TGF-ß1 and CD68 immunoexpression in capsules formed by textured implants with and without mesh coverage: a study on female rats

Purpose: To evaluate fibrosis formation and number of macrophages in capsules formed around textured implants without and with mesh coverage. Methods: Fibrosis was analyzed through transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-ß1) immunomarker expression and the number of macrophages through CD68 percentage of cells in magnified field. Sixty female Wistar rats were distributed into two groups of 30 rats (unmeshed and meshed). Each group was then subdivided into two subgroups for postoperative evaluation after 30 and 90 days. The p value was adjusted by Bonferroni lower than 0.012. Results: No difference was observed in fibrosis between meshed and unmeshed groups (30 days p = 0.436; 90 days p = 0.079) and from 30 to 90 days in the unmeshed group (p = 0.426). The meshed group showed higher fibrosis on the 90th day (p = 0.001). The number of macrophages was similar between groups without and with mesh coverage (30 days p = 0.218; 90 days p = 0.044), and similar between subgroups 30 and 90 days (unmeshed p = 0.085; meshed p = 0.059). Conclusions: In the meshed group, fibrosis formation was higher at 90 days and the mesh-covered implants produced capsules similar to microtextured ones when analyzing macrophages. Due to these characteristics, mesh coating did not seem to significantly affect the local fibrosis formation.

Evaluation of a novel breast reconstruction technique using the Braxon® acellular dermal matrix: a new muscle-sparing breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Implant-based breast reconstruction is becoming increasingly popular because of the widespread adoption of acellular dermal matrix (ADM), which allows surgeons to obtain good aesthetic results with fewer operations. To develop more conservative surgical techniques, a retrospective, three-centre, proof-of-concept study was performed to study the effectiveness of a new, immediate, muscle-sparing breast reconstruction technique using the patented Braxon® ADM, which enables subcutaneous positioning of the breast implant without detaching the pectoralis major. METHODS: Ethics committee of the study coordinating centre approved medical record review on 19 women who underwent muscle-sparing breast reconstruction between November 2012 and January 2014. The first 10 implants were performed using 0.9-mm-thick porcine ADM, with preservatives. In the subsequent 15 implants, the product was changed to 0.6-mm-thick porcine dry ADM, without preservatives. RESULTS: Nineteen patients (25 implants) received six bilateral and 13 unilateral muscle-sparing breast reconstructions. For the first type of ADM used (0.9-mm-thick with preservatives), the rate of implant loss was 12% (n = 3) because of seroma (8%, n = 2) and infection (4%, n = 1). Minor complications, such as seroma (8%, n = 2), occurred when using the 0.6-mm-thick Braxon® ADM and were treated by aspiration. Symmetrical and natural breasts with good shape, ptosis and softness to the touch were obtained. None of the patients reported experiencing pain. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary results are encouraging from aesthetic and clinical viewpoints. Further studies are planned to evaluate long-term results.