Comparison of Patient-reported Outcomes after Implant Versus Autologous Tissue Breast Reconstruction Using the BREAST-Q.

BACKGROUND: The demand for reconstructive breast procedures of various types has accelerated in recent years. Coupled with increased patient expectations, it has fostered the development of oncoplastic and reconstructive techniques in breast surgery. In the setting of postmastectomy reconstruction, patient satisfaction and quality of life are the most significant outcome variables when evaluating surgical success. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life after implant breast reconstruction compared with autologous breast reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used. A total of 65 women who had completed postmastectomy implant-based or autologous reconstruction in the participating center were asked to complete the BREAST-Q (Reconstruction Module). RESULTS: Data analysis demonstrated that women with autologous breast reconstruction were significantly more satisfied with their breasts (P = 0.0003) and with the overall outcome (P = 0.0001) compared with women with implant breast reconstruction. All other BREAST-Q parameters that were considered and observed were not significantly different between the 2 patient groups. CONCLUSIONS: Through statistical analysis, our results showed that patients who underwent autologous tissue reconstruction had better satisfaction with the reconstructed breast and the outcome, while both techniques appear to equally improve psychosocial well-being, sexual well-being, and chest satisfaction.

Evaluation of Oncological Safety of Fat Grafting After Breast-Conserving Therapy: A Prospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Breast-conserving treatment (BCT) consisting of a lumpectomy followed by radiation is considered the standard of care in early-stage breast cancer, and breast reconstruction using fat transfer has become the standard of care in these patients. Immediately following BCT, patients are theoretically the most prone for cancer recurrence caused by the remaining mass of glandular tissue. Therefore, we conducted a prospective study to evaluate the oncological safety of fat grafting in patients after BCT. METHODS: We analyzed patients who underwent breast reconstruction after BCT between April 2011 and February 2014. The control subjects were matched from a prospective database of women treated for breast cancer who did not undergo fat grafting, and each control was matched for the following variables: date of primary cancer surgery, date of fat grafting, histology, estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER+PR), adjuvant hormone therapy, disease-free interval from primary operation (BCT), and disease-free interval from breast reconstruction involving fat grafting. The primary endpoint of this study was tumor recurrence. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 32 patients, while the control group consisted of 45 patients. Breast tumor recurrence was observed in 2 of 32 cases (6.25%) in the reconstruction group, and distant metastases were detected in both cases. In the control group without reconstruction, we found cancer recurrence in 2 of 41 cases (4.88%), and locoregional recurrence was observed in both cases. The difference in cancer recurrence after BCT was insignificant between groups (p = 0.593). CONCLUSION: The recurrence rate in patients reconstructed with fat grafts after BCT was not significantly different from the recurrence rate of control BCT patients.

Comparison of Cross-linked and Non-Cross-linked Acellular Porcine Dermal Scaffolds for Long-term Full-Thickness Hernia Repair in a Small Animal Model.

BACKGROUND: This study compared the strength of incorporation and biocompatibility of 2 porcine-derived grafts (cross-linked and non-cross-linked) in a rat hernia model. METHODS: A standardized 2 × 4 cm(2) fascial defect was created in 30 Wistar rats and repaired with either a cross-linked or a non-cross-linked graft. The rats were killed 3, 6, and 12 months later. The strength of incorporation, vascularization, cellular invasion, foreign body reaction, and capsule formation were evaluated. RESULTS: Both graft materials showed cellular ingrowth and neovascularization by 3 months postimplantation. The average level of cellularization was significantly higher in the non-cross-linked grafts than in the cross-linked grafts at 6 months (2 vs 1; P = .029). Vascularization was significantly higher in the non-cross-linked grafts than in the cross-linked grafts at 6 months postimplantation (2 vs 1; P = .029) and insignificant at 3 months (2 vs 1.75; P = .311) and 12 months (1 vs 0.67; P = 1). The maximum load and breaking strength of both biomaterials increased during the study period. Overall, the strength of incorporation of the non-cross-linked grafts increased from 3 months (0.75 MPa) to 12 months (3.06 MPa) postimplantation. The strength of incorporation of the cross-linked grafts also increased from 3 months (0.59 MPa) to 12 months (1.58 MPa) postimplantation. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggest that non-cross-linked grafts may be slightly more biocompatible and allow a more rapid and higher degree of cellular penetration and vascularization, resulting in stronger attachment to the tissues.