Neurectomy for breast reconstruction-related spasms of the pectoralis major muscle

Optimizing non-opioid pain control after implant-based breast reconstruction: a review of the literature and proposed pain control algorithm

Despite the intense focus on the opioid epidemic and its known association with surgical procedures, there is a paucity of evidence-based literature on pain management in implant-based breast reconstruction (IBR). Herein, we present an updated review of the literature aimed at identifying pain treatment protocols to minimize narcotic use and its associated potential addiction in IBR. A comprehensive review of the published English literature was conducted using Ovid Medline/PubMed Database without timeframe limitations. The inclusion criteria of selected articles presented in this review included studies reporting objective outcomes of pain modulation (preoperatively, intraoperatively and postoperatively) in IBR. Articles for inclusion were stratified based on intervention. A total of 219 articles were identified in the initial search query, with 23 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Pain optimization interventions in IBR are herein summarized and analyzed based on the reported outcomes of each respective study. There is a substantial need for evidence-based guidelines in the plastic surgery literature for pain optimization without the use of opioids. While this review of studies to date investigates potential solutions, we hope this area of study continues to be a top priority for plastic surgeons to allow for optimized post-operative care for patients following IBR.

Physical side-effects following breast reconstructive surgery impact physical activity and function

PURPOSE

To investigate the incidence and severity of physical side-effects experienced by women following breast reconstructive surgery and the effect of these side-effects on physical activity and function.

METHODS

Two hundred and thirty-one Australian women (55 years SD 6.5) who had previously had breast reconstruction surgery retrospectively self-reported the incidence and severity of eight physical side-effects and the perceived effect of these side effects on six physical functions, at three time points after their surgery. The frequency of the combined incidence/severity scores and their impact at the three time points were tabulated and compared using Chi-squared tests. A general linear regression was used to identify characteristics associated with moderate-very high (≥ 5/10) combined incidence/severity scores.

RESULTS

At 6 months following surgery, approximately 50% of respondents reported moderate to very high incidence/severity scores for physical side-effects across multiple body regions, which were perceived to limit their physical function and activity levels. The highest incidence/severity scores were associated with the following: (i) pre-existing physical problems before surgery, (ii) post-operative complications (seroma, infection, necrosis), and (iii) autologous rather than implant-based reconstructions.

CONCLUSION

A large percentage of women reported moderate to severe physical side-effects across multiple body regions following breast reconstructive surgery. These side-effects were perceived to negatively impact both physical function and activity. Early intervention, education and treatment are recommended to alleviate these issues and minimise their negative impact.

Evaluation of capsular contracture following immediate prepectoral versus subpectoral direct-to-implant breast reconstruction

Capsular contracture is a common adverse outcome following implant breast reconstruction, often associated with radiation treatment. The authors hypothesize that muscle fibrosis is the main contributor of breast reconstruction contracture after radiation. Retrospective chart review identified patients that underwent DTI reconstruction with pre-or post-operative breast irradiation. Signs of capsular contracture were assessed using clinic notes and independent graders reviewing two-dimensional images and anatomic landmarks. Capsular contracture rate was greater in the subpectoral vs. prepectoral group (n = 28, 51.8% vs. n = 12, 30.0%, p = 0.02). When compared to prepectoral DTI reconstruction in irradiated patients, subpectoral implant placement was nearly 4 times as likely to result in capsular contracture (p < 0.01). Rates of explantation, infection, tissue necrosis, and hematoma were comparable between groups. We also found that when subpectoral patients present with breast contracture, chemoparalysis of the muscle alone can resolve breast asymmetry, corroborating that muscle is a key contributor to breast contracture. As prepectoral breast reconstruction is gaining popularity, there have been questions regarding outcome following radiation treatment. This study suggest that prepectoral breast reconstruction is safe in an irradiated patient population, and in fact compares favorably with regard to breast contracture.

Latest Trends in Subpectoral Breast Reconstruction

There has been a shift in recent years toward a growing popularity of implant-based breast reconstruction, especially in the setting of increased frequency of concurrent contralateral prophylactic mastectomy. Advancements in implant safety and technology have also allowed for an expanding implant reconstruction practice across the country. The traditional approach is immediate two-stage implant reconstruction with placement of a tissue expander within a subpectoral pocket. The introduction of acellular dermal matrix has revolutionized implant-based breast reconstruction, allowing surgeons the opportunity to minimize morbidity while maximizing aesthetic outcomes. There have also been advances in the management of postoperative pain control as well as secondary revision surgery.

Hyperspasticity After Partial Neurectomy for Treatment of Myospasms Following Subpectoral Breast Reconstruction

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Breast reconstruction using tissue expander is a frequently used method of reconstruction after mastectomy. We describe a rare complication of myospasms after subpectoral tissue expander reconstruction with acellular dermal matrix. The patient gradually developed disturbing pectoral muscle spasms lasting almost a year. Botulinum toxin A was undesired due to its transient effect. Selective denervation of the medial pectoral nerve branches was performed and resulted in worse spasms where the breast bounced at a rapid speed. Complete denervation of the pectoral nerves led to immediate liberation. We recommend a cranial denervation of both medial and lateral pectoral nerves to secure complete denervation leading to permanent relief of involuntary spasms where selective denervation may lead to hyperspasticity.

Novel Approach to Intractable Pectoralis Major Muscle Spasms Following Submuscular Expanderimplant Breast Reconstruction

Implant-based breast reconstruction is the most commonly used reconstructive modality following mastectomy. Placement of the tissue expander and implant under the pectoralis major muscle is believed to minimize the incidence of capsular contracture, provide adequate soft tissue coverage, and minimize implant visibility and palpability. However, utilization of the submuscular pocket can be associated with discomfort, which may originate from stretching of the cutaneous envelope, distension of the underlying muscle or, rarely, from spasms of the pectoralis major muscle. A case of intractable and involuntary pectoralis major spasms following submuscular implant-based breast reconstruction is presented. An ultrasound-guided pectoral intrafascial plane block is shown to be an effective diagnostic modality, implicating the medial and lateral pectoral nerves in these spasms. The clinical anatomy literature pertaining to the course and branches of the medial and lateral pectoral nerves is reviewed.