A structured pathway for accelerated postoperative recovery reduces hospital stay and cost of care following microvascular breast reconstruction without increased complications

The Cost-effectiveness of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Protocols in Abdominally Based Autologous Breast Reconstruction

Background

The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review on the cost-effectiveness of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in abdominally based autologous breast reconstruction. Further, we reviewed the use of liposomal bupivacaine transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks in abdominal autologous reconstruction.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus were used for literature review, and PRISMA guidelines were followed. Included articles had full-text available, included cost data, and involved use of TAP block. Reviews, case reports, or comparisons between immediate and delayed breast reconstruction were excluded. Included articles were reviewed for data highlighting treatment cost and associated length of stay (LOS). Cost and LOS were further stratified by treatment group (ERAS versus non-ERAS) and method of postoperative pain control (TAP versus non-TAP). Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was used to compare the impact of the above treatments on cost and LOS.

Results

Of the 381 initial articles, 11 were included. These contained 919 patients, of whom 421 participated in an ERAS pathway. The average ICER for ERAS pathways was $1664.45 per day (range, $952.70-$2860). Average LOS of ERAS pathways was 3.12 days versus 4.57 days for non-ERAS pathways. The average ICER of TAP blocks was $909.19 (range, $89.64-$1728.73) with an average LOS of 3.70 days for TAP blocks versus 4.09 days in controls.

Conclusions

The use of ERAS pathways and postoperative pain control with liposomal bupivacaine TAP block during breast reconstruction is cost-effective. These interventions should be included in comprehensive perioperative plans aimed at positive outcomes with reduced costs.

Impact of Gabapentin on Postoperative Hypotension in Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Protocols for Microvascular Breast Reconstruction

Background

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have been associated with hypotensive episodes after autologous breast reconstruction. Gabapentin (Gaba), a nonopioid analgesic used in ERAS, has been shown to attenuate postoperative hemodynamic responses. This study assesses ERAS's impact, with and without Gaba, on postoperative hypotension after microvascular breast reconstruction.

Methods

Three cohorts were studied: traditional pathway, ERAS + Gaba, and ERAS no-Gaba. We evaluated length of stay, inpatient narcotic use [morphine milligram equivalents (MME)], mean systolic blood pressure, hypotension incidence, and complications. The traditional cohort was retrospectively reviewed, whereas the ERAS groups were enrolled prospectively after the initiation of the protocol in April 2019 (inclusive of Gaba until October 2022).

Results

In total, 441 patients were analyzed. The three cohorts, in the order mentioned above, were similar in age and bilateral reconstruction rates (57% versus 61% versus 60%). The ERAS cohorts, both with and without Gaba, had shorter stays (P < 0.01). Inpatient MME was significantly less in the ERAS + Gaba cohort than the traditional or ERAS no-Gaba cohorts (medians: 112 versus 178 versus 158 MME, P < 0.01). ERAS + Gaba significantly increased postoperative hypotensive events on postoperative day (POD) 1 and 2, with notable reduction after Gaba removal (P < 0.05). Across PODs 0-2, mean systolic blood pressure was highest in the traditional cohort, followed by ERAS no-Gaba, then the ERAS + Gaba cohort (P < 0.05). Complication rates were similar across all cohorts.

Conclusions

Postmicrovascular breast reconstruction, ERAS + Gaba reduced overall inpatient narcotic usage, but increased hypotension incidence. Gaba removal from the ERAS protocol reduced postoperative hypotension incidence while maintaining similar stay lengths and complication rates.

Expanded Indications for Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy and Immediate Breast Reconstruction in Patients Older Than 60 Years

INTRODUCTION

Although nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) and immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) have long been praised for excellent cosmetic results and the resultant psychosocial benefits, the feasibility and safety of these procedures in patients older than 60 years have yet to be demonstrated in a large population.

METHODS

Patients undergoing NSM with or without IBR at the MedStar Georgetown University Hospital between 1998 and 2017 were included. Patient demographics, surgical intervention, and complication and recurrence events were retrieved from electronic medical records. Primary outcomes were recurrence and complication rates by age groups older and younger than 60 years.

