Are patients with low body mass index candidates for deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps for unilateral breast reconstruction?

Fat-augmented latissimus dorsi muscle flaps as a reliable technique for breast reconstruction in underweight patients: A bicentric retrospective case-control study

Breast reconstruction in underweight patients (BMI < 18.5 kg/m²) poses unique challenges due to limited subcutaneous fat and higher risks of unnatural contours with implant-based methods. This study evaluated the efficacy of fat-augmented latissimus dorsi (FALD) muscle flaps in addressing these challenges. We retrospectively analyzed outcomes of 12 underweight and 38 normal-weight patients undergoing unilateral breast reconstruction with FALD muscle flaps. Data collection included patient demographics, operative details, fat grafting volumes, complications, and patient-reported outcomes using BREAST-Q. The underweight group required additional fat grafting more frequently (75% vs. 63%, p = 0.003). Despite smaller flap weights (140 g vs. 165 g, p = 0.08) and reduced fat graft volumes (135 ml vs. 186 ml, p = 0.06), both groups achieved comparable aesthetic outcomes. Postoperative complications, including seroma and oil cysts, were similar between groups. While additional fat grafting sessions were more commonly needed in the underweight group, the final aesthetic results, evaluated by surgeon ratings and patient satisfaction, were equivalent to those in the normal-weight group, with high scores observed across all BREAST-Q domains. This study demonstrates that the FALD muscle flap is an effective and adaptable technique for autologous breast reconstruction in underweight patients. By utilizing available fat deposits and adapting to anatomical constraints, this method achieves both functional and aesthetic success. Further research with larger cohorts is needed to confirm these findings and refine this approach for broader application.

Patient-Reported Outcomes and Aesthetic Evaluations in Autologous Breast Reconstruction at Taipei Veterans General Hospital

BACKGROUND

Improving the quality of life increases patients' expectations of postmastectomy breast reconstruction. Increased incidence of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma encourages patients to choose autologous breast reconstruction over implantation. This study aimed to analyze the aesthetic outcomes of autologous breast reconstruction and define factors associated with the results.

METHODS

We recruited patients for immediate or delayed autologous tissue reconstruction after mastectomy from October 2015 to June 2021 at a single institute in Taiwan. Patient demographic data, operative complications, and secondary cosmetic revisions were identified through a medical chart review. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and perioperative imaging records were analyzed using the BREAST-Q questionnaire and Breast Cancer Conservation Treatment (BCCT).core, respectively, for aesthetic outcome evaluations.

RESULTS

Eighty-three women were enrolled, with a 73% BREAST-Q questionnaire response rate, and followed-up for a mean 36 (6-78) months. The mean BREAST-Q score for satisfaction with breasts was 60.46 (standard deviation = 19.09). The postoperative BCCT.core evaluation did not differ significantly from the preoperative evaluation (P = 0.245), and most patients (70.59%) reported similar (50%) or better results (20.59%) after reconstruction. Postmastectomy radiotherapy impacted negatively on psychosocial well-being (P = 0.012), sexual well-being (P = 0.002), and satisfaction with breast (P = 0.026). Three-dimensional breast molds might improve psychosocial well-being BREAST-Q scores, sexual well-being, and breast satisfaction but was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Breast reconstruction with autologous tissue had an acceptable complication rate and favorable aesthetic outcomes in PROs and BCCT.core. Postmastectomy radiotherapy resulted in worse PROs and a 3-dimensional breast mold may facilitate better outcomes.

Alternatives to the Gold Standard: A Systematic Review of Profunda Artery Perforator and Lumbar Artery Perforator Flaps for Breast Reconstruction

INTRODUCTION

Breast reconstruction with the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is the current gold-standard autologous option. The profunda artery perforator (PAP) and lumbar artery perforator (LAP) flaps have more recently been described as alternatives for patients who are not candidates for a DIEP flap. The aim of this study was to review the survival and complication rates of PAP and LAP flaps, using the DIEP flap as a benchmark.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, BIOSIS, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases. Papers were screened by title and abstract, and full texts reviewed by three independent blinded reviewers. Quality was assessed using MINORS criteria.

