Patient-Reported Abdominal Morbidity Following Abdomen-Based Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal wall morbidity occurs with increased frequency following flap harvest in the obese abdomen. Its impact on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in breast reconstruction has been poorly characterized. METHODS: A retrospective review of obese patients undergoing abdominal-based free autologous breast reconstruction was conducted over 15 years. Patient operative characteristics were recorded and outcomes were analyzed. PROs were assessed using the BREAST-Q abdominal survey. RESULTS: In total, 75 women (108 flaps) with the mean body mass index (BMI) of 33.2 were included. Flaps included deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (24%), muscle-sparing (43%), and free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps (f-TRAM; 33%). World Health Organization (WHO) obesity class, BMI, and flap type did not affect flap failure (1%) or complication rates. Hernia developed in 7%; all necessitated repair. Eight percent developed abdominal bulge; one was repaired. Hernia formation was associated with increased patient age (p < 0.05). Bulge formation occurred more often in f-TRAM donor sites (p = 0.005). BMI, WHO class, flap type, and mesh use were not related to hernia or bulge occurrence in either univariate or multivariate analysis. The survey response rate was 63%. Abdominal Physical Well-Being (proxy for abdominal wall function) and Satisfaction with Abdomen (patient-perceived cosmesis) were similar across flap types, age, and WHO classification groups. Patients with postoperative bulge reported higher abdominal physical well-being scores, regardless of flap type (p < 0.01). Bulge was correlated with lower satisfaction (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The incidence of abdominal wall morbidity following abdominal free-tissue transfer for breast reconstruction was acceptably low in our population of obese patients. Hernia was a clinically significant complication, warranting surgical repair. Bulge was primarily a cosmetic concern and did not detract from patient-reported abdominal wall function. Age may represent an independent risk factor for hernia formation in this population.

Outcomes of Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy in the Ptotic and Non-Ptotic Breast with Staged-Immediate Reconstruction Timing and Pre-Pectoral, Direct-to-Implant Technique.

Background and objectives Proven to be oncologically safe, nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) preserves the entire breast skin envelope and is associated with higher patient satisfaction. However, breast ptosis is a relative contraindication to NSM, limiting who it is offered to. Direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction eliminates tissue expansion and shortens the reconstructive process but may be associated with mastectomy skin flap compromise after the placement of full-volume implants. Staged-immediate (SI) reconstruction initiates reconstruction two to three weeks after mastectomy. This timing and its use in DTI pre-pectoral (PP) breast reconstruction have not been reported. We aim to describe the outcomes of SI DTI PP reconstruction following NSM of ptotic and non-ptotic breasts. Methods Retrospective analysis utilizing descriptive statistics was completed evaluating patients who underwent nipple-sparing mastectomy with staged-immediate, pre-pectoral, direct-to-implant reconstruction by the senior author over a three-year period. Results and conclusions With SI timing, the majority of mastectomy-related problems occurred prior to implant placement, likely mitigating their effects on reconstruction following NSM, regardless of ptosis grade. Although a second procedure is needed for this reconstructive timing variation, over 50% of women achieved reconstruction completion at implant placement without further revision. These findings support the utility of SI timing in PP DTI reconstruction following NSM.

Assessment of Flap Viability for Complex Transmetatarsal Amputation Using Indocyanine Green Fluorescent Angiography: A Case Study.

Despite advancements in the treatment of diabetic patients with "at-risk" limbs, minor and major amputations remain commonplace. The diabetic population is especially prone to surgical complications from lower extremity amputation because of comorbidities such as renal disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, microvascular and macrovascular disease, and peripheral neuropathy. Complication occurrence may result in increases in hospital stay duration, unplanned readmission rate, mortality rate, number of operations, and incidence of infection. Skin flap necrosis and wound healing delay secondary to inadequate perfusion of soft tissues continues to result in significant morbidity, mortality, and cost to individuals and the health-care system. Intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescent angiography for the assessment of tissue perfusion may be used to assess tissue perfusion in this patient population to minimize complications associated with amputations. This technology provides real-time functional assessment of the macrovascular and microvascular systems in addition to arterial and venous flow to and from the flap soft tissues. This case study explores the use of indocyanine green fluorescent angiography for the treatment of a diabetic patient with a large dorsal and plantar soft-tissue deficit and need for transmetatarsal amputation with nontraditional rotational flap coverage. The authors theorize that the use of indocyanine green may decrease postoperative complications and cost to the health-care system through fewer readmissions and fewer procedures.