RESULTS

There were 673 breasts from 397 patients; 58 (8.6%) older than 60 years and 615 (91.4%) younger than 60 years with mean follow-up of 5.43 (0.12) years. The mean age for those older than 60 was 63.9 (3.3) years, whereas that for those younger than 60 was 43.1 (7.9) years (P < 0.001). The older than 60 group had significantly higher prevalence of diabetes, rates of therapeutic (vs prophylactic) and unilateral (vs bilateral) NSM, and mastectomy weight. However, there were no significant differences by age group in complication rates or increased risk of locoregional or distant recurrence with age.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on similar complication profiles in both age groups, we demonstrate safety and feasibility of both NSM and IBR in the aging population. Despite increased age and comorbidity status, appropriately selected older women were able to achieve similar outcomes to younger women undergoing NSM with or without IBR.

Co-surgeon versus Single-surgeon Outcomes in Free Tissue Breast Reconstruction: A Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

 Autologous breast reconstruction offers superior long-term patient reported outcomes compared with implant-based reconstruction. Universal adoption of free tissue transfer has been hindered by procedural complexity and long operative time with microsurgery. In many specialties, co-surgeon (CS) approaches are reported to decrease operative time while improving surgical outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizes the available literature to evaluate the potential benefit of a CS approach in autologous free tissue breast reconstruction versus single-surgeon (SS).

METHODS

 A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE from inception to December 2022. Published reports comparing CS to SS approaches in uni- and bilateral autologous breast reconstruction were identified. Primary outcomes included operative time, postoperative outcomes, processes of care, and financial impact. Risk of bias was assessed and outcomes were characterized with effect sizes.

RESULTS

 Eight retrospective studies reporting on 9,425 patients were included. Compared with SS, CS approach was associated with a significantly shorter operative time (SMD -0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.01 to -0.29, p < 0.001), with the largest effect size in bilateral reconstructions (standardized mean difference [SMD] -1.02, 95% CI -1.37 to -0.67, p < 0.00001). CS was also associated with a significant decrease in length of hospitalization (SMD -0.39, 95% CI -0.71 to -0.07, p = 0.02). Odds of flap failure or surgical complications including surgical site infection, hematoma, fat necrosis, and reexploration were not significantly different.

CONCLUSION

 CS free tissue breast reconstruction significantly shortens operative time and length of hospitalization compared with SS approaches without compromising postoperative outcomes. Further research should model processes and financial viability of its adoption in a variety of health care models.

The Value of a Co-surgeon in Microvascular Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Using a co-surgeon model has been suggested to improve perioperative outcomes and reduce the risk of complications. Therefore, we evaluated if a co-surgeon model compared with a single microsurgeon model could decrease the surgical time, length of stay, rate of complications, and healthcare-associated costs in adult patients undergoing microvascular breast reconstruction (MBR). A comprehensive search was performed across PubMed MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science. Studies evaluating the perioperative outcomes and complications of MBR using a single-surgeon model and co-surgeon model were included. A random-effects model was fitted to the data. Seven retrospective comparative studies were included. Ultimately, 1411 patients (48.23%) underwent MBR using a single-surgeon model, representing 2339 flaps (48.42%). On the other hand, 1514 patients (51.77%) underwent MBR using a co-surgeon model, representing 2492 flaps (51.58%). The surgical time was significantly reduced using a co-surgeon model in all studies compared with a single-surgeon model. The length of stay was reduced using a co-surgeon model compared with a single-surgeon model in all but one study. The log odds ratio (log-OR) of recipient site infection (log-OR = -0.227; P = 0.6509), wound disruption (log-OR = -0.012; P = 0.9735), hematoma (log-OR = 0.061; P = 0.8683), and seroma (log-OR = -0.742; P = 0.1106) did not significantly decrease with the incorporation of a co-surgeon compared with a single-surgeon model. Incorporating a co-surgeon model for MBR has minimal impact on the rates of surgical site complications compared with a single-surgeon model. However, a co-surgeon optimized efficacy and reduced the surgical time and length of stay.

Enhanced recovery after surgery pathways for deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) surgery is one of the most difficult breast reconstruction techniques available, both in terms of operating complexity and patient recovery. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways were recently introduced in numerous subspecialties to reduce recovery time, patient pain, and cost by providing multimodal perioperative care. Plastic surgery has yet to widely integrate ERAS with DIEP reconstruction, mostly due to insufficient data on patient outcomes with this combined approach.

