PAP flaps) were included. This accounted for 17.2% of all breast reconstruction flaps. 55% of patients underwent a multi-flap procedure. The average flap weight was 354.3 g (+/- 117.2), which significantly decreased over time (p<0.001). Rates of major complications were 9.6% wounds, 4.4% seromas, 4.7% hematomas, and 3.5% infections. Total flap loss was 2%, 67% of which were in stacked patients. Satisfaction routinely improved from pre-operative to post-operative. CONCLUSIONS: As available flap donor sites continue to evolve, tailoring breast reconstruction to the individual patient is standard in centers of excellence. The PAP flap has emerged as an excellent choice for autologous-based breast reconstruction through utilization of proper patient selection and surgical technique.

A clinical practice review on process efficiency in autologous breast reconstruction.

Autologous breast reconstruction is considered the gold standard technique for breast reconstruction following mastectomy. Thanks to recent refinements the main focus of surgery has shifted from flaps survival and donor site morbidity to optimal aesthetic outcomes and patients' satisfaction. However, prolonged operative time remains a limiting aspect for many patients and surgeons who aim in improving access to care and outcomes. Process mapping is a quality improvement strategy consisting of the creation of a visual representation of a process to recognize errors, minimize waste and optimize outcomes. It has been effectively applied in abdominal based autologous breast reconstruction in nine papers. The process segments and analysis varied between published papers, but all authors focused on intraoperative process mapping and reported reduced operative times. Additional preoperative and postoperative factors have been studied and are commonly applied to further optimize efficiency (such as preoperative CTA, co-surgery model, flap perfusion evaluation, postoperative monitoring, and ERAS protocol). Although shorter operative times are related to decrease surgical morbidity and faster recovery time, and safety, the aesthetic outcome should remain the main focus in autologous breast reconstruction. In fact, the true ultimate aim should be the achievement of high patient satisfaction.

Bilateral LAP Flaps for Breast Reconstruction: A Perforator Classification System.

BACKGROUND: Autologous breast reconstruction is continually evolving with focus on the ideal donor site. This study presents 108 consecutive simultaneous LAP flaps and a perforator classification system. METHODS: An IRB approved retrospective review of all LAP flaps was completed and appropriate data recorded. All simultaneous bilateral LAP flaps were included, and perforator patterns were assessed using CTA. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients (108 flaps) were included in the final review. Mean age was 50.7 and mean BMI was 26.6. Mean ischemia times for all flaps and grafts were 130 +/- 64.5 and 300.6 +/- 97.3 minutes, respectively. Pedicle lengths averaged 4.6 +/- 1.5 cm and composite graft lengths averaged 6.2 +/- 1.7 cm. Donor site complications consisted of seromas (10 patients, 19%), hematomas (six patients, 11%), procedural wounds (four patients, 8% ), and infections (two patients, 4%). Total flap loss rate was 2.8%. Perforators were classified into categories based on pedicle pattern, lumbar spine level, and clusters, all in relation to posterior iliac bone as seen per CTA. Vascular pedicle patterns were categorized as type one (43.9%), two (45.6%), three (8.8%), and four (1.8%). Perforators were dissected at lumbar spine level L3 in 51.8% of patients, L4 in 46.5%, and L5 in 1.8%. CONCLUSIONS: We present a CTA directed, anatomical perforator classification system to assist in pre-operative planning, guide in dissection and choosing composite graft suited best for particular perforator pattern or calibers. Simultaneous LAP flaps can be successfully performed with excellent outcomes in patients unsuitable for other flaps.

Bilateral Simultaneous LAP Flaps in Breast Reconstruction: Perioperative anesthetic outcomes addressing safety and feasibility.

INTRODUCTION: The lumbar artery perforator flap (LAP flap) has emerged as an excellent option for breast reconstruction, but its steep learning curve makes it less approachable. Furthermore, length of the operation, flap ischemia time, need for composite vascular grafts, complex microsurgery, multiple position changes, and general concern for safety has led experienced surgeons to stage bilateral reconstructions. In our experience, simultaneous bilateral LAP flaps are successfully feasible, but overall peri-operative safety has not been fully explored. METHODS: Thirty-one patients (62 flaps) underwent simultaneous bilateral LAP flaps and were included in the study (excluding stacked 4-flaps and unilateral flaps). Patients underwent two position changes in the OR: supine to prone and then supine again. A retrospective review of patient demographics, intraoperative details and complications was performed. RESULTS: Overall flap success rate was 96.8%. Five flaps were compromised postoperatively. Intra-operative anastomotic revision rate was 24.1% per flap (4.3% per anastomoses). Significant complication rate was 22.6%. The number of sustained hypothermic episodes and hypotensive episodes correlated with intra-operative arterial thrombosis (p<0.05). The number of hypotensive episodes and increased intra-operative fluid correlated with flap compromise (p<0.05). High BMI correlated with overall complications (p<0.05). The presence of diabetes correlated with intra-operative arterial thrombosis (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Simultaneous bilateral LAP flaps can be safely performed with an experienced and trained microsurgical team. Hypothermia and hypotension negatively impact the initial anastomotic success. In this complex operation, a coordinated approach between the anesthesia and nursing team is paramount for patient safety.