Breast Reconstruction and Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: Technical Modifications and Their Outcomes Over Time at an Academic Breast Center.

BACKGROUND: Superior aesthetic outcomes can be achieved with mastectomy techniques that maximize breast envelope preservation and maintain the nipple-areolar complex. This is the impetus for the popularization of the nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM). Nipple-sparing mastectomy is a challenging procedure due to potential ischemia of the mastectomy flap (which includes the nipple-areolar complex) and the risk of incomplete oncologic resection. We review our experience with NSM, identify technique modifications used over time, and evaluate reconstructive outcomes of NSM and its modifications. METHODS: A retrospective review of consecutive patients with NSM and breast reconstruction over an 8-year period was completed. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients underwent 95 NSMs. Indications included invasive and in situ cancer, atypical ductal hyperplasia, and risk reduction. In the first 4 years of experience, the most frequently used NSM incision was radial (lateral) whereas use of a variety of incision patterns was noted in the second 4 years. Overall NSM and breast reconstruction complication rate for the entire study period was 50.9% and included a full-thickness mastectomy skin flap necrosis/nipple necrosis rate of 8.4%. In situ cancer of the nipple was identified in 3.2% of the patients, and 1 patient had locoregional recurrence. Overall complication rate was lower in the second 4 years of experience with NSM and reconstruction. One third of the patients underwent intraoperative fluorescent angiography (FA) to assess mastectomy skin perfusion before reconstruction start. Of the patients who had FA due to perfusion concerns, more than 70% of studies demonstrated poor perfusion and 83.3% of these patients had reconstruction delayed based on these results. Immediate, implant-based reconstruction was performed most commonly. An average of 2.66 procedures were required to achieve reconstruction completion, and 92.4% of the patients who sought reconstruction achieved completion. CONCLUSIONS: At our institution, NSM use is increasing, NSM incision pattern types used are expanding, and complication rates are decreasing. Immediate, implant-based reconstruction is most commonly used in combination with NSM at our institution. Fluorescent angiography is used to assess mastectomy skin perfusion and likely limits mastectomy complication effects on reconstruction. Despite the occurrence of complications, most patients will complete the breast reconstruction process.

Breast Reconstruction Completion in the Obese: Does Reconstruction Technique Make a Difference in Its Achievement?

BACKGROUND: Breast mound and nipple creation are the goals of the reconstructive process. Unlike in normal body mass index (BMI) women, breast reconstruction in the obese is associated with increased risk of perioperative complications. Our aim was to determine if reconstruction technique and the incidence of perioperative complications affect the achievement of reconstruction completion in the obese female. METHODS: Consecutive obese women (BMI ≥30) who underwent mastectomy and implant or autologous reconstruction were evaluated for the completion of breast reconstruction. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-five women with 352 reconstructions were included. Seventy-four women underwent 111 autologous reconstructions and 151 women underwent 241 implant-based reconstructions. Chemotherapy, radiation, and delayed reconstruction timing was more common in the autologous patients. Major perioperative complications (requiring hospital readmission or unplanned surgery) occurred more frequently in the implant group (p ≤ 0.0001). Breast mounds were completed in >98% of autologous cases compared with 76% of implant cases (p ≤ 0.001). Nipple areolar complex (NAC) creation was completed in 57% of autologous patients and 33% of implant patients (p = 0.0009). The rate of successfully completing the breast mound and the NAC was higher in the autologous patient group (Mound odds ratio or OR 3.32, 95% confidence interval or CI 1.36-5.28 and NAC OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.50-4.69). CONCLUSION: Occurrence of a major complication in the implant group decreased the rate of reconstruction completion. Obese women who undergo autologous breast reconstruction are more likely to achieve breast reconstruction completion when compared with obese women who undergo implant-based breast reconstruction.

