Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator Flap in Bilateral Breast Reconstruction

Mitigating perioperative pressure injuries in microsurgical breast reconstruction

Pressure injuries (PI) that develop in the operating room (OR) account for just under half of all hospital acquired pressure injuries (HAPI) and contribute significantly to the high cost and patient morbidity of HAPI. Microvascular autologous breast reconstruction poses specific risks to PI development in patients and should be addressed by the reconstructive microsurgeon. Standard risk factors for perioperative PI include patient immobility, absent pain perception, and challenges to maintaining normal body temperature while under general anesthesia for surgery. Specific intraoperative risk factors relevant to patients undergoing microvascular autologous breast reconstruction include extended length of surgery and patient repositioning. The risk of PI increases significantly when operative time exceeds 3 h and patient repositioning, with changes in positioning subjecting specific anatomic locations to increased pressure and friction. For these reasons, placement of positioning devices at high-risk anatomical locations is particularly important, such as the use of polyurethane or polyether mattresses, multilayered silicone foam dressings, and gel, foam, or fluidized positioners. The implementation of periodic body positioning checks and clear communication between surgical teams regarding awareness and status of pressure points is helpful in mitigating risk of perioperative PI. Preoperative risk assessments and skin exams may also be useful, as well as postoperative skin exams and early movement out of bed on postoperative day 0 and ambulation on postoperative day 1. These guidelines will reduce the risk of PI development in patients undergoing reconstructive breast surgery.

Advances in Microsurgical Treatment Options to Optimize Autologous Free Flap Breast Reconstruction

Introduction: Reconstructive plastic surgeons have made great strides in the field of breast reconstruction to achieve the best results for patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer. As microsurgical techniques have evolved, these patients can benefit from additional treatment modalities to optimize the results of the reconstruction. Free tissue transfer from alternative donor sites for breast reconstruction is routinely performed, which was not possible in the past. Neurotization is now possible to address the numbness and lack of sensation to the reconstructed breast. For those patients who develop lymphedema of the upper extremity as a result of their breast cancer care, supermicrosurgical options are now available to treat and even to prevent the development of lymphedema. This study presents a narrative review regarding the latest microsurgical advancements in autologous free flap breast reconstruction. Methods: A literature review was performed on PubMed with the key words "autologous free flap breast reconstruction", "deep inferior epigastric perforator flap", "transverse upper gracilis flap", "profunda artery perforator flap", "superior gluteal artery perforator flap", "inferior gluteal artery perforator flap", "lumbar artery perforator flap", "breast neurotization", "lymphovenous bypass and anastomosis", and "vascularized lymph node transfer". Articles that specifically focused on free flap breast reconstruction, breast neurotization, and lymphedema surgery in the setting of breast cancer were evaluated and included in this literature review. Results: The literature search yielded a total of 4948 articles which were screened. After the initial screening, 413 articles were reviewed to assess the relevance and applicability to the current study. Conclusions: Breast reconstruction has evolved tremendously in recent years to provide the most natural and cosmetically pleasing results for those patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer. As technology and surgical techniques have progressed, breast cancer patients now have many more options, particularly if they are interested in autologous reconstruction. These advancements also provide the possibility of restoring sensibility to the reconstructed breast as well as treating the sequela of lymphedema due to their cancer treatment.

Successful Reconstruction of Complex Sacrococcygeal Defects Using Chimeric Perforator Propeller Flap

BACKGROUND

Complex soft tissue defects, which result from the surgical resection of sacral tumors, manifest as a combination of skin defects, dead space, infection, and prosthesis exposure. Because the traditional musculocutaneous flap lacks flexibility because of the close connection between the skin flap and the muscle component, the musculocutaneous flap is not suitable for reconstructing complex soft tissue defects where the dead space and skin defects are located at different sites. Furthermore, the perforator flap is also not appropriate for reconstructing complex defects because it lacks the muscular component. We considered the possibility of using the chimeric perforator propeller flap for reconstructing complex sacrococcygeal defects.

METHODS

This study included 7 patients who underwent, between July 2007 and July 2021, the reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects of the sacrococcygeal region using a chimeric perforator propeller flap.