A Propensity Score-Matched Comparison of Perioperative Outcomes in Prepectoral Smooth Versus Textured Tissue Expander Breast Reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Textured tissue expanders (TEs) had previously gained popularity due to minimizing expander migration, rotation, and capsule migration. Recent studies, though, have revealed increased risk of anaplastic large-cell lymphoma associated with certain macrotextured implants, prompting surgeons at our institution to switch to smooth TEs; evaluation is thus required for specific viability and similarity of outcomes of smooth TEs. Our study aims to evaluate perioperative complications in prepectoral placement of smooth versus textured TEs. METHODS: Our retrospective study evaluated perioperative outcomes of patients who underwent bilateral prepectoral TE placement, with either smooth or textured TE, at an academic institution between 2017 and 2021 performed by 2 reconstructive surgeons. The perioperative period was defined as the interval between expander placement until conversion to flap/implant or removal of TE due to complications. Our primary outcomes included hematoma, seroma, wounds, infection, unspecified redness, total number of complications, and returns to operating room secondary to complications. Secondary outcomes included time to drain removal, total number of expansions, hospital length of stay, length of time until the next breast reconstruction procedure, next breast reconstruction procedure, and number of expansions. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-two patients were evaluated in our study (141 textured, 81 smooth). After propensity matching (71 textured, 71 smooth), our univariate logistic regression showed no significant difference in perioperative complications between smooth and textured expanders (17.1% vs 21.1%; P = 0.396) or complications that required a return to the operating room (10.0% vs 9.2%; P = 0.809). No significant differences were noted for hematoma, seroma, infections, unspecified redness, or wounds between both groups. A significant difference was noted in days to drain out (18.57 ± 8.17 vs 20.13 ± 0.07, P = 0.001) and type of the next breast reconstruction procedure (P < 0.001). Our multivariate regression showed that breast surgeon, hypertension, smoking status, and mastectomy weight were significant for increased risk for complications. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates similar rates and effectiveness of smooth versus textured TE when used for prepectoral placement, making smooth TEs a safe and valuable alternative for breast reconstruction because of their decreased risk of anaplastic large-cell lymphoma compared with textured TEs.

Surgical Outcomes of Autologous Breast Reconstruction in Low Body Mass Index Patients: Beyond the Standard DIEP Flap.

BACKGROUND: Autologous breast reconstruction provides higher satisfaction than implant-based reconstruction in women with low body mass index (BMI). However, the accepted standard of microvascular breast reconstruction, the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap, can be challenging to achieve due to the paucity of adnominal bulk in these patients. This study compared operative outcomes in women with BMI less than 23.5 following reconstruction after one of three free flap methods: the DIEP flap, alternative flaps (ie, lumbar artery perforator flap or profounda artery perforator flap), and stacked flaps. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on thin patients (BMI <23.5) who underwent autologous breast reconstruction between 2010 and 2021 by two senior authors (N.T.H. and S.S.T.) at a single institution. One hundred fifteen patients were divided into three reconstructive groups. Flap weights, complication rates, secondary revisions, and fat grafting in each group were then compared. RESULTS: The success rate in all three groups was 100%, with only one partial flap loss in the stacked group. There was a significant difference in overall minor complications and donor complications among the three groups, with alternative flaps experiencing the most. All three groups had similar incidences of recipient breast complications, medical complications, need for secondary revisions, and amount of fat grafted. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous breast reconstruction in low BMI patients yields successful and durable results. This study shows that predictable results in the thin patient population can be obtained via alternate autologous methods beyond the standard DIEP flap. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Deliberate Practice in DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction: An Immediate and Sustained Decrease in Morbidity and Operative Time.

BACKGROUND: Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps are nuanced, multistep, complex procedures. Recent studies have hinted that operational flow can be a sensitive barometer for safety, efficiency, and overall outcomes. The authors critically assess the utility of implementing deliberate practice and process mapping as a research tool in the context of morbidity and operative time. METHODS: Co-surgeons at a university hospital implemented deliberate practice and performed two prospective process analysis studies evaluating critical steps in DIEP flap reconstruction. During the 9-month period (June of 2018 to February of 2019), the flap harvest and microsurgery steps were assessed. During the 8-month period (January to August of 2020), the analysis was expanded to encompass the entire operation. To evaluate the immediate and sustained impact of process analysis, 375 bilateral DIEP flap patients were divided into eight consecutive 9-month intervals completed before, during, and after the two studies. Using risk-adjusted multivariate regressions, morbidity and operative time were compared between groups. RESULTS: Time intervals completed before the first study had comparable morbidity and operative time. During the first study, there was an immediate 83.8% ( P < 0.001) decreased risk in morbidity. Operative time during the second study decreased by 2.19 hours ( P < 0.001). Morbidity and operative time continued to decrease until the end of data collection [62.1% decreased risk in morbidity ( P = 0.023) and decreased operative time of 2.22 hours ( P < 0.001)]. CONCLUSIONS: Deliberate practice and process analysis are powerful tools. Implementation of these tools can generate immediate and sustained decreases in morbidity and operative time for patients undergoing procedures such as DIEP flap breast reconstruction. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.