Learning Sensory Nerve Coaptation in Free Flap Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to assess whether sensory nerve coaptation in free flap breast reconstruction is subject to learning, and to elucidate challenges of this technique. METHODS: In this single-center retrospective cohort study, we reviewed consecutive free flap breast reconstructions performed between March 2015 and August 2018. Data were extracted from medical records, and missing values were imputed. We assessed learning by exploring associations between case number and probability of successful nerve coaptation using a multivariable mixed-effects model. Sensitivity analysis was performed in a subgroup of cases with evidence of attempted coaptation. Recorded reasons for failed coaptation attempts were grouped into thematic categories. Multivariable mixed-effects models were used to examine associations between case number and postoperative mechanical detection threshold. RESULTS: Nerve coaptation was completed in 250 of 564 (44%) included breast reconstructions. Success rates varied considerably between surgeons (range 21-78%). In the total sample, the adjusted odds of successful nerve coaptation increased 1.03-fold for every unit increase in case number (95% confidence interval 1.01-1.05, p < 0.05), but sensitivity analysis refuted this apparent learning effect (adjusted odds ratio 1.00, 95% confidence interval 1.00-1.01, p = 0.34). The most frequently recorded reasons for failed nerve coaptation attempts were inability to locate a donor or recipient nerve. Postoperative mechanical detection thresholds showed a negligible, positive association with case number (estimate 0.00, 95% confidence interval 0.00-0.01, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study does not provide evidence in support of a learning process for nerve coaptation in free flap breast reconstruction. Nevertheless, the identified technical challenges suggest that surgeons may benefit from training visual search skills, familiarizing with relevant anatomy, and practicing techniques for achieving tensionless coaptation. This study complements prior studies exploring therapeutic benefit of nerve coaptation by addressing technical feasibility.

The delay procedure in deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The delay procedure in DIEP flap breast reconstruction, in which the reduced-caliber choke vessels play a major role, can provide more well-perfused tissue than a standard DIEP flap. The aim of this study was to review our experience with this technique, to evaluate the indications, and to analyze the surgical outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of all consecutive DIEP delay procedures performed between March 2019 and June 2021. Patient demographics, operative details, and complications were registered. Patients had preoperative imaging by MRA to select dominant perforators. The surgical technique involves a two-stage operation. During the first operation the flaps were pedicled on a dominant perforator and a lateral skin bridge extending towards the lateral flank and lumbar fat, and in a second stage the flap is harvested and transferred. RESULTS: A total of 82 extended DIEP delay procedures were performed to reconstruct 154 breasts. The majority were bilateral breast reconstructions (87.8%). The delay procedure was used for 38 primary reconstructions (46.3%) and 32 tertiary reconstructions (39.0%). The primary indication was the need for additional volume (79.3%), followed by extensive abdominal scarring and liposuction. After the first operation seroma was the most frequently observed complication (7.3%). After the second operation three total flap losses (1.9%) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The delay procedure in DIEP flap breast reconstruction results in the harvest of a good amount of abdominal tissue by adding a preliminary procedure. This technique can convert patients previously considered unsuitable into suitable candidates for abdominal-based breast reconstruction.

Clinical Relevance of Sensory Nerve Coaptation in DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction Evaluated Using the BREAST-Q.