METHODS

Five major medical databases were queried using predetermined search criteria according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement. Statistical analysis was performed using Cochrane's RevMan (v5.4).

RESULTS

A total of 466 articles were identified. A total of 14 studies were included in the review with a combined sample of 2102 patients. Eight studies were included in the meta-analysis with a combined sample of 1679 patients. On average, the included studies utilized 11.69 of 18 suggested protocols for ERAS with breast reconstruction. Our primary outcome, length of stay, was reduced by a mean of 1.12 (95% confidence interval [CI] [-1.30, -0.94], n = 1627, p < 0.001) days in the ERAS group. Postoperative oral morphine equivalents (OME) were also reduced in the ERAS group by 104.02 (95% CI [-181.43, -26.61], n = 545, p = 0.008) OME. The ERAS group saw a significant 3.54 (95% CI [-4.43, -2.65], n = 527, p < 0.001) standardized mean difference cost reduction relative to the control groups. The surgery time was reduced by 60.46 (95% CI [-125, 4.29], n = 624, p < 0.07) min, although this was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The ERAS pathway in DIEP breast reconstruction is consistently associated with reduced hospital stay, opioid use, and patient cost. Moreover, there appears to be no evidence of serious adverse outcomes associated with the application of the ERAS protocol.

Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Protocol Decreases Length of Stay and Postoperative Narcotic Use in Microvascular Breast Reconstruction

Background

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have demonstrated efficacy following microvascular breast reconstruction. This study assesses the impact of an ERAS protocol following microvascular breast reconstruction at a high-volume center.

Methods

The ERAS protocol introduced preoperative counseling, multimodal analgesia, early diet resumption, and early mobilization to our microvascular breast reconstruction procedures. Data, including length of stay, body mass index, inpatient narcotic use, outpatient narcotic prescriptions, inpatient pain scores, and complications, were prospectively collected for all patients undergoing microvascular breast reconstruction between April 2019 and July 2021. Traditional pathway patients who underwent reconstruction immediately before ERAS implementation were retrospectively reviewed as controls.

Results

The study included 200 patients, 99 in traditional versus 101 in ERAS. Groups were similar in body mass index, age (median age: traditional, 54.0 versus ERAS, 50.0) and bilateral reconstruction rates (59.6% versus 61.4%). ERAS patients had significantly shorter lengths of stay, with 96.0% being discharged by postoperative day (POD) 3, and 88.9% of the traditional cohort were discharged on POD 4 (P < 0.0001). Inpatient milligram morphine equivalents (MMEs) were smaller by 54.3% in the ERAS cohort (median MME: 154.2 versus 70.4, P < 0.0001). Additionally, ERAS patients were prescribed significantly fewer narcotics upon discharge (median MME: 337.5 versus 150.0, P < 0.0001). ERAS had a lower pain average on POD 0-3; however, this finding was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Implementing an ERAS protocol at a high-volume microvascular breast reconstruction center reduced length of stay and postoperative narcotic usage, without increasing pain or perioperative complications.

Survey of Surgeon-reported Postoperative Protocols for Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap in Breast Reconstruction

Background

The use of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps is a well-established breast reconstruction technique.

Methods

A 29-question survey was e-mailed to 3186 active American Society of Plastic Surgeons members, aiming to describe postoperative monitoring practice patterns among surgeons performing DIEP flaps.

Results

From 255 responses (8%), 79% performing DIEP surgery were analyzed. Among them, 34.8% practiced for more than 20 years, 34.3% for 10-20 years, and 30.9% for less than 10 years. Initial 24-hour post-DIEP monitoring: intensive care unit (39%) and floor (36%). Flap monitoring: external Doppler (71%), tissue oximetry (41%), and implantable Doppler (32%). Postoperative analgesia: acetaminophen (74%), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (69%), neuromodulators (52%), and opioids (4.4%) were administered on a scheduled basis. On postoperative day 1, 61% halt intravenous fluids, 67% allow ambulation, 70% remove Foley catheter, and 71% start diet. Most surgeons discharged patients from the hospital on postoperative day 3+. Regardless of experience, patients were commonly discharged on day 3. Half of the surgeons are in academic/nonacademic settings and discharge on/after day 3.

