Optimization of breast reconstruction results using TMG flap in 30 cases: Evaluation of several refinements addressing flap design, shaping techniques, and reduction of donor site morbidity.

BACKGROUND: The transverse myocutaneous gracilis (TMG) flap is a widely used alternative to abdominal flaps in autologous breast reconstruction. However, secondary procedures for aesthetic refinement are frequently necessary. Herein, we present our experience with an optimized approach in TMG breast reconstruction to enhance aesthetic outcome and to reduce the need for secondary refinements. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 37 immediate or delayed reconstructions with TMG flaps in 34 women, performed between 2009 and 2015. Four patients (5 flaps) constituted the conventional group (non-optimized approach). Thirty patients (32 flaps; modified group) underwent an optimized procedure consisting of modified flap harvesting and shaping techniques and methods utilized to reduce denting after rib resection and to diminish donor site morbidity. RESULTS: Statistically significant fewer secondary procedures (0.6 ± 0.9 versus 4.8 ± 2.2; P < .001) and fewer trips to the OR (0.4 ± 0.7 versus 2.3 ± 1.0 times; P = .001) for aesthetic refinement were needed in the modified group as compared to the conventional group. In the modified group, 4 patients (13.3%) required refinement of the reconstructed breast, 7 patients (23.3%) underwent mastopexy/mammoplasty or lipofilling of the contralateral breast, and 4 patients (13.3%) required refinement of the contralateral thigh. Total flap loss did not occur in any patient. Revision surgery was needed once. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the conventional group, enhanced aesthetic results with consecutive reduction of secondary refinements could be achieved when using our modified flap harvesting and shaping techniques, as well as our methods for reducing contour deformities after rib resection and for overcoming donor site morbidities.

Venous Superdrainage in DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction: The Impact of Superficial Inferior Epigastric Vein Dissection on Abdominal Seroma Formation.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal seroma formation after deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction is a common donor-site complication. Additional dissection of one or both of the superficial inferior epigastric veins (SIEVs) in DIEP flap breast reconstruction allows an additional anastomosis for venous superdrainage if venous congestion occurs. However, generally, SIEV dissection involves greater invasiveness into the inguinal region, which can traumatize lymphatic tissue and lead to lymph accumulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of SIEV dissection on the incidence of postoperative abdominal seroma. METHODS: A series of 100 consecutive cases performed by the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Medical University of Vienna from 2001 to 2016 was analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups: unilateral, bilateral, and no SIEV dissection. Abdominal seroma rates, length of hospital stay, abdominal drainage duration, and drainage fluid volumes were compared retrospectively. RESULTS: Seromas were observed in 11.5 percent of patients without SIEV dissection, 17.2 percent of patients with unilateral SIEV dissection (p = 0.45 versus no SIEV), and 40 percent of patients with bilateral SIEV dissection (p = 0.02 versus no SIEV). The SIEV was anastomosed to salvage a congested DIEP flap twice. All seromas that developed could be treated with, on average, two fine-needle aspirations without any complications. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral, but not unilateral, SIEV dissection increased abdominal seroma rates significantly. Venous congestion was observed rarely, but when it did occur, it endangered flap viability. Because an additional anastomosis of the SIEV can salvage a flap, unilateral SIEV dissection should be considered when raising a DIEP flap. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Management of the Nipple-Areola Complex in Selected Patients Undergoing Primary Breast Reconstruction: A Comparison of Immediate Replantation and Delayed Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Management of the nipple-areola complex is an important issue in primary breast reconstruction. When nipple-sparing mastectomy is not suitable, alternatives are immediate nipple-areola complex replantation and delayed reconstruction. The aim of this study was to examine whether patients benefit more from nipple-areola complex preservation by immediate replantation or delayed nipple-areola complex reconstruction. METHODS: Postoperative results and patient satisfaction after 54 primary breast reconstructions with immediate nipple-areola complex replantation or delayed nipple-areola complex reconstruction were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: The nipple-areola complex was replanted immediately in 37 cases and reconstructed later with nipple sharing and full-thickness skin grafting in 17 cases. Compared with immediate replantation, delayed reconstruction resulted in significantly better postoperative nipple projection (P = 0.01*, Mann-Whitney U test), greater similarity of color and projection with the contralateral side and greater patient satisfaction (Breast-Q). Complete loss of projection occurred in 4 of the 37 replanted nipple-areola complexes. No complete nipple-areola complex necrosis or tumor recurrence was observed in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate nipple-areola complex replantation is a safe and reliable procedure for selected patients with contraindications for nipple-sparing mastectomy who have a strong desire to maintain their own nipple-areola complexes, or in bilateral cases. However, drawbacks of this procedure include loss of projection and depigmentation. Delayed reconstruction with nipple sharing and full-thickness skin grafting is a good alternative, especially in unilateral cases; it leads to better postoperative results and greater patient satisfaction, but it involves a nipple-areola complex-free period.

Latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction: how much nerve resection is necessary to prevent postoperative muscle twitching?

BACKGROUND: The latissimus dorsi muscle flap represents a valuable option in breast reconstruction but can result in postoperative twitching and retraction, discomfort, arm movement limitations, and breast deformation. These complications can be avoided by denervation of the thoracodorsal nerve; however, the optimal method of nerve management is unknown. This study presents the authors' experience with the outcomes of latissimus dorsi flaps for breast reconstruction in the light of thoracodorsal nerve management strategies. METHODS: The authors retrospectively collected data from 74 patients who underwent partial or total breast reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi flap alone or with an implant between January of 1999 and October of 2011. Follow-up data were collected at 12 and 24 months postoperatively. RESULTS: In 56 patients (75.7 percent), the latissimus dorsi muscle was denervated at the time of surgery, whereas the thoracodorsal nerve remained intact in 18 patients (24.3 percent). No partial or total flap loss was observed. At 12 and 24 months' follow-up, all patients with an intact thoracodorsal nerve showed twitching of the muscle, and 50 percent and 67.9 percent, respectively, of the denervated patients showed twitching (p < 0.001). No patient had twitching if more than 4 cm of nerve was excised at 12 or 24 months postoperatively, and the length of nerve resection was predictive of the presence of twitching. CONCLUSION: Denervation of the latissimus dorsi is a safe and reliable procedure that should be performed at the time of breast reconstruction and should include more than 4 cm to achieve a nontwitching breast with a stable volume and shape.