BACKGROUND: Sensory nerve coaptation in autologous breast reconstruction positively affects sensory recovery in the reconstructed breast. However, patient-reported outcomes are lacking and no conclusions on the clinical relevance of nerve coaptation could be drawn. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical relevance of nerve coaptation in deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted of patients undergoing innervated or noninnervated DIEP flap breast reconstruction between August of 2016 and August of 2018. Patients completed a BREAST-Q questionnaire at a minimum of 12 months' follow-up in combination with either a preoperative questionnaire or a questionnaire at 6 months' follow-up. The physical well-being of the chest domain was the primary outcome and patients answered additional sensation-specific questions. Sensation was measured using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments. RESULTS: In total, 120 patients were included (65 innervated and 55 noninnervated reconstructions). A clinically relevant difference was found in BREAST-Q scores in favor of patients with innervated reconstructions in general and for delayed reconstructions specifically. Patients with sensate breast reconstruction more often reported better and pleasant sensation. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that nerve coaptation in DIEP flap breast reconstruction, specifically in delayed reconstruction, resulted in clinically relevant improved patient-reported outcomes on the physical well-being of the chest domain of the BREAST-Q and that better sensation was perceived. However, the BREAST-Q does not address sensation adequately, and the introduction and validation of new scales is required to confirm the clinical relevance of nerve coaptation reliably. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Nerve Coaptation Improves the Sensory Recovery of the Breast in DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Restoring the sensation of the reconstructed breast has increasingly become a goal of autologous breast reconstruction. The aim of this study was to analyze the sensory recovery of the breast and donor site of innervated compared to noninnervated deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstructions, to assess associated factors, and to compare the differences between preoperative and postoperative sensation. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted, including patients who underwent innervated or noninnervated DIEP flap breast reconstruction between August of 2016 and August of 2018. Nerve coaptation was performed to the anterior cutaneous branch of the third intercostal nerve. Preoperative and postoperative sensory testing of the breast and donor site was performed with Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments. RESULTS: A total of 67 patients with 94 innervated DIEP flaps and 58 patients with 80 noninnervated DIEP flaps were included. Nerve coaptation was significantly associated with lower mean monofilament values for the breast (-0.48; p < 0.001), whereas no significant differences were found for the donor site (-0.16; p = 0.161) of innervated compared to noninnervated DIEP flaps. Factors positively or negatively associated with sensory recovery of the breast and donor site were identified. Preoperative versus postoperative comparison demonstrated significantly superior sensory recovery of the breast in innervated flaps (adjusted difference, -0.48; p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that nerve coaptation in DIEP flap breast reconstruction significantly improved the sensory recovery of the breast compared to noninnervated flaps. The sensory recovery of the donor site was not compromised in innervated reconstructions. The results support the role of nerve coaptation in autologous breast reconstruction. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.

Sensory Recovery of the Breast following Innervated and Noninnervated Lateral Thigh Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The lateral thigh perforator flap, based on the tissue of the upper lateral thigh, is an excellent option for autologous breast reconstruction. The aim of this study was to introduce the technique to perform a nerve coaptation in lateral thigh perforator flap breast reconstruction and to analyze the results by comparing the sensory recovery of the reconstructed breast and donor site between innervated and noninnervated lateral thigh perforator flaps. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted of patients who underwent an innervated or noninnervated lateral thigh perforator flap breast reconstruction between December of 2014 and August of 2018. Direct nerve coaptation was performed between a branch of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve and the anterior cutaneous branch of the intercostal nerve. Sensory testing was performed with Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments to assess the sensation of the native skin, flap skin, and donor site during follow-up. RESULTS: In total, 24 patients with 37 innervated lateral thigh perforator flaps and 18 patients with 26 noninnervated lateral thigh perforator flaps were analyzed (median follow-up, 17 and 15 months, respectively). Significantly lower mean monofilament values were found for the native skin (adjusted difference, -0.83; p = 0.011) and flap skin (adjusted difference, -1.11; p < 0.001) of the reconstructed breast in innervated compared to noninnervated flaps. For the donor site, no statistically significant differences were found between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Nerve coaptation in lateral thigh perforator flap breast reconstruction resulted in a significantly better sensory recovery of the reconstructed breast compared to noninnervated flaps. The data also suggest that harvesting a sensory nerve branch does not compromise the sensory recovery of the upper lateral thigh.

Improving the quality of life of patients with breast cancer-related lymphoedema by lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA): study protocol of a multicentre randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Early breast cancer detection and advancements in treatment options have resulted in an increase of breast cancer survivors. An increasing number of women are living with the long-term effects of breast cancer treatment, making the quality of survivorship an increasingly important goal. Breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL) is one of the most underestimated complications of breast cancer treatment with a reported incidence of 20%. A microsurgical technique called lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) might be a promising treatment modality for patients with BCRL. The main objective is to assess whether LVA is more effective than the current standard therapy (conservative treatment) in terms of improvement in quality of life and weather it is cost-effective. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A multicentre, randomised controlled trial, carried out in two academic and two community hospitals in the Netherlands. The study population includes 120 women over the age of 18 who have undergone treatment for breast cancer including axillary treatment (sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection) and/or axillary radiotherapy, presenting with an early stage lymphoedema of the arm, viable lymphatic vessels and received at least 3 months conservative treatment. Sixty participants will undergo the LVA operation and the other sixty will continue their regular conservative treatment, both with a follow-up of 24 months. The primary outcome is the health-related quality of life. Secondary outcomes are societal costs, quality adjusted life years, cost-effectiveness ratio, discontinuation rate of conservative treatment and excess limb volume. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Maastricht University Medical Center (METC) on 19 December 2018 (NL67059.068.18). The results of this study will be disseminated in presentations at academic conferences, publications in peer-reviewed journals and other news media. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02790021; Pre-results.