Conclusions

This study reveals significant heterogeneity among the practice patterns of DIEP surgeons. In light of these findings, it is recommended that a task force be convened to establish standardized monitoring protocols for DIEP flaps. Such protocols have the potential to reduce both the length of hospital stays and overall care costs all while ensuring optimal pain management and vigilant flap monitoring.

The clinical impact of pectoral nerve block in an 'enhanced recovery after surgery' program in breast surgery

Background: Pectoral nerve block (PECS) is increasingly performed in breast surgery. Aim: The study evaluated the clinical impact of these blocks in the postoperative course. Patients & methods: In this case-control study, patients undergoing breast surgery with 'enhanced recovery after surgery' pathways were divided into group 1 (57 patients) in whom PECS was performed before general anesthesia, and group 2 (57 patients) in whom only general anesthesia was effected. Results: Postoperative opioid consumption (p < 0.002), pain at 32 h after surgery (p < 0.005) and the length of stay (p < 0.003) were significantly lower in group 1. Conclusion: Reducing opioid consumption and pain after surgery, PECS could favor a faster recovery with a reduction in length of stay, ensuring a higher turnover of patients undergoing breast surgery.

Intraoperative vasopressor use does not increase complications in microvascular post-mastectomy breast reconstruction: Experience in 1729 DIEP flaps at a single center

INTRODUCTION

Vasopressors are traditionally avoided in microsurgery due to concerns about their effect on free flap survival. We examine the impact of intraoperative vasopressors on microsurgical outcomes in a large series of DIEP flap breast reconstructions.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed of patients who underwent DIEP breast reconstruction between January 2010 and May 2020. Intraoperative and postoperative microsurgical outcomes were compared in patients who received vasopressors and those who did not.

RESULTS

The study included 1102 women who underwent 1729 DIEP. 878 patients (79.7%) received intraoperative phenylephrine, ephedrine, or a combination of both. There was no significant difference in overall complications, intraoperative microvascular events, takebacks for microvascular complications, or partial or total flap loss between groups. Outcomes were not affected by vasopressor type, dose, or timing of administration. The vasopressor group received significantly lower intraoperative fluid volumes. Multivariate logistic regression found a significant association between overall complications and excessive fluids (OR 2.03, 99% CI 0.98-5.18, p = 0.03) but not vasopressor use (OR 0.79, 99% CI 0.64-3.16, p = 0.7) CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that vasopressors do not adversely affect clinical outcomes after DIEP breast reconstruction. Withholding vasopressors results in excessive intravenous fluid administration and increased postoperative complications.

The Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) Score for Prediction of Microvascular Flap Complications in Reconstructive Surgery

Microvascular flap surgery is a widely acknowledged procedure for significant defect reconstruction. Multiple flap complication risk factors have been identified, yet there are limited data on laboratory biomarkers for the prediction of flap loss. The controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score has demonstrated good postoperative outcome assessment ability in diverse surgical populations. We aim to assess the predictive value of the CONUT score for complications in microvascular flap surgery. This prospective cohort study includes 72 adult patients undergoing elective microvascular flap surgery. Preoperative blood draws for analysis of full blood count, total plasma cholesterol, and albumin concentrations were collected on the day of surgery before crystalloid infusion. Postoperative data on flap complications and duration of hospitalization were obtained. The overall complication rate was 15.2%. True flap loss with vascular compromise occurred in 5.6%. No differences in flap complications were found between different areas of reconstruction, anatomical flap types, or indications for surgery. Obesity was more common in patients with flap complications (p = 0.01). The CONUT score had an AUC of 0.813 (0.659-0.967, p = 0.012) for predicting complications other than true flap loss due to vascular compromise. A CONUT score > 2 was indicated as optimal during cut-off analysis (p = 0.022). Patients with flap complications had a longer duration of hospitalization (13.55, 10.99-16.11 vs. 25.38, 14.82-35.93; p = 0.004). Our findings indicate that the CONUT score has considerable predictive value in microvascular flap surgery.

"Spin" in Observational Studies in Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is widely used in autologous breast reconstruction. However, the technique relies heavily on nonrandomized observational research, which has been found to have high risk of bias. "Spin" can be used to inappropriately present study findings to exaggerate benefits or minimize harms. The primary objective was to assess the prevalence of spin in nonrandomized observational studies on DIEP reconstruction. The secondary objectives were to determine the prevalence of each spin category and strategy.

