Natural Shaping of Acellular Dermal Matrices for Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction via Expansile Kirigami.

To complete a successful and aesthetic breast reconstruction for breast cancer survivors, tissue reinforcing acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) are widely utilized to create slings/pockets to keep breast implants or autologous tissue transfer secured against the chest wall in the desired location. However, ADM sheets are 2D and cannot completely cover the entire implant without wrinkles. Here, guided by finite element modeling, a kirigami strategy is presented to cut the ADM sheets with locally and precisely controlled stretchability, curvature, and elasticity. Upon expansion, a single kirigami ADM sheet can conformably wrap the implant regardless of the shape and size, forming a natural teardrop shape; contour cuts prescribe the topographical height and fractal cuts in the center ensures horizontal expandability and thus conformability. This kirigami ADM can provide support to the reconstructed breast in the desired regions, potentially offering optimal outcomes and patient-specific reconstruction, while minimizing operative time and cost.

Laparoscopy allows the harvest of the DIEP flap with shorter fascial incisions as compared to endoscopic harvest: A single surgeon retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: We present a comparative series to utilize minimally invasive endoscopic, total extraperitoneal laparoscopic (TEP-lap), and transabdominal preperitoneal robotic perforator (TAP-RAP) harvest of the deep inferior epigastric (DIE) vessels for autologous breast reconstruction (ABR) to mitigate donor site morbidity. We hypothesized that TEP-lap and TAP-RAP harvests of abdominal-based free flaps are safe techniques associated with decreased fascial incision when compared with the endoscopic harvest. METHODS: We designed a retrospective cohort series of subjects with newly diagnosed breast cancer who presented for ABR using endoscopic (control), laparoscopic, or robotic assistance between September 2017 and April 2019. The primary outcome variables were flap success (i.e., absence of perioperative flap loss), fascial incision length, and intraoperative complications. Secondary variables included operating time, costs, and postoperative complications within 90 days (arterial thrombosis, venous congestion, bulge/hernia, and operative revision). Exclusion criteria included < 90 days follow-up. RESULTS: In total 94, 38, and 3 subjects underwent endoscopic, TEP-lap, and TAP-RAP flap harvests. Mean lengths of fascial incisions for the endoscopic and laparoscopic cohorts were 4.5 ±â€¯0.5 cm and 2.0 ±â€¯0.6 cm (p < 0.0001), while incision length depended on the concurrent procedure in the robotic cohort. No subjects required conversion to an open harvest. There were no bleeding complications, intra-abdominal injuries, flap losses, or abdominal bulges/hernias noted in the TEP-lap and TAP-RAP cohorts. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive DIEP flap harvest may decrease fascial injury when compared with conventional open harvest. There are significant trade-offs among harvest methods. TEP-lap harvest may better balance the trade-off related to abdominal wall morbidity.

Laparoscopically Assisted DIEP Flap Harvest Minimizes Fascial Incision in Autologous Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Total extraperitoneal laparoscopically assisted harvest of the deep inferior epigastric vessels permits a decrease in myofascial dissection in deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap breast reconstruction. The authors present a reliable technique that further decreases donor-site morbidity in autologous breast reconstruction. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study of female subjects presenting to the senior surgeon (S.K.K.) from March of 2018 to March of 2019 for autologous breast reconstruction after a newly diagnosed breast cancer. The operative technique is summarized as follows: a supraumbilical camera port is placed at the medial edge of the rectus muscle to enter the retrorectus space; the extraperitoneal plane is developed using a balloon dissector and insufflation; two ports are placed through the linea alba below the umbilicus to introduce dissection instruments; the deep inferior epigastric vessels are dissected from the underside of the rectus muscle; muscle branches and the superior epigastric are ligated using a Ligasure; and the deep inferior epigastric pedicle is ligated and the vessels are delivered through a minimal fascial incision. The flap(s) is transferred to the chest for completion of the reconstruction. RESULTS: Thirty-three subjects totaling 57 flaps were included. All flaps were single-perforator deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps. Mean fascial incision length was 2.0 cm. Sixty percent of subjects recovered without narcotics. Mean length of stay was 2.5 days. Flap salvage occurred in one subject after venous congestion. Two pedicle transections occurred during harvest that required perforator-to-pedicle anastomosis. CONCLUSION: Total extraperitoneal laparoscopically assisted harvest of the deep inferior epigastric pedicle is a reliable method that decreases the donor-site morbidity of autologous breast reconstruction. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