Dermal Regeneration Template and Staged Skin Grafting for Extirpative Scalp Wound Reconstruction: A 14-Year Experience.

OBJECTIVE: Dermal regeneration template and staged split-thickness skin grafting may mitigate the need for flap coverage of postoncologic scalp defects. This technique has been studied previously in small case series. We examine the effect of risk factors, surgical technique, irradiation, and dressing modalities on reconstructive outcomes in a highly comorbid patient cohort. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Academic medical center. METHODS: Full- and partial-thickness extirpative scalp wounds reconstructed with dermal regeneration template and staged skin grafting were reviewed over a 14-year period. Stage 1 consisted of template application following burr craniectomy in cases lacking periosteum. Stage 2 consisted of skin grafting. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was variably used to support adherence. RESULTS: In total, 102 patients were analyzed (average age 74, mean follow-up 18 months). Eighty-one percent were American Society of Anesthesiologists class 3 or 4. Defect size averaged 56 cm2. Average skin graft take was 94.5% in full-thickness wounds. Seven patients failed this method. Preoperative scalp irradiation was associated with major complication and delayed graft healing. Comorbidities, wound size, and burring were not associated with complication. Patients were more likely to heal with NPWT compared to bolster (hazard ratio, 1.67; 95% CI 1.01-2.77; P = .046). Time between stages was 6.6 days shorter when NPWT was applied (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Dermal template and staged skin grafting is a reliable option for postcancer scalp reconstruction in poor flap candidates. Radiotherapy is associated with adverse outcomes. Negative pressure wound therapy simplifies postoperative wound care regimens and may accelerate healing.

Post-breast Reduction Pyoderma Gangrenosum Managed With Gender-Affirming Top Surgery.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare skin condition characterized by ulcerative lesions and most often associated with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), ulcerative colitis, or Chron's disease. Postsurgical pyoderma gangrenosum (PSPG) of the breast is exceptionally rare and can occur in the absence of IBD. We report on a patient with pyoderma gangrenosum following elective breast reduction and subsequent reconstruction with gender-affirming top surgery. Through discussion of this IRB-reviewed case, we encourage reconstructive surgeons to incorporate understanding of a patient's gender identity, expression, or goals during treatment to optimize their patient-centered care.

Degloving Soft Tissue Injuries of the Extremity: Characterization, Categorization, Outcomes, and Management.

We aimed to identify degloving soft tissue injury (DSTI) patient characteristics, injury and reconstruction patterns, and factors affecting outcomes of DSTI injuries to propose a reconstructive protocol for these injuries. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with DSTIs of an extremity over a 22-year period has been done. RESULTS: 188 patients with 201 extremity DSTIs were included. Mean patient age was 37 years, with follow-up of 19.6 months. In total, 96% of injuries were related to motor vehicles or machinery, and 74.6% of DSTIs had injuries to structures deep to skin/subcutis. The avulsed tissue was utilized in reconstruction in 71.6% of cases and 86.8% of these experienced some loss of the used avulsed tissues. Of the total cases, 82% employed skin grafting in reconstruction. Dermal regeneration templates were used in 32% of patients. An estimated 86.5% of patients had negative pressure wound therapy utilized. Of the injured patients, 21% required flap reconstruction and 22% required some form of amputation. Age, body mass index, and tobacco use did not increase perioperative complications or amputation. DSTIs with injury to structures deep to skin/subcutis were associated with negative pressure wound therapy use (P = 0.02). DSTIs with underlying fractures required more procedures to reach reconstruction completion (P = 0.008), had more minor (P = 0.49) and major perioperative complications (P = 0.001), longer time to heal (P = 0.002), and increased need for amputation (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Factors affecting the reconstructive management and outcome of DSTIs include injury to structures deep to the skin/subcutis. We categorized DSTIs based on the level of injury and proposed a systematic approach to extremity DSTIs which may be utilized by plastic surgeons and other surgical services to manage these complex injuries.