Somatotopic mapping of the human breast using 7 T functional MRI.

How are tactile sensations in the breast represented in the female and male brain? Using ultra high-field 7 T MRI in ten females and ten males, we demonstrate that the representation of tactile breast information shows a somatotopic organization, with cortical magnification of the nipple. Furthermore, we show that the core representation of the breast is organized according to the specific nerve architecture that underlies breast sensation, where the medial and lateral sides of one breast are asymmetrically represented in bilateral primary somatosensory cortex. Finally, gradual selectivity signatures allude to a somatotopic organization of the breast area with overlapping, but distinctive, cortical representations of breast segments. Our univariate and multivariate analyses consistently showed similar somatosensory breast representations in males and females. The findings can guide future research on neuroplastic reorganization of the breast area, across reproductive life stages, and after breast surgery.

Sensory Recovery of the Breast following Innervated and Noninnervated DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The sensory recovery of the breast remains an undervalued aspect of autologous breast reconstruction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nerve coaptation on the sensory recovery of the breast following DIEP flap breast reconstruction and to assess the associations of length of follow-up and timing of the reconstruction. METHODS: A prospective comparative study was conducted of all patients who underwent either innervated or noninnervated DIEP flap breast reconstruction and returned for follow-up between September of 2015 and July of 2017. Nerve coaptation was performed to the anterior cutaneous branch of the third intercostal nerve. Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments were used for sensory testing of the native skin and flap skin. RESULTS: A total of 48 innervated DIEP flaps in 36 patients and 61 noninnervated DIEP flaps in 45 patients were tested at different follow-up time points. Nerve coaptation was significantly associated with lower monofilament values in all areas of the reconstructed breast (adjusted difference, -1.2; p < 0.001), which indicated that sensory recovery of the breast was significantly better in innervated compared with noninnervated DIEP flaps. For every month of follow-up, the mean monofilament value decreased by 0.083 in innervated flaps (p < 0.001) and 0.012 in noninnervated flaps (p < 0.001). Nerve coaptation significantly improved sensation in both immediate and delayed reconstructions. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that nerve coaptation in DIEP flap breast reconstruction is associated with a significantly better sensory recovery in all areas of the reconstructed breast compared with noninnervated flaps. The length of follow-up was significantly associated with the sensory recovery.

Quality of Life of Patients After Immediate or Delayed Autologous Breast Reconstruction: A Multicenter Study.

INTRODUCTION: It is known that breast reconstruction improves quality of life (QoL) in women who underwent mastectomy. Previous studies showed that autologous immediate breast reconstruction is as safe as delayed breast reconstruction. However, there is not much known about the influence of the timing of the breast reconstruction on QoL. Therefore, this study aims to assess the effect of timing of the breast reconstruction on QoL, using the BREAST-Q questionnaire. METHODS: A total of 543 patients aged 18 years or older who underwent deep inferior epigastric perforator flap reconstruction after mastectomy (for prophylactic or oncological reasons) at least 12 months ago were selected in 3 hospitals in the Netherlands and invited to complete the BREAST-Q. Mean QoL outcomes were compared between patients who underwent immediate or delayed breast reconstruction. Furthermore, QoL outcomes were compared with recently published normative data of the BREAST-Q. RESULTS: Patients who underwent immediate reconstruction reported higher scores on satisfaction with psychosocial well-being, sexual well-being, physical well-being of the chest, and physical well-being of the abdomen. Patients who underwent delayed reconstruction reported higher scores on satisfaction with breasts, outcome, and nipples. However, after adjusting for potentially influencing factors, none of the differences were significant. Compared with the normative BREAST-Q data, both of our patient groups reported higher scores on satisfaction with breasts, psychological well-being, and sexual well-being, whereas they reported lower scores on satisfaction with physical well-being of the chest and the abdomen. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that patients who underwent immediate or delayed deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction have comparable QoL more than 1 year after surgery, irrespective of the timing of the breast reconstruction.