Methods

MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched from January 1, 2015, to November 15, 2022. Spin was assessed in abstracts and full-texts of included studies according to criteria proposed by Lazarus et al.

Results

There were 77 studies included for review. The overall prevalence of spin was 87.0%. Studies used a median of two spin strategies (interquartile range: 1-3). The most common strategies identified were causal language or claims (n = 41/77, 53.2%), inadequate extrapolation to larger population, intervention, or outcome (n = 27/77, 35.1%), inadequate implication for clinical practice (n = 25/77, 32.5%), use of linguistic spin (n = 22/77, 28.6%), and no consideration of the limitations (n = 21/77, 27.3%). There were no significant associations between selected study characteristics and the presence of spin.

Conclusions

The prevalence of spin is high in nonrandomized observational studies on DIEP reconstruction. Causal language or claims are the most common strategy. Investigators, reviewers, and readers should familiarize themselves with spin strategies to avoid misinterpretation of research in DIEP reconstruction.

Assessing the quality of reporting on quality improvement initiatives in plastic surgery: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

There has been a recent increase in the number and complexity of quality improvement studies in plastic surgery. To assist with the development of thorough quality improvement reporting practices, with the goal of improving the transferability of these initiatives, we conducted a systematic review of studies describing the implementation of quality improvement initiatives in plastic surgery. We used the SQUIRE 2.0 (Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence) guideline to appraise the quality of reporting of these initiatives.

METHODS

English-language articles published in Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane databases were searched. Quantitative studies evaluating the implementation of quality improvement initiatives in plastic surgery were included. The primary endpoint of interest in this review was the distribution of studies per SQUIRE 2.0 criteria scores in proportions. Abstract screening, full-text screening, and data extraction were completed independently and in duplicate by the review team.

RESULTS

We screened 7046 studies, of which 103 full texts were assessed, and 50 met inclusion criteria. In our assessment, only 7 studies (14%) met all 18 SQUIRE 2.0 criteria. SQUIRE 2.0 criteria that were met most frequently were abstract, problem description, rationale, and specific aims. The lowest SQUIRE 2.0 scores appeared in funding, conclusion, and interpretation criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Improvements in QI reporting in plastic surgery, especially in the realm of funding, costs, strategic trade-offs, project sustainability, and potential for spread to other contexts, will further advance the transferability of QI initiatives, which could lead to significant strides in improving patient care.

Integrating the Fast-Track surgery concept into the surgical treatment of gynecomastia

Background: The use of fast-track surgery pathway has been reported to reduce the stress of operation and accelerate rehabilitation in various surgical specialties. However, there has been a relative dearth of research on this subject for surgical treatment of gynecomastia.Materials and methods: The gynecomastia was treated by liposuction plus pull-through technique. The safety and recovery profiles were retrospectively compared between the patients in a standard pathway (including general anesthesia and postoperative drainage) and those in a fast-track pathway (including patient education, local tumescent anesthesia, no drainage, and effective pain control). Registered outcomes included postoperative complications, time to normal life, length of stay, patient satisfaction, etc.Results: From October of 2017 to October of 2021, 126 gynecomastia patients with Simon's grade I or II who underwent the surgical treatments were included in the study, of which 25 patients were treated according to standard pathway, and 101 patients underwent the fast-track pathway. During the follow-up, there was no difference between the cohorts in the incidence of postoperative complications. Both the time to normal life and length of stay significantly decreased to 0 after the introduction of fast-track pathway. Overall, 94.1% of the patients ranked the fast-track surgical pathway as 'great' or 'moderate' at the 3-month follow-up.Conclusions: The proposed fast-track pathway is feasible for surgical treatment of gynecomastia, leading to an enhanced recovery and high patient satisfaction without increasing the rate of complications. The fast-track surgery concept with implementation of local anesthetic techniques should be given serious consideration in gynecomastia management.