The Lateral Breast Flap Sling: A Novel Technique for the Revision of Autologous Breast Reconstructions.

Introduction A wide breast footprint is a common complaint expressed by breast reconstruction patients following abdominally-based autologous breast reconstruction. Our aim is to describe the lateral autologous breast sling, a novel technique, which modifies the lateral flap inset to address this common patient complaint. Methods A review of consecutive women who underwent the lateral autologous breast flap sling procedure over a four-year period was completed. Patient demographics, oncologic treatment, operative interventions, surgical indications, and complications were evaluated. Results Fourteen patients underwent 21 lateral autologous breast flap sling procedures with a mean follow-up of 18 months. Eleven patients underwent delayed breast reconstruction while three were completed immediately, including one patient who had concurrent unilateral mastectomy, free tissue transfer, and a lateral breast sling procedure. Revision surgery was sought for breast asymmetry, excessive lateral breast tissue, and poor superior pole volume. Simultaneous revision procedures were performed in 12 patients and included fat grafting, abdominal donor site revision, contralateral breast reduction, and V to Y advancement of the lateral breast/ chest soft tissues. Reconstruction was complete in 10 patients, with an average duration of 13.5 months and four reconstructive procedures. There were no major perioperative complications. Three patients developed fat necrosis following lipofilling and two of these patients required drainage and/or excision of fat necrosis. Conclusions The lateral autologous breast flap sling technique adds to the armamentarium for narrowing the wide breast and improving the lateral breast curve. It may be performed in combination with other revision procedures. The use of this technique is associated with a low complication rate and does not significantly increase the total number of reconstructive procedures or duration of reconstruction. This technique may be useful during initial free tissue transfer.

Patient-Guided Breast Reconstruction Education.

Background Breast reconstructive surgeons must discuss large amounts of information in an expedient manner to a growing group of women. Our aim is to identify the breast reconstruction resources women prefer and how they desire information to be conveyed in order to develop patient-guided reconstruction education. Methods A preoperative and postoperative breast reconstruction survey was given to women planning to undergo breast reconstruction or who have already undergone reconstruction. The surveys asked women to rank educational resources utilized. Questions on the timing of information gathering, desired educational content, and wish to speak with other breast reconstruction women were included. Results One hundred and fifty consecutive women were enrolled in the study, 50 in the preoperative group and 100 in the postoperative group. Preoperatively, women wish to utilize their surgeon more than any other resource, and the postoperative survey identified that patients utilize their surgeon even more than expected (p < 0.05). Internet and pamphlets were utilized second and third most frequently. Women desired an interactive compact disc significantly more than this resource is currently being utilized (p < 0.05). There was a strong desire to speak to women who had undergone the process. Sixty-six per cent of women indicated they would attend two or more meetings to learn about breast reconstruction. Conclusion The reconstructive surgeon remains the most important educational resource for their patients. Providing consultation over more than one meeting, adding uncommonly discussed content (specifics on postoperative care, body image changes and expectations) to the consultation, and connecting reconstruction patients may improve preoperative consultations and satisfaction with the process of breast reconstruction.

Operative risk stratification in the obese female undergoing implant-based breast reconstruction.

