A UK consensus statement on thromboprophylaxis for autologous breast reconstruction.

Microsurgical breast reconstruction accounts for 22% of breast reconstructions in the UK. Despite thromboprophylaxis, venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurs in up to 4% of cases. Using a Delphi process, this study established a UK consensus on VTE prophylaxis strategy, for patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction using free-tissue transfer. It captured geographically divergent views, producing a guide that reflected the peer opinion and current evidence base. METHODS: Consensus was ascertained using a structured Delphi process. A specialist from each of the UK's 12 regions was invited to the expert panel. Commitment to three to four rounds of questions was sought at enrollment. Surveys were distributed electronically. An initial qualitative free-text survey was distributed to identify likely lines of consensus and dissensus. Each panelist was provided with full-text versions of key papers on the topic. Initial free-text responses were analyzed to develop a set of structured quantitative statements, which were refined via a second survey as a consensus was approached. RESULTS: The panel comprised 18 specialists: plastic surgeons and thrombosis experts from across the UK. Each specialist completed three rounds of surveys. Together, these plastic surgeons reported having performed more than 570 microsurgical breast reconstructions in the UK in 2019. A consensus was reached on 27 statements, detailing the assessment and delivery of VTE prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first study to collate current practice, expert opinion from across the UK, and a literature review. The output was a practical guide for VTE prophylaxis for microsurgical breast reconstruction in any UK microsurgical breast reconstruction unit.

Seeing White: Management of TIVA during autologous breast reconstruction.

Total IntraVenous Anaesthesia is frequently the anaesthetic of choice for enhanced recovery after surgery pathways during breast reconstruction free flap surgery. This relies upon the continuous intravenous infusion of propofol. We describe our experience of two patients where augmentation of a venously congested DIEP flap with a cephalic vein transposition procedure, risked interruption of the intravenous delivery of anaesthesia to the patient. We also share our steps taken to mitigate this risk going forward.

International development and implementation of a core measurement set for research and audit studies in implant-based breast reconstruction: a study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Outcome reporting in research studies of breast reconstruction is inconsistent and lacks standardisation. The results of individual studies therefore cannot be meaningfully compared or combined limiting their value. A core outcome set (COS) has been developed to address these issues and identified 11 key outcomes to be measured and reported in all future research and audit studies in reconstructive breast surgery (RBS). A COS represents what key outcomes should be measured. The next step is to determine how and when this should be done. The aim of this study is to develop a core measurement set (CMS) for use in research and audit studies in implant-based breast reconstruction. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The CMS will be developed in accordance with the guidance developed by the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials initiative (COMET) and COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) group for the selection of outcome measurement instruments (OMIs) for relevant outcome domains included in the RBS COS. This will involve three phases with strategies to promote implementation as a final additional phase. The phases are (1) conceptual considerations in which the target population, procedures and settings are defined; (2) systematic reviews to identify existing clinical, patient-reported and cosmetic OMIs and, if appropriate, assess their quality using COSMIN methodology; (3) a modified Delphi process including sequential Delphi surveys involving approximately 100 healthcare professionals and a face to face consensus meeting to agree and ratify which outcome definitions and OMIs should be used and standardised time points for assessment; (4) strategies to promote dissemination and adoption of the CMS. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval has been granted by University of Bristol Faculty Research Ethics Committee FREC ID 60221. Dissemination strategies will include scientific meeting presentations and peer-reviewed journal publications. Implementation activities will include engagement with journal editors and funders to promote uptake and use of the CMS.

A History of the Frenchay Hospital Plastic Surgery Unit, Bristol, United Kingdom.

Frenchay Hospital has long since been established as the center for plastic surgery in Bristol, providing care to the city and its surrounding catchment area. From humble origins in the Second World War when the site took on the role of a large military hospital providing reconstructive surgery for the victims of war to a busy modern-day National Health Service establishment, the plastic surgery unit at Frenchay Hospital has grown and developed through in parallel with the genesis and development of the specialty. Recent centralization of care in Bristol has seen a massive reorganization of services, and with it the closure of Frenchay Hospital. Because the plastic surgery unit establishes a new home at Southmead Hospital, this review documents the foundations of reconstructive surgery in Bristol and the South West United Kingdom.