A Simplified Cost-Utility Analysis of Inpatient Flap Monitoring after Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction and Implications for Hospital Length of Stay.

BACKGROUND: The number of free flap take-backs and successful salvages following microsurgical breast reconstruction decreases as time from surgery increases. As a result, the cost of extended inpatient monitoring to achieve a successful flap salvage rises rapidly with each postoperative day. This study introduces a simplified cost-utility model of inpatient flap monitoring and identifies when cost-utility exceeds the thresholds established for other medical treatments. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed of patients who underwent microsurgical breast reconstruction to identify flap take-back and salvage rates by postoperative day. The number of patients and flaps that needed to be kept on an inpatient basis each day for monitoring to salvage a single failing flap was determined. Quality-of-life measures and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for inpatient flap monitoring following microsurgical breast reconstruction were calculated and plotted against a $100,000/quality-adjusted life-year threshold. RESULTS: A total of 1813 patients (2847 flaps) were included. Overall flap take-back and salvage rates were 2.4 percent and 52.3 percent, respectively. Of the flaps taken back, the daily take-back and salvage rates were 56.8 and 60.0 percent (postoperative day 0 to 1), 13.6 and 83.3 percent (postoperative day 2), 11.4 and 40.0 percent (postoperative day 3), 9.1 and 25.0 percent (postoperative day 4), and 9.1 and 0.0 percent (>postoperative day 4), respectively. To salvage a single failing flap each day, the number of flaps that needed to be monitored were 121 (postoperative day 0 to 1), 363 (postoperative day 2), 907 (postoperative day 3), 1813 (postoperative day 4), and innumerable for days beyond postoperative day 4. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of inpatient flap monitoring begins to exceed a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000/quality-adjusted life-year by postoperative day 2. CONCLUSION: The health care cost associated with inpatient flap monitoring following microsurgical breast reconstruction begins to rise rapidly after postoperative day 2.

Make Your Own Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Flap: Perforator Delay Improves Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Flap Reliability.

Abdominal-based autologous breast reconstruction remains a conflict between blood supply and donor site complication. Optimizing esthetics and minimizing recovery and postoperative pain add further complexity. We present a 2-stage technique of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap reconstruction to (1) reliably harvest single-vessel flaps while minimizing fat necrosis, (2) decrease abdominal wall morbidity, and (3) improve breast and donor site esthetics. METHODS: Female subjects presenting between August 2017 and January 2019 to the senior surgeon for abdominal-based breast reconstruction were included. After mastectomy, the subjects underwent subcutaneous placement of tissue expanders and in situ selection of a low, centrally located perforator based on preoperative computed tomographic angiography imaging through an infraumbilical "T" incision with ligation of all other perforators and superficial system. Subjects underwent tissue expander explant and flap transfer at a second stage. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-five subjects undergoing 215 free flaps met criteria. Mean age and body mass index were 52.1 years and 29.3 kg/m2, respectively. Seven perforator complications (3.3%) occurred with 2 (0.9%) total and 5 (2.3%) partial flap losses. There were 20 (14.8%) readmissions and 26 (19.3%) reoperations. Breast complications included arterial thrombosis (0.5%), venous congestion (1.9%), and fat necrosis (5.1%). The mastectomy skin flap necrosis rate decreased from 14.9% to 2.3% following staged reconstruction. Abdominal donor site complications included delayed healing (11.1%), seroma (5.9%), and hematoma (2.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The 2-stage delayed deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap technique represents a safe, efficacious modality to allow for reliable harvest of single-vessel flaps with low rates of fat necrosis while improving donor site esthetics and morbidity.