The prevalence of obesity is growing, and breast reconstruction in the obese patient is becoming the norm rather than the exception. Our aim was to evaluate implant reconstruction outcomes in the obese female in the presence of coincident surgical risk factors and identify potential risk-reducing interventions. A review of consecutive obese women (BMI ≥ 30) who underwent mastectomy and implant breast reconstruction was performed. Patient demographics, comorbidities, oncologic treatments, and reconstructive procedures and their complications were recorded. A total of 151 women (242 breast reconstructions) were included with mean follow-up of 28 months. Average BMI was 36. Eighty percent of cases were immediate and 20% delayed. ADMs were utilized in 58% of cases. About 25% of patients had diabetes with one-third achieving perioperative glycemic control. About 18% of women were active smokers, and 33% had radiotherapy. Major and minor complications occurred in 42% and 11% of patients, respectively. About 24% of reconstructed breasts required implant removal. Obese patients with prior radiation were three times as likely to develop infection (P = 0.008) and 2.5× as likely to undergo explantation (P = 0.002). Skin flap necrosis was three times as likely in obese smokers (P = 0.01). Increased rates of wound breakdown were identified in obese patients with increasing age (P = 0.005), smoking (P = 0.0035), and radiation (P = 0.023). In the obese radiated and smoking patient subgroups, surgical modifications (use of autologous tissue, delayed breast reconstruction timing, and no ADM) were associated with reduction in the relative risk for implant complications. While obesity alone increases implant breast reconstruction complication rates, the presence of additional risk factors compounds these rates. The use of surgical modifications may reduce the occurrence of perioperative complications in the obese female with coincident surgical risk factors undergoing implant breast reconstruction.

Use of Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in Skin-Containing Free Tissue Transfer.

BACKGROUND: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was initially introduced for wound management, but its benefits have stimulated the investigation of its use in new clinical scenarios. Most recently, incisional NPWT has been shown to be a benefit. Incisional NPWT applied to skin-containing free tissue transfer has not been well defined. This may originate from concerns of dressing material obscuring frequent examination of the newly transferred tissue or risk of pedicle compression and potential for increased risk of tissue loss. We aim to describe incisional NPWT in cutaneous free tissue transfer. METHODS: An institutional review board-approved retrospective review of consecutive free tissue transfer patients was completed over a 3-year period. Free tissue transfer procedures were performed in standard manner. After fixation of the flap to the donor site with interrupted sutures, one or two drainage tubes were inserted in the subflap position. The surface of the flap was protected with Vaseline gauze followed by a 1 cm thick layer of sterile cotton. The vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) sponge (KCI, TX) was then placed in the standard fashion and negative pressure at -125 mm Hg was initiated in a continuous mode. A window was routinely made over the flap's distal region to allow for serial flap examination. For extremity procedures, no splints were utilized, and patients were limited to motion in the hospital bed. NPWT was employed continuously for 7 days and subsequently removed along with operative drains. RESULTS: A total of 24 consecutive patients underwent free tissue transfer. The average patient age was 39.8 years with a mean body mass index of 23. Tobacco use was noted in 58% of patients in the series. The indication for the free tissue transfer included trauma (N = 21), malignancy (N = 2), and burn reconstruction (N = 1). The areas of reconstruction included scalp (N = 5), lower extremity (N = 11), and upper extremity (N = 8). Skin-containing free flaps employed consisted of the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous free flap (N = 16), anterolateral thigh free flap (N = 6), thoracodorsal artery perforator free flap (N = 1), and radial forearm free flap (N = 1). The average defect size reconstructed was 238.3 cm2 with a mean operative time of 501 minutes. Postoperatively, patients remained in the hospital an average of 15.5 days (range: 9-32 days) with a mean follow-up of 8.1 months. No hematomas, seromas, surgical-site infections, or deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism occurred in the series. None of the flaps required return to the operating room. There were no documented cases of partial or complete flap loss. CONCLUSIONS: NPWT may be employed in a fashion similar to the standard incisional application. With this technique, serial flap examination remains possible and is not associated with pedicle compression or increased rates of flap loss. Interestingly, no splints were utilized with the VAC device which itself may serve as a relative immobilizer of an extremity.

An Analysis of Complication Risk Factors in 641 Nipple Reconstructions.