Salvage of the failed implant-based breast reconstruction using the Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap: A single centre experience with tertiary breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The longevity and durability of implant-based reconstruction is limited and many patients who develop complications seek alternative reconstruction. Recent studies have shown tertiary reconstruction with autologous tissue to be safe in the short term. But no study has looked in-depth at the motivation for seeking referral and its long-term outcome. METHODS: This was a retrospective study using patient case-notes and a prospectively-collated database. One hundred and fifteen patients underwent tertiary breast reconstruction with a Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap between 1998 and 2016. RESULTS: Mean age was 49 (23-67). The predominant initial reconstruction was expander (71%). Twenty nine percent received a definitive reconstruction (implant with acellular dermal matrix or pedicled latissimus dorsi). The proportion of patients who received post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) to their implant was 72%. Thirty four percent underwent surgical salvage prior to referral for autologous tissue and this was significantly higher in the group that did not receive PMRT (29% vs 40, p = 0.04). Predominant motivation for autologous reconstruction was poor cosmesis (62%) and/or grade III/IV capsular contracture (27%). Mean time from implant to DIEP was 4 years 5 months. Ten percent had complications requiring re-operation. Flap loss was 0.7%. Fifty five percent required an additional ipsilateral procedure and 47% required symmetrization. Median follow-up was 20-months (6-months to 7-years). CONCLUSIONS: We present the largest UK series of tertiary breast reconstruction. Tertiary reconstruction is safe with a surgical outcome comparable to delayed autologous reconstruction. Patients with implant complications often had multiple failed attempts at salvage prior to referral. We advocate careful consideration of implants in the setting of PMRT and early referral for autologous tissue once complications become apparent.

Predicting venous congestion before DIEP breast reconstruction by identifying atypical venous connections on preoperative CTA imaging.

BACKGROUND: Venous congestion is the principle cause of flap failure after microsurgical breast reconstruction. We aim to correlate preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) findings with postoperative venous congestion to predict patients at risk of congestion. METHODS: All patients undergoing deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) breast reconstruction between August 2009 and August 2013 underwent preoperative CTA and prospectively entered the study. Patients with postoperative venous congestion were matched with a similar cohort of complication-free patients. Preoperative CTAs were randomized and re-interpreted by a radiologist, blinded to the subsequent clinical outcome. Inter-group comparisons were performed. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty DIEP flaps were performed in 202 patients over the 4-year study. Venous congestion affected 15 flaps (6.3%). Preoperative CTA showed significantly more atypical venous connections between deep and superficial systems in congested flaps compared to controls (66.7% vs. 8%; P < .0001), with a positive predictive value of 83%. Atypical connections were narrow, tortuous, or incomplete. Patients with congestion-free flaps had more normal connections (80% vs. 26.7%; P < .001) and more cranial perforators (P = .02). Similar CTA findings between groups included perforator size and lateral position, superficial inferior epigastric vein size, crossing of midline, and absent connections (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative CTA identifies atypical venous connections between deep and superficial systems that increase the risk of postoperative DIEP congestion five-fold. Identifying atypical venous connections maximizes the chances of flap survival and minimizes complications for patients considering DIEP breast reconstruction.

Exploring information provision in reconstructive breast surgery: A qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: Women considering reconstructive breast surgery (RBS) require adequate information to make informed treatment decisions. This study explored patients' and health professionals' (HPs) perceptions of the adequacy of information provided for decision-making in RBS. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of patients who had undergone RBS and HPs providing specialist care explored participants' experiences of information provision prior to RBS. RESULTS: Professionals reported providing standardised verbal, written and photographic information about the process and outcomes of surgery. Women, by contrast, reported varying levels of information provision. Some felt fully-informed but others perceived they had received insufficient information about available treatment options or possible outcomes of surgery to make an informed decision. CONCLUSIONS: Women need adequate information to make informed decisions about RBS and current practice may not meet women's needs. Minimum agreed standards of information provision, especially about alternative types of reconstruction, are recommended to improve decision-making in RBS.

The superficial outside-flap shunt (SOS) technique for free deep inferior epigastric perforator flap salvage.

A common cause for loss of a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is venous congestion secondary to inadequate outflow via the deep perforating vessels. Further anastomosis of the superficial venous system provides effective outflow and salvage of the congested DIEP. Multiple methods have been described requiring dissection of additional recipient venous systems or around the perforating vessels in order to provide a vein onto which the superficial system may be anastomosed. These are potentially associated with increased morbidity and risk of damage to the pedicle. We describe an alternative technique of harvesting an additional length of deep inferior epigastric pedicle cranial to the perforator onto which an anastomosis may be performed. This avoids the need for additional dissection of recipient vessels or further handling of the perforator, its venae comitantes and the main pedicle of the flap thus reducing the risk of damage.

Breast augmentation in Familial Partial Lipodystrophy: a case report.

Familial Partial Lipodystrophy (or Dunnigan-Kobberling syndrome) is characterised by the progressive loss of peripheral subcutaneous fat, with or without truncal involvement. The resultant physical changes in appearance may be dramatic, especially in women, and their psychological impact underestimated. There are limited reports regarding the role of reconstructive procedures to address the physical defects imposed by the various lipodystrophy syndromes, and much of the work to date has focused around facial lipoatrophy in patients with HIV-1 protease inhibitor induced disease. We, however, present a single case report pertaining to the role of breast augmentation in patients with truncal lipoatrophy, as in Familial Partial Lipodystrophy.

Interosseous epidermoid cyst at the base of the distal phalanx.

Interosseous epidermoid cysts of the phalanges are rare, particularly at the base of the phalanx and if the lesion is tender. We report a case of a tender interosseous epidermoid cyst at the base of the distal phalanx of a young man.