RESULTS

Sixty-three studies were included, for a total of 745 PAP, 62 stacked PAP, 187 LAP, and 23,748 DIEP flap breast reconstructions. The PAP (98.3%) had comparable success rate to DIEP (98.4%), and the stacked PAP (88.7%) and LAP (92.5%) success rate was significantly lower (P < 0.0001). The PAP and LAP groups both had a low incidence of fat necrosis. However, the revision rate for the LAP group was 16.1% whereas the PAP group was 3.3%. Donor site wound dehiscence rate was 2.9 in the LAP group and 9.1% in the PAP group.

CONCLUSIONS

Profunda artery perforator and DIEP flaps demonstrate very high rates of overall survival. The LAP flap has a lower survival rate. This review highlights the survival and complication rates of these alternative flaps, which may help clinicians in guiding autologous reconstruction technique when a DIEP flap is unavailable.

Efficacy of the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol on reducing surgical disparities related to overweight/obesity in deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction

BACKGROUND

When choosing a method of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap for breast reconstruction, concerns regarding the potentially detrimental effects of obesity on postoperative recovery remain. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is known to facilitate rapid postoperative recovery. This study aimed to examine the effect of the ERAS protocol on the disparity between normal/underweight and overweight/obese patients after DIEP flap breast reconstruction.

METHODS

A retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent DIEP flap breast reconstruction between January 2015 and November 2022 was conducted. The patients were categorized into two groups: pre-ERAS and post-ERAS. In each group, associations between overweight/obese patients (BMI ≥25 kg/m2 ) and postoperative course were evaluated.

RESULTS

In total, 217 patients in the pre-ERAS group (including 71 overweight/obese) and 165 in the post-ERAS group (including 58 overweight/obese) were analyzed. The post-ERAS group had shorter length of stay (LOS) (8.0 versus 7.0 days, p-value <.001) and lower postoperative pain scores (5.0 versus 3.0 at postoperative day (POD) 1, p-value <.001) than the pre-ERAS group. The complication profiles did not differ according to ERAS adoption. In the pre-ERAS group, overweight/obese patients showed a significantly longer LOS (8.0 versus 9.0 days, p-value = .017) and a higher postoperative pain score (3.0 versus 4.0 at POD 2, p-value = .018) than normal/underweight patients; however, these differences disappeared in the post-ERAS group, showing similar LOS, pain scores, and analgesic consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of the ERAS protocol in DIEP free-flap breast reconstruction may reduce overweight/obesity-related disparities in postoperative recovery.

Prepectoral Direct-To-Implant One-Stage Reconstruction With ADMs: Safety and Outcome in "Thin Patients"

BACKGROUND

Prepectoral direct-to-implant reconstruction with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) represents a safe, fast, and successful option in breast reconstruction in a selected cohort of patients. Nowadays, this procedure is considered challenging in thin. Meanwhile, his cohort has not been accurately analyzed yet.

METHODS

A single institution retrospective cohort study was performed between January 2019 and March 2023 in all women who underwent mastectomy. Biometrical and clinical data were recorded. Also, surgical technique, operating room (OR) time, mastectomy weights, implant choice, and acellular dermal matrix (ADM) types were properly noted. Postoperative complications represented the main topic: these were classified into early and late ones based on onset time. At least 12-month follow-up was required. A comparison between thin and ideal body mass index (BMI) populations was performed.

RESULTS

Early complications did not seem to differ between the 2 groups with 37.8% and 38.9% of women having at least 1 early complication in thin and ideal-weight women, respectively (P = .919). In univariable regression analysis, compared with women with a BMI of 22.1 to 25.0, women with a BMI ≤ 22.0 were associated with an increased risk of late complications of 2.84 (1.13-7.14). Specifically, thin women appeared to have a 3-fold increased risk (OR = 2.97, 95% CI 1.08-8.18) of ripples/wrinkles compared with women with ideal weight.