Lymphovenous Anastomosis for the Treatment of Chylothorax in Infants: A Novel Microsurgical Approach to a Devastating Problem.

With the expanding horizon of microsurgical techniques, novel treatment strategies for lymphatic abnormalities are increasingly reported. Described in this article is the first reported use of lymphovenous anastomosis surgery to manage recalcitrant chylothoraces in infants. Chylothorax is an increasingly common postoperative complication after pediatric cardiac surgery, with a reported incidence of up to 9.2 percent in infants. Although conservative nutritional therapy has a reported 70 percent success rate in this patient population, failed conservative management leading to persistent chylothorax is associated with a significant risk of multisystem complications and mortality. Once conservative medical strategies are deemed unsuccessful, surgical or radiologic interventions, such as percutaneous thoracic duct embolization or ligation, are often attempted. However, these procedures lack high-level evidence in the infant population and remain a challenge, given the small size of the lymphatic vessels. As such, we report our experience with performing lymphovenous anastomoses in two infants who had developed refractory chylothoraces secondary to thoracic duct injury following cardiac surgery for congenital cardiac anomalies. In addition, this article reviews the relevant pathophysiology of chylothoraces, current treatment algorithm following failed conservative management, and potential role of the microsurgeon in the multidisciplinary management of this life-threatening problem. As part of the evolving microsurgery frontier, physiologic operations, such as lymphovenous anastomosis, may have a considerable role in the management of refractory pediatric chylothoraces. In our experience, lymphovenous anastomosis can restore normal lymphatic circulation within 1 to 2 weeks, liberate patients from mechanical ventilation, and enable expeditious return to enteral feeding. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, V.

5000 Free Flaps and Counting: A 10-Year Review of a Single Academic Institution's Microsurgical Development and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The establishment of an effective clinical and academic culture within an institution is a multifactorial process. This process is cultivated by dynamic elements such as recruitment of an accomplished and diverse faculty, patient geographic outreach, clinical outcomes research, and fundamental support from all levels of an institution. This study reviews the academic evolution of a single academic plastic surgery practice, and summarizes a 10-year experience of microsurgical development, clinical outcomes, and academic productivity. METHODS: A 10-year retrospective institutional review was performed from fiscal years 2006 to 2016. Microsurgical flap type and operative volume were measured across all microsurgery faculty and participating hospitals. Microvascular compromise and flap salvage rates were noted for the six highest volume surgeons. Univariate and multivariable predictors of flap salvage were determined. RESULTS: The 5000th flap was performed in December of 2015 within this institutional study period. Looking at the six highest volume surgeons, free flaps were examined for microvascular compromise, with an institutional mean take-back rate of 1.53 percent and flap loss rate of 0.55 percent across all participating hospitals. Overall, 74.4 percent of cases were breast flaps, and the remaining cases were extremity and head and neck flaps. CONCLUSIONS: Focused faculty and trainee recruitment has resulted in an academically and clinically productive practice. Collaboration among faculty, staff, and residents contributes to continual learning, innovation, and quality patient care. This established framework, constructed based on experience, offers a workable and reproducible model for other academic plastic surgery institutions. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Autologous breast reconstruction in the postbariatric patient population.