Optimizing Unilateral Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction: A Quality Improvement Study

ABSTRACT

Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap surgery commonly involves multiday hospitalization, although data suggest 95% of complications after unilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction occur within the first 24 hours. The aim of this study was to decrease hospitalization time and optimize care of patients undergoing unilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Our study followed Six Sigma's DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve, control) framework. First, we delineated the stakeholders involved in the process and defined workgroups based on temporal relation to the operation. We measured performance according to project SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time bound) goals and subsequently conducted an analysis of inefficiencies. We then created new interventions for quality improvement. Control will entail ongoing monitoring to ensure progress is sustained after study completion. Our interventions lasted 6 months and included 70 patients. By actively striving to advance patients through postoperative milestones during their inpatient stay and creating an outpatient nursing roadmap including aspects of inpatient care, we decreased the median length of stay from 67.8 to 44.8 hours ( p < .001). After receiving nursing instruction, 77% of patients agreed that they felt ready to be discharged. Our study suggests that the DMAIC framework can decrease hospitalization time after DIEP surgery and spare resources for additional patients.

Enhanced Recovery Pathway Reduces Hospital Stay and Opioid Use in Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction: A Single-Center, Private Practice Experience

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine benefits of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathway implementation in free flap breast reconstruction related to postoperative narcotic use and health care resource utilization.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients undergoing deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction from November of 2015 to April of 2018 was performed before and after implementation of the ERAS protocol.

RESULTS

Four hundred nine patients met inclusion criteria. The pre-ERAS group comprised 205 patients, and 204 patients were managed through the ERAS pathway. Mean age, laterality, timing of reconstruction, and number of previous abdominal surgical procedures were similar ( p > 0.05) between groups. Mean operative time between both groups (450.1 ± 92.7 minutes versus 440.7 ± 93.5 minutes) and complications were similar ( p > 0.05). Mean intraoperative (58.9 ± 32.5 versus 31.7 ± 23.4) and postoperative (129.5 ± 80.1 versus 90 ± 93.9) morphine milligram equivalents used were significantly ( p < 0.001) higher in the pre-ERAS group. Mean length of stay was significantly ( p < 0.001) longer in the pre-ERAS group (4.5 ± 0.8 days versus 3.2 ± 0.6 days). Bivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that operative time was positively associated with total narcotic requirements ( p < 0.001) and length of stay ( p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

ERAS pathways in microsurgical breast reconstruction promote reduction in intraoperative and postoperative narcotic utilization with concomitant decrease in hospital length of stay. In this study, patients managed through ERAS pathways required 46 percent less intraoperative and 31 percent less postoperative narcotics and had a 29 percent reduction in hospital length of stay.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, III.

Systematic Review of Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Initiatives in Breast Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Improving patient care and safety requires high-quality evidence. The objective of this study was to systematically review the existing evidence for patient safety (PS) and quality improvement initiatives in breast reconstruction.

METHODS

A systematic review of the published plastic surgery literature was undertaken using a computerized search and following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Publication descriptors, methodological details, and results were extracted. Articles were assessed for methodological quality and clinical heterogeneity. Descriptive statistics were completed, and a meta-analysis was considered.

RESULTS

Forty-six studies were included. Most studies were retrospective (52.2%) and from the third level of evidence (60.9%). Overall, the scientific quality was moderate, with randomized controlled trials generally being higher quality. Studies investigating approaches to reduce seroma (28.3% of included articles) suggested a potential benefit of quilting sutures. Studies focusing on infection (26.1%) demonstrated potential benefits to prophylactic antibiotics and drain use under 21 days. Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols (10.9%) overall did not compromise PS and was beneficial in reducing opioid use and length of stay. Interventions to increase flap survival (10.9%) demonstrated a potential benefit of nitroglycerin on mastectomy skin flaps.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, studies were of moderate quality and investigated several worthwhile interventions. More validated, standardized outcome measures are required, and studies focusing on interventions to reduce thromboembolic events and bleeding risk could further improve PS.

Nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction with a deep inferior epigastric perforator flap without skin paddle using delayed primary retention suture

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the outcomes of nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) with a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap using delayed primary retention suture (DPRS) to achieve superior breast esthetics.

METHODS

Between December 2010 and March 2021, patients who underwent NSM with DIEP flap were inset with or without a skin paddle (using DPRS) as Group A or B, respectively. Demographics, operative findings, complications, BREAST-Q questionnaire, and Manchester scar scale were compared between two groups.