The Stacked Hemiabdominal Extended Perforator Flap for Autologous Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Options for bilateral autologous breast reconstruction in thin women are limited. The aim of this study was to introduce a novel approach to increase abdominal flap volume with the stacked hemiabdominal extended perforator (SHAEP) flap. The authors describe the surgical technique and analyze their results. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of all SHAEP flap breast reconstructions performed since February of 2014. Patient demographics, operative details, complications, and flap reexplorations were recorded. The bipedicled hemiabdominal flap was designed as a combination of the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) and a second, more lateral pedicle: the deep or superficial circumflex iliac perforator vessels, the superficial inferior epigastric artery, or a lumbar artery or intercostal perforator. RESULTS: A total of 90 SHAEP flap breast reconstructions were performed in 49 consecutive patients. Median operative time was 500 minutes (range, 405 to 797 minutes). Median hemiabdominal flap weight that was used for reconstruction was 598 g (range, 160 to 1389 g). No total flap losses were recorded. Recipient-site complications included partial flap loss (2.2 percent), hematoma (3.3 percent), fat necrosis (2.2 percent), and wound problems (4.4 percent). Minor donor-site complications occurred in five patients (10.2 percent). Most flaps were harvested on a combination of the DIEP and deep circumflex iliac artery vessels. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the SHAEP flap is an excellent option for bilateral autologous breast reconstruction in women who require significant breast volume but have insufficient abdominal tissue for a bilateral DIEP flap. The bipedicled SHAEP flap allows for enhanced flap perfusion, increased volume, and abdominal contour improvement using a single abdominal donor site. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Delay of adjuvant radiotherapy due to postoperative complications after oncoplastic breast conserving surgery.

BACKGROUND: In the past a mastectomy was the first approach of treating breast cancer. Oncoplastic techniques combined with breast conserving surgery (BCS) and radiotherapy has become an alternative to mastectomy in patients with non-metastasized breast cancer. The aim of this study was to analyse the amount and types of complications occurring after oncoplastic BCS before and after adjuvant radiotherapy and the delay of adjuvant therapy due to the complications. METHOD: A retrospective study based on all patients who received immediate oncoplastic BCS by a plastic surgeon at two medical hospitals in The Netherlands between 2013 and 2015. (n = 150). The performed oncoplastic BCS techniques were the primary outcome measures. In particular major complications with the need for antibiotics or surgical intervention. A one-year follow-up was achieved for all patients. RESULTS: 52% of the 150 included patients received an oncoplastic BCS through the reduction pattern, 35% with a LICAP and 10% with an AICAP. Complications occurred in 37.5% of the patients, 10% of the patients needed treatment with antibiotics and in 6.6% of the patients a revision operation was indicated. 79.6% of all postoperative complications occurred before the start of adjuvant radiotherapy. In 8.2% of the patients the adjuvant radiotherapy had to be delayed due to a complication. CONCLUSION: This study provides a detailed overview of the used techniques of oncoplastic BCS and their postoperative complications. Most complications occurred before the start of the adjuvant radiotherapy. Just a small amount caused a delay for the radiotherapy to start.

Effect of Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis in Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Lymphedema affects ∼15% of all patients after breast cancer treatment. The aim of this review was to assess the clinical effects (improvement in arm circumference and quality of life) of lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) in treating breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). METHODS AND RESULTS: A systematic literature search was conducted in Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library in July 2017, to identify all studies on LVA for the treatment of BCRL. The primary outcome was limb volume or circumference reduction and the secondary outcome was the improvement of quality of life. The search yielded 686 results, of which 15 articles were included in this review. All studies reported on BCRL in terms of volume or circumference reduction. Thirteen out of the included studies reported a positive surgical effect on reduction in volume or circumference. Twelve articles mentioned qualitative measures, being symptom improvement and improvement in quality of life. The number of patients who experienced symptoms relief ranged from 50% to 100% in the studies. CONCLUSIONS: The current review showed that the effects of LVA for the treatment of BCRL are variable among studies, although overall LVA seems effective in early stage BCRL. Higher quality studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of LVA.

Comparing the sensation of common donor site regions for autologous breast reconstruction to that of a healthy breast.