BACKGROUND: Over 175,000 Americans underwent bariatric surgery in 2013 alone, resulting in rapid growth of the massive weight loss population. As obesity is a known risk factor for breast cancer, plastic surgeons are increasingly challenged to reconstruct the breasts of massive weight loss patients after oncologic resection. The goal of this study is to assess the outcomes of autologous breast reconstruction in postbariatric surgery patients at a single institution. METHODS: Patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction between 2008 and 2014 were identified. Those with a history of bariatric surgery were compared to those without a history of bariatric surgery. Analysis included age, ethnicity, BMI, comorbidities, flap type, operative complications, and reoperation rates. Propensity matched analysis was also conducted to control for preoperative differences between the two cohorts. RESULTS: Fourteen women underwent breast reconstruction following bariatric surgery, compared to 1,012 controls. Outcomes analysis revealed significant differences in breast revisions (1.35 vs. 0.61, P = .0055), implant placements (0.42 vs. 0.08, P = .0003), and total OR visits (2.78 vs. 1.67, P = .0007). There was no significant difference noted in delayed healing of the breast (57.4% vs. 33.7%, P = .087) or donor site (14.3% vs. 15.8%, P = 1.00). CONCLUSIONS: As the rise in bariatric surgery mirrors that of obesity, an increasing amount of massive weight loss patients undergo treatment for breast cancer. We demonstrate profound differences in this patient population, particularly in regards to revision rates, which affects operative planning, patient counseling, and satisfaction.

Improved pocket control in immediate microsurgical breast reconstruction with simultaneous implant placement through the use of mesh.

BACKGROUND: Autologous breast reconstruction is associated with long-term patient satisfaction that is superior to implant-based approaches. Occasionally, however, patients who desire autologous reconstruction present with inadequate donor-site volume. A hybrid approach, combining free flap reconstruction with simultaneous implant placement, is a solution. We present our experience with the use of mesh for improved pocket control using this reconstructive modality. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction was performed. Patients who underwent bilateral immediate breast reconstruction with free microsurgical abdominal tissue transfer with simultaneous implant placement were included for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 19 patients (38 breasts) with a mean age of 42.7 years (range, 31-57 years) and mean BMI of 26.3 (range, 23.6-30.8) were included in the study. No flap loss or implant-related complications were encountered during a mean follow-up of 14.2 months. The most common implant volume was 150 cc (N = 15; [78.9%]). No patient requested an implant change due to malposition or insufficient volume. Secondary fat grafting was performed in 5 patients (26.3%), 4 of which had undergone adjuvant radiotherapy. Three cases of red breast syndrome were observed following acellular dermal matrix placement. This prompted a transition to using polyglactin mesh thereafter without any untoward sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal flap transfer with simultaneous implant placement is a safe reconstructive option in select patients. Improved implant pocket control is achieved through the use of mesh, thus, minimizing problems related to implant malposition. Adjuvant radiotherapy does not appear to put the reconstruction at risk with the occasional flap volume loss being easily remedied by secondary fat grafting.

Creation of spliced vein conduit using microvascular anastomotic coupler.

The single-segment great saphenous vein continues to be a conduit of choice for lower extremity arterial bypass. In patients without an adequate continuous segment of great saphenous vein, a spliced vein graft may be used as an alternative. Creating a spliced vein conduit can be technically challenging and time consuming. We present a technique of creating a spliced vein conduit by using a microvascular anastomotic coupler.

Treatment Options for Bilateral Autologous Breast Reconstruction in Patients with Inadequate Donor-Site Volume.

More than 250,000 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the United States in 2017 alone. A large number of these patients will undergo mastectomy and will be candidates for immediate breast reconstruction. The most common reconstructive options are either implant-based or autologous tissue reconstruction, with the latter having been reported to have higher rates of long-term patient satisfaction, lower cost, and less postoperative pain. A subset of patients, however, may not be ideal candidates for autologous microsurgical reconstruction, for example, due to inadequate abdominal tissues, yet they may desire this reconstructive modality. This is particularly challenging in patients requiring bilateral reconstructions. In this article, the authors discuss the various reconstructive modalities that can be considered in patients who desire bilateral breast reconstruction, are not ideal candidates for autologous reconstruction, yet do not wish to rely solely on implant-based modalities.

Complications and Cost Analysis of Intraoperative Arterial Complications in Head and Neck Free Flap Reconstruction.