CONCLUSIONS

Prepectoral reconstruction with ADM in thin patients may be considered as safe as in standard BMI patients. Rippling may be more frequent, but, whenever needed, easy to correct with a few sessions of lipo-grafts.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Surgical Outcomes of Autologous Breast Reconstruction in Low Body Mass Index Patients: Beyond the Standard DIEP Flap

BACKGROUND

Autologous breast reconstruction provides higher satisfaction than implant-based reconstruction in women with low body mass index (BMI). However, the accepted standard of microvascular breast reconstruction, the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap, can be challenging to achieve due to the paucity of adnominal bulk in these patients. This study compared operative outcomes in women with BMI less than 23.5 following reconstruction after one of three free flap methods: the DIEP flap, alternative flaps (ie, lumbar artery perforator flap or profounda artery perforator flap), and stacked flaps.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on thin patients (BMI <23.5) who underwent autologous breast reconstruction between 2010 and 2021 by two senior authors (N.T.H. and S.S.T.) at a single institution. One hundred fifteen patients were divided into three reconstructive groups. Flap weights, complication rates, secondary revisions, and fat grafting in each group were then compared.

RESULTS

The success rate in all three groups was 100%, with only one partial flap loss in the stacked group. There was a significant difference in overall minor complications and donor complications among the three groups, with alternative flaps experiencing the most. All three groups had similar incidences of recipient breast complications, medical complications, need for secondary revisions, and amount of fat grafted.

CONCLUSIONS

Autologous breast reconstruction in low BMI patients yields successful and durable results. This study shows that predictable results in the thin patient population can be obtained via alternate autologous methods beyond the standard DIEP flap.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, III.

Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap safety profile in slim versus non-slim BMI patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The complications of breast reconstruction using deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps in non-slim patients are well recognized. However, the effects of this surgery performed on slim patients are yet to be consolidated. This study aims to compare the outcomes of performing DIEP flap breast reconstruction in slim and non-slim body mass index (BMI) patients.

METHODS

Meta-analysis was performed with a multi-database search (Cochrane, EMBASE, OVID Medline, PubMed, and Web of Sciences) according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines on 1 February 2021. Data from articles meeting inclusion criteria were extracted and analyzed with an inverse variance statistical model.

RESULTS

Seven studies were included, comprising 574 slim patients and 901 non-slim BMI patients who underwent autologous DIEP flap breast reconstruction. When comparing between the slim and non-slim groups, no statistically significant difference was found in terms of complete flap loss (OR=0.53, 95% CI: 0.11-2.68, p=0.44), partial flap loss (OR=0.92, 95% CI: 0.3-2.82, p=0.88), and fat necrosis (OR=0.91, 95% CI: 0.61-1.37, p=0.66). Similarly, in terms of general surgical complications, there was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of all complications (OR=0.83, 95% CI: 0.45-1.51, p=0.54), abdominal wound healing complications (OR=1.01, 95% CI: 0.59-1.73, p=0.97), infections (OR=0.74, 95% CI: 0.41-1.37, p=0.34), and seroma (OR=0.89, 95% CI: 0.35-227, p=0.81).

CONCLUSION

There is no increased risk of postoperative complications in either group. DIEP flaps can be safely performed in slim patients, though higher quality research may be required to further confirm this.

Autologous Breast Reconstruction in Low Body Mass Index Patients: Strategies for Maximizing Skin Envelope and Breast Volume

Pure autologous breast reconstruction in thin patients creates challenges. This review highlights techniques to optimize the scarce donor tissue available, approaches to reconstruction, and microsurgical techniques. A systematic approach to maximize breast volume and the skin envelope in patients who underwent pure autologous breast reconstruction by a single senior surgeon is presented with a clinical case series. Included in the study were 125 patients (217) with autologous breast reconstructions. Although DIEP flaps were the commonest flap used overall (79%), within in the low body mass index (<22) group, there was a greater use of Latissimus (32%), and thigh-based flaps (>50%).

Risk Factors for Fat Necrosis After Stereotactic Partial Breast Irradiation for Early-Stage Breast Cancer in a Phase 1 Clinical Trial