INTRODUCTION: Autologous breast reconstruction has become the standard care for breast cancer patients. Although excellent cosmetic results can be achieved, most reconstructed breasts fail to regain normal sensation. Nerve coaptation of the flap has been suggested to improve sensation; the effect of the donor flap native sensory threshold on the degree of sensory restoration is yet to be determined. The aim of this study is to evaluate the differences in sensation between various potential donor site regions in comparison to the sensation of the healthy breast. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study in healthy women was performed in the Maastricht University Medical Centre. Monofilaments were used to measure sensation in the breast and at different flap donor sites: deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP), lateral thigh perforator (LTP), profunda artery perforator (PAP), superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) and transverse musculocutaneous gracilis (TMG) flaps. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to analyse statistical significance in sensation. RESULTS: Fifty women with a mean age of 49 ± 2.72 years and mean BMI of 26.14 ± 0.89 kg/m2 were included in the study. The median monofilament value of the normal breasts was 2.97(2.56-3.55). The median monofilament value of each donor site and p value when compared to the healthy breast were as follows: DIEP flap, 2.62 (2.36-3.22) p < 0.01; LTP flap, 3.61 (2.83-4.08) p <0.01; PAP flap, 3.09 (2.67-3.5) p = 0.97; SGAP flap, 3.22 (2.64-3.87) p = 0.01; and TMG flap, 3.03 (2.6-3.47) p = 0.69. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant difference in sensation between the various donor site regions for breast reconstruction and the healthy breast. This may be taken into consideration for donor site selection.

The Lateral Thigh Perforator Flap for Autologous Breast Reconstruction: A Prospective Analysis of 138 Flaps.

BACKGROUND: The septocutaneous tensor fasciae latae or lateral thigh perforator flap was previously introduced by the authors' group as an alternative flap for autologous breast reconstruction when the abdomen is not suitable as a donor site. The authors analyzed their experience with the lateral thigh perforator flap and present the surgical refinements that were introduced. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted of all lateral thigh perforator flap breast reconstructions performed since September of 2012. Patient demographics, operative details, complications, and flap reexplorations were recorded. Preoperative imaging with magnetic resonance angiography was performed in all patients. Surgical refinements introduced during this study included limitation of the flap width and the use of quilting sutures at the donor site. RESULTS: A total of 138 lateral thigh perforator flap breast reconstructions were performed in 86 consecutive patients. Median operative times were 277 minutes (range, 196 to 561 minutes) for unilateral procedures and 451 minutes (range, 335 to 710 minutes) for bilateral. Median flap weight was 348 g (range, 175 to 814 g). Two total flap losses (1.4 percent) were recorded, and 11 flaps (8.0 percent) required reexploration, which resulted in viable flaps. The incidence of donor-site complications was reduced significantly after the surgical refinements were introduced. Wound problems decreased from 40.0 percent to 6.3 percent, seroma decreased from 25.0 percent to 9.5 percent, and infection decreased from 27.5 percent to 9.5 percent. CONCLUSIONS: The lateral thigh perforator flap is an excellent option for autologous breast reconstruction, with minimal recipient-site complications. The surgical refinements resulted in a significant reduction of donor-site complications. Therefore, the lateral thigh perforator flap is currently the authors' second choice after the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Sensation of the autologous reconstructed breast improves quality of life: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: The number of breast cancer survivors continues to grow. Due to refinements in operating techniques, autologous breast reconstruction has become part of standard care. Impaired sensation remains a debilitating side effect with a significant impact on the quality of life. Microsurgical nerve coaptation of a sensory nerve has the potential to improve sensation of the reconstructed breast. This study investigates the effect of improved sensation of the reconstructed breast on the quality of life in breast cancer survivors. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed in the Maastricht University Medical Center. Patients undergoing a DIEP flap breast reconstruction between January 2015 and January 2016 were included. The primary outcome was quality of life (BREAST-Q domain 'physical well-being of the chest'). The Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments were used for objective sensation measurement of the reconstructed breast(s). RESULTS: Eighteen patients with and 14 patients without nerve coaptation responded. Nipple reconstruction was the only characteristic that differed statistically significant between both groups (p = 0.04). The BREAST-Q score for the domain physical well-being of the chest was 77.89 ± 18.89 on average in patients with nerve coaptation and 66.21 ± 18.26 in patients without nerve coaptation (p = 0.09). Linear regression showed a statistically significant relation between objectively measured sensation and BREAST-Q score for the domain physical well-being of the chest with a regression coefficient of - 13.17 ± 3.61 (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Improved sensation in the autologous reconstructed breast, with the addition of microsurgical nerve coaptation, has a statistical significant positive impact on the quality of life in breast cancer survivors according to the BREAST-Q.