RESULTS

Twelve patients underwent 12 unilateral reconstructions in Group A, while 12 patients underwent 13 DIEP flaps in Group B. There was no significant difference in demographics, ischemia time, flap-used weight and percentage, complications of hematoma, infection, re-exploration, partial flap loss, and total flap loss (All p > 0.05, respectively). At a mean 9 months of follow-up, the Breast-Q "Satisfaction with surgeon" domain was significant in Group B (p = 0.04). At a mean 12 months of follow-up, the overall Manchester scar scale of 10.3 in Group B was statistically superior to 12.6 in Group A (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

The NSM with a DIEP flap using DPRS is a reliable and straightforward technique. It can provide greater cosmesis of the reconstructed breast mound in a single-stage procedure.

The Role of Maximal Locoregional Block in Autologous Breast Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) has become the standard of care in microsurgical breast reconstruction. The current literature provides overwhelming evidence of the benefit of ERAS pathways in improving quality of recovery, decreasing length of hospital stay, and minimizing the amount of postoperative narcotic use in these patients. However, there are limited data on the role of using maximal locoregional anesthetic blocks targeting both the abdomen and chest as an integral part of an ERAS protocol in abdominally based autologous breast reconstruction. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of implementing a comprehensive ERAS protocol with and without maximal locoregional nerve blocks to determine any added benefit of these blocks to the standard ERAS pathway.

METHODS

Forty consecutive patients who underwent abdominally based autologous breast reconstruction in the period between July 2017 and February 2020 were included in this retrospective institutional review board-approved study. The goal was to compare patients who received combined abdominal and thoracic wall locoregional blocks as part of their ERAS pathway (study group) with those who had only transversus abdominis plane blocks. The primary end points were total hospital length of stay, overall opioids consumption, and overall postoperative complications.

RESULTS

The use of supplemental thoracic wall block resulted in a shorter hospital length of stay in the study group of 3.2 days compared with 4.2 days for the control group (P < 0.01). Postoperative total morphine equivalent consumption was lower at 38 mg in the study group compared with 51 mg in the control group (P < 0.01). Complications occurred in 6 cases (15%) in the control group versus one minor complication in the thoracic block group. There was no difference between the 2 groups in demographics, comorbidities, and type of reconstruction.

CONCLUSION

The maximal locoregional nerve block including a complete chest wall block confers added benefits to the standard ERAS protocol in microvascular breast reconstruction.

Microvascular Breast Reconstruction in the Era of Value-Based Care: Use of a Cosurgeon Is Associated with Reduced Costs, Improved Outcomes, and Added Value

BACKGROUND

Reducing complications while controlling costs is a central tenet of value-based health care. Bilateral microvascular breast reconstruction is a long operation with a relatively high complication rate. Using a two-surgeon team has been shown to improve safety in bilateral microvascular breast reconstruction; however, its impact on cost and efficiency has not been robustly studied. The authors hypothesized that a cosurgeon for bilateral microvascular breast reconstruction is safe, effective, and associated with reduced costs.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent bilateral microvascular breast reconstruction with either a single surgeon or surgeon/cosurgeon team over an 18-month period. Charges were converted to costs using the authors' institutional cost-to-charge ratio. Surgeon opportunity costs were estimated using time-driven activity-based costing. Propensity scoring controlled for baseline characteristics between the two groups. A locally weighted logistic regression model analyzed the cosurgeon's impact on outcomes and costs.

RESULTS

The authors included 150 bilateral microvascular breast reconstructions (60 single-surgeon and 90 surgeon/cosurgeon reconstructions) with a median follow-up of 15 months. After matching, the presence of a cosurgeon was associated with a significantly reduced mean operative duration (change in operative duration, -107 minutes; p < 0.001) and cost (change in total cost, -$1101.50; p < 0.001), which was even more pronounced when surgeon/cosurgeon teams worked together frequently (change in operative duration, -132 minutes; change in total cost, -$1389; p = 0.007). The weighted logistic regression models identified that a cosurgeon was protective against breast-site complications and trended toward reduced overall and major complication rates.

CONCLUSION

The practice of using a of cosurgeon appears to be associated with reduced costs and improved outcomes, thereby potentially adding value to bilateral microvascular breast reconstruction.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, III.