PURPOSE

This study reports predictive dosimetric and physiologic factors for fat necrosis after stereotactic-partial breast irradiation (S-PBI).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Seventy-five patients with ductal carcinoma-in situ or invasive nonlobular epithelial histologies stage 0, I, or II, with tumor size <3 cm were enrolled in a dose-escalation, phase I S-PBI trial between January 2011 and July 2015. Fat necrosis was evaluated clinically at each follow-up. Treatment data were extracted from the Multiplan Treatment Planning System (Cyberknife, Accuray). Univariate and stepwise logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with palpable fat necrosis.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 61 months (range: 4.3-99.5 months), 11 patients experienced palpable fat necrosis, 5 cases of which were painful. The median time to development of fat necrosis was 12.7 months (range, 3-42 months). On univariate analyses, higher V32.5-47.5 Gy (P < .05) and larger breast volume (P < .01) were predictive of any fat necrosis; higher V35-50 Gy (P < .05), receiving 2 treatments on consecutive days (P = .02), and higher Dmax (P = .01) were predictive of painful fat necrosis. On multivariate analyses, breast volume larger than 1063 cm³ remained a predictive factor for any fat necrosis; receiving 2 treatments on consecutive days and higher V45 Gy were predictive of painful fat necrosis. Breast laterality, planning target volume (PTV), race, body mass index, diabetic status, and tobacco or drug use were not significantly associated with fat necrosis on univariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Early-stage breast cancer patients treated with breast conserving surgery and S-PBI in our study had a fat necrosis rate comparable to other accelerated partial breast irradiation modalities, but S-PBI is less invasive. To reduce risk of painful fat necrosis, we recommend not delivering fractions on consecutive days; limiting V42.5 < 50 cm³, V45 < 20 cm³, V47.5 < 1 cm³, Dmax ≤ 48 Gy and PTV < 100 cm³ when feasible; and counseling patients about the increased risk for fat necrosis when constraints are not met and for those with breast volume >1000 cm³.

Immediate Breast Reconstruction among Patients with Medicare and Private Insurance: A Matched Cohort Analysis

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background:

By eliminating economic hurdles, the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 represented a paradigm shift in the availability of breast reconstruction. Yet, studies report disparities among Medicare-insured women. These studies do not account for the inherent differences in age and comorbidities between a younger privately insured and an older Medicare population. We examined immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) utilization between a matched pre- and post-Medicare population.

Methods:

Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database (1992–2013), breast cancer patients undergoing IBR were identified. To minimize confounding medical variables, 64-year-old privately insured women were compared with 66-year-old Medicare-insured women. Demographic data, IBR rates, and complication rates were compared. Trend over time was plotted for both cohorts.

Result:

A total of 21,402 64-year-old women and 25,568 66-year-old women were included. Both groups were well matched in terms of demographic type of reconstruction and complication rates. 72.3% of 64-year-old and 71.2 of % 66-year-old women opted for mastectomy. Of these, 25.5% (n = 3,941) of 64-year-old privately insured and 17.7% (n = 3,213) of 66-year-old Medicare-insured women underwent IBR (P < 0.01). During the study period, IBR rates increased significantly in both cohorts in a similar cohort.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates significant increasing IBR rates in both cohorts. Moreover, after an initial slower upward trend, after a decade, IBR in 66-year-old Medicare-insured women approached similar rates of breast reconstruction among those with private insurance. Trends in unilateral versus bilateral mastectomy are also seen.

Donor site morbidity following DIEP flap for breast reconstruction in Asian patients: Is it different?

BACKGROUND

Despite the decrease in donor-site morbidity with the advent of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction, abdominal complications still occur. There have been few studies on donor morbidity considering the ethnic differences in the Asian population, as represented by a lower BMI with less redundant tissue and a tendency for poor scarring. In the present study, the authors investigated the incidence of abdominal complications and their risk factors following DIEP flap breast reconstruction in an Asian population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective review of DIEP flap based breast reconstructions performed in the past 5 years. Data regarding patient demographics, surgical details, and abdominal complications were collected from our prospectively maintained database and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 217 patients who underwent DIEP flap breast reconstruction were included. There were 51 abdominal complications (23.5%), including 18 delayed wound healing, 17 hypertrophic scarring, 12 seroma formation, and 8 abdominal bulges with no hernias. Secondary procedures were performed for the donor-site complications in 36 cases. Flap height was a significant risk factor for overall donor-site morbidity. Harvesting a bipedicle flap was significantly associated with abdominal fat necrosis and hypertrophic scarring. Harvesting a flap based on perforators from both rows was significantly associated with abdominal delayed wound healing and hypertrophic scarring.

CONCLUSIONS

DIEP flap breast reconstruction performed in Asian patients showed acceptable donor-site morbidity without significant complications. This study suggests that donor-site morbidity from harvesting a DIEP flap is comparable to that described in Western literatures.