Background Microvascular anastomotic patency is fundamental to head and neck free flap reconstructive success. The aims of this study were to identify factors associated with intraoperative arterial anastomotic issues and analyze the impact on subsequent complications and cost in head and neck reconstruction. Methods A retrospective review was performed on all head and neck free flap reconstructions from 2005 to 2013. Patients with intraoperative, arterial anastomotic difficulties were compared with patients without. Postoperative outcomes and costs were analyzed to determine factors associated with microvascular arterial complications. A regression analysis was performed to control for confounders. Results Total 438 head and neck free flaps were performed, with 24 (5.5%) having intraoperative arterial complications. Patient groups and flap survival between the two groups were similar. Free flaps with arterial issues had higher rates of unplanned reoperations (p < 0.001), emergent take-backs (p = 0.034), and major surgical (p = 0.002) and respiratory (p = 0.036) complications. The overall cost of reconstruction was nearly double in patients with arterial issues (p = 0.001). Regression analysis revealed that African American race (OR = 5.5, p < 0.009), use of vasopressors (OR = 6.0, p = 0.024), end-to-side venous anastomosis (OR = 4.0, p = 0.009), and use of internal fixation hardware (OR =3.5, p = 0.013) were significantly associated with arterial complications. Conclusion Intraoperative arterial complications may impact complications and overall cost of free flap head and neck reconstruction. Although some factors are nonmodifiable or unavoidable, microsurgeons should nonetheless be aware of the risk association. We recommend optimizing preoperative comorbidities and avoiding use of vasopressors in head and neck free flap cases to the extent possible.

Increased Lower Extremity Venous Stasis May Contribute to Deep Venous Thrombosis Formation after Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction-An Ultrasonographic Study.

Background Despite guideline-compliant prophylaxis, an increased rate of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) formation has been reported following autologous versus implant-based breast reconstruction. We hypothesized that tight abdominal fascia closure might decrease lower extremity venous return and promote venous stasis. Methods An observational crossover study of patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction using transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous/deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps was conducted. Ultrasonographic measurements of the left common femoral vein (CFV) and right internal jugular vein (IJV) were performed preoperatively, in the postanesthesia care unit, and on postoperative day (POD) 1. Parameters of interest included vessel diameter, circumference, area, and maximum flow velocity. Results Eighteen patients with a mean age and body mass index of 52.7 years (range, 29-76 years) and 31.3 kg/m2 (range, 21.9-43.4 kg/m2) were included, respectively. A 29.8% increase in CFV diameter was observed on POD 1 (p < 0.0001). Similarly, a 24.3 and 69.9% increase in CFV circumference (p = 0.0007) and area (p < 0.0001) were noted, respectively. These correlated with a 28.4% decrease in maximum flow velocity in the CFV (p = 0.0001). Of note, none of these parameters displayed significant changes for the IJV, thus indicating that observed changes in the CFV were not the result of changes in perioperative fluid status. Conclusion Postoperative changes observed in the CFV reflect increased lower extremity venous stasis after microsurgical breast reconstruction and may contribute to postoperative DVT formation.

Cost-effectiveness of microsurgical reconstruction for head and neck defects after oncologic resection.

BACKGROUND: Microvascular free tissue transfer has become the main technique used for head and neck reconstruction. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of free flap reconstruction for head and neck defects after oncologic resection for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). METHODS: We developed a Markov model of the cost, quality of life, survival, and incremental cost-effectiveness of reconstruction with free tissue transfer compared with locoregional flaps. Health state probabilities and quality of life scores were determined from literature. Costs were determined from institutional experience. Outcomes included quality-adjusted life years, costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. RESULTS: Free flap reconstruction was more costly than pedicled flap but associated with greater quality of life with no survival benefit. A value <$50,000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) was defined as cost-effective. The incremental cost-effectiveness for head and neck free flap reconstruction was below the threshold and, therefore, free flap reconstruction is cost-effective. Reconstruction was more cost-effective for patients with lower stage cancers: $4643 per QALY for stage I SCC, $8226 for stage II, $17,269 for stage III, and $23,324 for stage IV. Univariate sensitivity analysis showed the cost-effectiveness would remain <$50,000 for all stages of SCC for all variables except for QALY after locoregional reconstruction without complications. CONCLUSION: Microsurgical head and neck reconstruction is cost-effective compared with locoregional flaps, even more so in patients with early-stage cancer. This finding supports the current practice of free flap head and neck reconstruction. Screening and early detection are important to optimize costs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 541-547, 2017.