Long-term results of a standardized enhanced recovery protocol in unilateral, secondary autologous breast reconstructions using an abdominal free flap

BACKGROUND

In 2015, we published one of the first reports using an enhanced recovery protocol (ERP) in microsurgery¹, and in 2016, our final ERP setup in autologous breast reconstruction (ABR) using free abdominal flaps². We showed that by adhering to a few simple, easy to measure, functional discharge criteria, it was possible to safely discharge the patients by the third postoperative day (POD). However, one of the challenges of interpreting studies using ERP in ABR is the often heterogenous patient populations and the need to clearly distinguish between primary and secondary and unilateral and bilateral reconstructions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the 5-year period from 2016-2020, the same surgical team, performed 147 unilateral, delayed breast reconstructions (135 DIEP, 9 MS-TRAM-2, and 3 SIEA flaps) according to our previous analgesic protocol and surgical strategy. Data were collected prospectively.

RESULTS

Three flaps were lost (2%) and 82% of the patients(n=128) were discharged to home by POD 2 (n=8%) or 3 (74%). The remaining 18% (n=26) were discharged by POD 4 (12.5%) or 5 (5.5%). Ten patients (7%) were reoperated, and 17 patients (12%) had minor complications within POD 30 (infection, seroma, etc.) that did not necessitate hospital admission.

CONCLUSION

Using our ERP, unproblematic discharge directly to home is possible on POD 3 in more than 80% of patients after ABR. ERP is no longer a research tool but considered standard of care in microsurgical breast reconstruction.

Setting up a new microsurgical breast service in a non-tertiary hospital: Is it safe, and do outcomes compare to centres of excellence?

AIMS

Access to autologous reconstruction continues to be limited in some areas of the United Kingdom. This is, in part, due to the perceived difficulty offering this service outside of a large tertiary centre. We present our experience setting up a new microsurgical breast reconstruction service in a district hospital and compare our results to the published outcomes of large volume centres.

METHODS

Patient data were collected prospectively from the start of the service to date (July 2018- July 2020) with the capture of demographics, management, and outcomes. The BREAST-Q tool was used preoperatively and at a minimum of 3 months.

RESULTS

The first 40 patients undergoing DIEP reconstruction were included. Of these, 70% were immediate, mean age was 49 years (27-68) and BMI was 28.1 kg/m2 (22-32.5). In all, 50% had one or more co-morbidities other than breast cancer. Median length of stay was 3 days (2-6) with 75% of patients discharged on day 2 or 3. Ten patients' stay exceeded 3 days - mostly due to social reasons. Flap loss occurred in 1 patient (2.5%). Twenty-one patients developed complications (52%) within 90 days: seven Clavien-Dindo Grade I, two Grade II and ten Grade IIIb. Fat necrosis and mastectomy flap necrosis were the most common complications. Surgical intervention was higher in those needing adjuvant therapy. Patient-reported outcomes showed post-operative improvement across all domains except abdominal physical well-being at median 11.3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

We present the shortest published length of stay for unilateral DIEP reconstructions. We are the first paper to publish patient-reported outcomes following a breast microsurgical enhanced recovery protocol. We demonstrate how a new microsurgical service, utilising an enhanced recovery protocol and careful patient selection can immediately achieve outcomes comparable to well-established centres. There is no reason why all patients should not have access to microsurgical breast reconstruction locally.

Comment on: "A structured pathway for accelerated postoperative recovery reduces hospital stay and cost of care following microvascular breast reconstruction without increased complications"

We read with great interest a recent article by O'Neill et al. on the implementation of an accelerated postoperative recovery protocol following DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Our department has formally introduced a DIEP Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Pathway in May 2019. Although in a much smaller sample size, our results were similar to this article and we would agree with the authors’ conclusion that implementation of such protocol could effectively reduce the length of inpatient stay (LoS) and cost of care, without compromising patient care nor increasing complication rates. Prior to the introduction of ERAS Pathway, 28 of our patients who had DIEP between November 2018 and May 2019 had an mean LoS of 7.1 days (median 6 days, range 5–21 days); whereas 27 patients who experienced the ERAS Pathway between May and December 2019 had an mean LoS of 4.8 days (median 5 days, range 3–7 days). The cost of inpatient stay in a normal ward at our hospital is approximately £232 per patient per day. By reducing an extra 2.3 days of inpatient stay, our Trust could save at least an average of £32,016 per annum with the estimated 60 DIEP performed annually at our department. We would like to emphasise the benefits and effectiveness of this multimodal, patient-centre and evidence-based ERAS. This, perhaps, should be the standard of care for all patients who undergo microvascular breast reconstruction in the future.