Nipple-areola reconstruction represents the completion of the breast restorative process and is associated with significant positive psychological implications. While factors such as medical comorbidities, smoking status, and radiation therapy have been shown to be associated with an increase in complications following breast reconstruction, their impact on nipple reconstruction remains largely unaddressed in the literature. An IRB-approved, retrospective review of 472 patients who underwent nipple reconstruction at Wake Forest University over a 15-year period was completed. Demographic and surgical characteristics were assessed including age, body mass index, medical comorbidities, smoking status, need for radiation, breast reconstruction type, and nipple flap used. Four hundred and seventy-two patients with 641 nipple reconstructions were included with an average follow-up of 56.5 months. Radiation prior to nipple reconstruction was required in 146 breasts (22.8%). Overall, postoperative nipple projection problems occurred in 7.6% of reconstructions with a 4.1% rate of other complications, including nipple necrosis, tip loss, wound infection and wound breakdown. Implant-based reconstruction and radiation were associated with significantly more nipple projection problems (p = 0.009 and 0.05, respectively). Higher rates of complications and nipple projection problems were seen with skate flap reconstruction compared to a star flap (p = 0.046 and 0.001, respectively). Implant-based breast reconstruction and radiotherapy are associated with higher rates of nipple reconstruction problems. Identification of patient and surgical variables associated with increased risk of poor outcomes preoperatively could help in patient counseling and selection of the most appropriate method of breast and nipple reconstruction.

Correlation between abdominal perforator vessels identified with preoperative CT angiography and intraoperative fluorescent angiography in the microsurgical breast reconstruction patient.

BACKGROUND: CT angiography (CTA) has become a reliable method of perforator vessel identification. Indocyanine green fluorescent angiography (ICGLA) produces a real-time image of large- and small-caliber blood vessels. The aim of this prospective study was to compare ICGLA with CTA to evaluate its reliability of vessel identification and correlation to perforator vessel size and number determined preoperatively by CTA. The effect of both imaging techniques on flap design or intraoperative plan was also evaluated. METHODS: Over a 1-year period, patients presenting for free-tissue transfer breast reconstruction underwent preoperative CTA mapping of abdominal perforators followed by intraoperative ICGLA. Using visualization software, scaling factors were calculated so CTA and ICGLA data could be compared. RESULTS: Eighteen patients (24 breast reconstructions) were included. Larger CTA perforator size was associated with larger actual size (P = 0.04). The largest CTA perforator or largest actual perforator was used 78% of the time. Increasing body mass index was not associated with larger CTA perforator size (P = 0.67) or more intense ICGLA blushes (P = 0.13). No significant correlation was found between CTA perforator location and ICGLA skin blush location, size, or intensity. CTA or SPY guided intraoperative procedure adjustments in 72% of patients. ICGLA identified poor soft-tissue perfusion and guided flap resection in 46% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: ICGLA skin blush location, size, and intensity do not correlate with CTA-identified perforating vessel location or actual perforating vessel size. Despite this, the ICGLA information was useful for evaluation of soft-tissue perfusion and flap design.

Impact of intraoperative vasopressor use in free tissue transfer for head, neck, and extremity reconstruction.

General anesthesia induces hypotension and this is commonly treated intraoperatively with administering vasopressors. Microsurgeons are hesitant to use vasopressors due to the potential risk of inducing vasoconstriction and flap necrosis. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of intraoperative vasopressor utilization in patients undergoing free tissue transfer reconstruction and to determine its impact on patient outcomes. An IRB-approved retrospective review was performed for 47 consecutive patients undergoing free tissue transfer for head, neck, and extremity reconstruction at Wake Forest Baptist Health over a 3-year period. Free flap survival was 97%, with 3% of patients having total flap necrosis and 17% with partial flap necrosis. The frequency of intraoperative vasopressor use was 53.2%. There was no significant difference in the frequency of total or partial flap necrosis between patients who received intraoperative vasopressors and those who did not. Similarly, there was no statistical significance in the rate of arterial or venous thrombosis between the 2 groups (P = 0.095 and P = 0.095, respectively). The use of vasopressors did not significantly increase postoperative complications. The timing of vasopressor administration did not affect outcomes. Intraoperative vasopressors are used more frequently than previously realized during free tissue transfer for reconstructive surgery. The use of intraoperative vasopressors does not appear to adversely affect outcomes of free tissue transfer. Further investigation and larger study size are needed to analyze the timing of drug administration, dose, and type of vasopressor to better understand the impact of intraoperative vasopressor use in free tissue transfer outcomes.