Reliable prediction of postmastectomy lymphedema: The Risk Assessment Tool Evaluating Lymphedema.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer-related lymphedema remains a significant complication post mastectomy. Identifying patients at highest risk may better inform targeted healthcare resource allocation and improve outcomes. This study aims to identify lymphedema predictors after mastectomy to develop a simple, accurate risk assessment tool. METHODS: An institutional retrospective review identified all women with breast cancer undergoing mastectomy between January 2000 and July 2013 with postmastectomy lymphedema as the primary outcome. Stepwise multivariate Cox regression identified independent predictors of lymphedema. A simplified risk assessment tool was derived and composite risk estimated for each patient. RESULTS: Of 3,136 patients included, 325 (10.4%) developed lymphedema after a follow-up of 4.2 years. Significant predictors included invasive cancer diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.25), postmastectomy radiation (HR = 2.05), age over 65 years (HR = 1.90), and axillary dissection (HR = 1.79). Stratified lymphedema risk by group was defined as follows: low 6.2%, moderate 10.0%, high 16.4%, and extreme 36.4%. The model demonstrated excellent risk discrimination (C = .78). CONCLUSIONS: Postmastectomy lymphedema incidence was 10.4%. Invasive cancer diagnosis, chemoradiation, and axillary dissection imparted significant risk. The Risk Assessment Tool Evaluating Lymphedema offers accurate risk discrimination ranging from 6.2% to 36.4%. Selective treatment approaches may improve outcomes and delivery of cost-effective healthcare.

Lymph node content of supraclavicular and thoracodorsal-based axillary flaps for vascularized lymph node transfer.

OBJECTIVE: Microvascular transfer of lymph node flaps has recently gained popularity as a treatment for secondary lymphedema often occurring after axillary, groin, or pelvic lymph node dissections. This study aimed to delineate the lymph node contents and pedicle characteristics of the supraclavicular (SC) and thoracodorsal (TD)-based axillary flaps as well as to compare lymph node quantification of surgeon vs pathologist. METHODS: SC and TD flaps were dissected from fresh female cadavers. The surgeon assessed pedicle characteristics, lymph node content, and anatomy. A pathologist assessed all flaps for gross and microscopic lymph node contents. The κ statistic was used to compare surgeon and pathologist. RESULTS: Ten SC flaps and 10 TD flaps were harvested and quantified. In comparing the SC and TD flaps, there were no statistical differences between artery diameter (3.1 vs 3.2 mm; P = .75) and vein diameter (2.8 vs 3.5 mm; P = .24). The TD flap did have a significantly longer pedicle than the SC flap (4.2 vs 3.2 cm; P = .03). The TD flap was found to be significantly heavier than the SC flap (17.0 ± 4.8 vs 12.9 ± 3.3 g; P = .04). Gross lymph node quantity was similar in the SC and TD flaps (2.5 ± 1.7 vs 1.8 ± 1.2; P = .33). There was good agreement between the surgeon and pathologist in detecting gross lymph nodes in the flaps (SC κ = 0.87, TD κ = 0.61). CONCLUSIONS: The SC and TD flaps have similar lymph node quantity, but the SC flap has higher lymphatic density. A surgeon's estimation of lymph node quantity is reliable and has been verified in this study by comparison to a pathologist's examination.

Complicated breast cancer-related lymphedema: evaluating health care resource utilization and associated costs of management.

BACKGROUND: Lymphedema can become a disabling condition necessitating inpatient care. This study aimed to estimate complicated lymphedema incidence after breast cancer surgery and calculate associated hospital resource utilization. METHODS: We identified adult women undergoing lumpectomy and/or mastectomy with axillary lymph node surgery between 2006 and 2012 using 5-state inpatient databases. Patients were grouped according to the development of complicated lymphedema. The primary outcomes were all-cause hospitalizations and health care charges within 2 years of surgery. Multivariate regression models were used to compare outcomes. RESULTS: Of 56,075 women included, 2.3% had at least 1 hospital admission for complicated lymphedema within 2 years of surgery. Despite confounder adjustment, women with complicated lymphedema experienced 5 fold more all-cause (incidence rate ratio = 5.02, 95% confidence interval: 4.76 to 5.29) admissions compared with women without lymphedema. This resulted in substantially higher health care charges ($58,088 vs $31,819 per patient, P < .001). Although axillary dissection and certain comorbidities were associated with complicated lymphedema, breast reconstruction appeared unrelated. CONCLUSIONS: Complicated lymphedema develops in a quantifiable number of patients. The health care burden of lymphedema underscored here mandates further investigation into targeted, anticipatory management strategies for breast cancer-related lymphedema.

Geographic Variation in Access to Plastic Surgeons.

INTRODUCTION: While recent studies project a national shortage of plastic surgeons, there may currently exist areas within the United States with few plastic surgeons. We conducted this study to describe the current geographic distribution of the plastic surgery workforce across the United States. METHODS: Using the 2013 to 2014 Area Health Resource File, we estimated the number of plastic surgeons at the health service area (HSA) level in 2010 and 2012. The density of plastic surgeons was calculated as a ratio per 100,000 population. The HSAs were grouped by plastic surgeon density, and population characteristics were compared across subgroups. Characteristics of HSAs with increases and decreases in plastic surgeon density were also compared. RESULTS: The final sample included 949 HSAs with a total population of 313,989,954 people. As of 2012, there were an estimated 7600 plastic surgeons, resulting in a national ratio of 2.42 plastic surgeons/100,000 population. However, over 25 million people lived in 468 HSAs (49.3%) without a plastic surgeon, whereas 106 million people lived in 82 HSAs (8.6%) with 3.0 or more/100,000 population. Plastic surgeons were more likely to be distributed in HSAs where a higher percentage of the population was younger than 65 years, female, and residing in urban areas. Between 2010 and 2012, 11 HSAs without a plastic surgeon increased density, whereas 15 HSAs lost all plastic surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: Plastic surgeons are asymmetrically distributed across the United States leaving over 25 million people without geographic access to the specialty. This distribution tends to adversely impact older and rural populations.

Feasibility of the internal mammary lymph node flap as a vascularized lymph node transfer: A cadaveric dissection study.

BACKGROUND: We performed cadaveric dissections to examine the feasibility of an internal mammary-based lymph node flap as a donor site for vascularized lymph node transfer. METHODS: Internal mammary vessels and adjacent nodes were dissected in ten fresh cadaver specimens. Surgeon inspection and palpation identified the number of nodes in the specimen. Specimens were examined macro- and microscopically by a pathologist for correlation of lymph node counts. Kappa statistic correlated surgeon- and pathologist-reported node counts. RESULTS: Surgeon- and pathologist-reported node counts were moderately correlated (kappa 0.57). Inspection and palpation correctly predicted node presence or absence in 80% of specimens. Sixty percent of flaps contained between 1 and 3 nodes, with a mean of 2.0 nodes when nodes were present. CONCLUSIONS: Inspection and palpation predicts the presence or absence of nodes in 80% of flaps. Nodes were present in 60% of internal mammary-based flaps, and one to three nodes can be transferred. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:485-490, 2016.