"Supersize" panniculectomy: indications, technique, and results.

BACKGROUND: Obesity remains a significant health problem associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Panniculectomy in the obese patient population aims at treating complications related to excess abdominal skin in an attempt to improve quality of life, increase mobility, and potentially prepare the patient for subsequent bariatric surgery or enrollment in a weight-loss program. We describe the indications and outcomes of "supersize" panniculectomy in the extreme obesity patient population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A Duke University institutional review board-approved retrospective chart review of patients who underwent a "supersize" panniculectomy by a single surgeon during a 6-year period was conducted. Data on patient demographics, operative indication, preoperative imaging, concomitant operations, and postoperative complications were collected. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients underwent a "supersize" panniculectomy for indications including immobility secondary to excess abdominal skin, panniculitis, ventral hernia, and presence of a gynecologic tumor. The mean pannus resection weight was 15.6 kg and the mean follow-up was 15.7 months. Twelve patients underwent preoperative abdominal computed tomographic imaging. Eleven patients underwent concomitant surgical procedures at the time of their panniculectomy. The overall wound complication rate for the "supersize" panniculectomy was 42.3% (11/26 patients). However, the rate of major complications, defined as those complications requiring a return to the operating room, was only 11.5% (3/26 patients). CONCLUSIONS: "Supersize" panniculectomy is defined as a panniculectomy in the obese patient population with a resected pannus specimen weight greater than or equal to 10 kg, and a pannus formation that extends to the mid-thigh level or below. Despite the obstacles and reported high complication rates, the incidence of major complications in this series justifies the operative intervention in patients with an otherwise therapy-resistant "supersize" pannus. A preoperative computed tomographic imaging may rule out an underlying hernia in most cases and is recommended by the authors.

The effect of reusable versus disposable draping material on infection rates in implant-based breast reconstruction: a prospective randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Clinical infection remains a significant problem in implant-based breast reconstruction and is a physical and emotional strain to the breast reconstruction patient. Bacterial strikethrough of draping and gown material is a likely source of infection. Strategies to reduce infection in implant-based breast reconstruction are essential to improve patient outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine if a disposable draping system is superior to reusable draping materials in the prevention of implant-based breast reconstruction infection. METHODS: This single-institution, prospective, randomized, single-blinded, IRB-approved study enrolled women with breast cancer who were eligible for implant-based breast reconstruction. The primary endpoint was clinical infection by postoperative day 30. Secondary endpoints included all other complications encountered throughout the follow-up period and culture data. Demographic data recorded included patient age, body mass index, diabetes, smoking, chemotherapy, radiation, and follow-up. Procedural data recorded included procedure type, procedure length, estimated blood loss, use of acellular dermal matrix, use of muscle flap, and inpatient versus outpatient setting. RESULTS: From March 2010 through January 2012, 107 women were randomized and 102 completed the study. Five patients were determined not to be candidates for reconstruction after randomization. There were 43 patients in the Reusable Group and 59 patients in the Disposable Group. There were no significant differences in patient demographic data, procedural data, or the type of procedure performed between groups. In the Reusable Group, there were 5 infections (12%) within 30 days compared to 0 (0%) infections in the Disposable Group (P = 0.012). There was no significant difference in secondary complications. There was a trend for positive wound cultures (11% vs. 3%, P = 0.10) and positive drape cultures (17% vs.4%, P = 0.08) in patients with clinical infection. There were no differences in the number of colony-forming units or positive cultures between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Disposable draping material is superior to a reusable draping system in the prevention of clinical infection within the immediate postoperative period. This study did not demonstrate a clear link between intraoperative culture data and the development of clinical infection. A completely disposable gown and draping system is recommended during implant-based breast reconstruction.