RESULTS

Among the included cases, the etiologies were chordoma (n = 3), sacral tumor (n = 3), and squamous cell carcinoma (n = 1). In all the cases, vacuum-assisted closure therapy was used to treat wound infections before surgery. The average sizes of the skin and muscle flaps were 195.8 cm 2 (range, 100-350 cm 2 ) and 83.6 cm 2 (range, 60-140 cm 2 ), respectively. The superior gluteal artery was the source artery for the chimeric perforator propeller flap. The donor sites were primarily closed in all cases. One patient had delayed wound healing, and the secondary wound healed using conservative dressing changes. The other 6 flaps had no complications. The average follow-up time was 5.3 months (range, 1-9 months). Muscle weakness and compromised ambulation in the affected lower extremities were not observed in any of the patients. Furthermore, all 7 patients had no tumor recurrence, prosthesis exposure, and infection events in the sacrococcygeal region.

CONCLUSIONS

The chimeric perforator propeller flap may be an option for reconstructing complex soft tissue defects in the sacrococcygeal region.

Bilateral Simultaneous Breast Reconstruction with DIEP- and TMG Flaps: Head to Head Comparison, Risk and Complication Analysis

Background: A two center retrospective cohort study of simultaneous bilateral breast reconstructions using double deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps and double transverse myocutaneous/upper gracilis (TMG) flaps was conducted. The aim of this study was to compare surgical procedures, complications, and overall outcome. Patients and Methods: Two study groups, either receiving a simultaneous bilateral breast reconstruction, with double DIEP flaps (n = 152) in group 1, or double TMG flaps (n = 86) in group 2, were compared. A detailed risk and complication analysis was performed. Patient characteristics, operative time and the need for further operations were evaluated. Results: Double DIEP patients had donor site complications in 23.7% and double TMG patients in 16.3% (p = 0.9075, RR 1.45). Flap loss rates of 3.5% (double TMG) and 2.6% (double DIEP) were recorded (p = 0.7071, RR 1.33). The need for postoperative lipofilling was significantly higher in double TMG patients (65.1% vs. 38.2 %, p = 0.0047, RR 1.71). Conclusion: Complication analysis favors the double DIEP procedure. Donor site morbidity was lower and less severe in the double TMG group. Later fat grafting was more frequently needed after double TMG reconstructions. Further studies, preferably of prospective nature, are needed to evaluate the benefit of bilateral simultaneous breast reconstructions.

[Application of combined transverse upper gracilis flap and adductor magnus perforator flap in breast reconstruction]

Objective

To explore the clinical application of combined transverse upper gracilis flap and adductor magnus perforator flap in breast reconstruction of breast cancer patients after mastectomy.

Methods

Between August 2016 and February 2017, the combined transverse upper gracilis flap and adductor magnus perforator flap was used in 12 cases of breast cancer patients who received modified radical surgery for breast reconstruction. All patients were females with the age of 32 to 59 years (mean, 41.5 years). There were 7 cases in left side and 5 cases in right side. Eight cases were received breast reconstruction by one-stage operation and 4 cases by two-stage operation. In one-stage operation cases, pathological diagnosis includes invasive ductal carcinoma in 4 cases and invasive lobular carcinoma in 4 cases. The disease duration ranged from 2 to 9 months (mean, 4.5 months). In two-stage operation cases, the time interval between mastectomy and breast reconstruction ranged from 12 to 70 months (mean, 37.4 months). The length of flap was 20-28 cm, the width of flap was 5.5-7.5 cm, the thickness of flap was 2.5-4.5 cm. The length of gracilis flap pedicle was 6.5-9.2 cm, the length of adductor magnus perforator flap pedicle was 7.5-10.4 cm. The weight of flap was 295-615 g.

Results

The ischemia time of flap ranged from 95 to 230 minutes (mean, 135 minutes). All flaps were successfully survived. All incisions of recipient donor sites healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 7-14 months (mean, 9.5 months). The reconstructed breasts' shape, texture, and elasticity were good and no flap contracture deformation happened. Only linear scar left in the donor sites, but the function of thighs was not affected. No local recurrence happened during follow-up.

Conclusion

With appropriate patient selection and surgical technique, the combined transverse upper gracilis flap and adductor magnus perforator flap can be a valuable option as an alternative method for autologous breast reconstruction.

Weight analysis of mastectomy specimens and abdominal flaps used for breast reconstruction in Koreans

BACKGROUND

Slim patients or those with large breasts may be ineligible for breast reconstruction with an abdominal flap, as the volume of the flap may be insufficient. This study aimed to establish that abdominal tissue-based breast reconstruction can be well suited for Korean patients, despite their thin body habitus.

METHODS

A total of 252 patients who underwent postmastectomy breast reconstruction with an abdominal flap from October 2006 to May 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients' age and body mass index were analyzed, and a correlation analysis was performed between the weight of the mastectomy specimen and that of the initial abdominal flap.

RESULTS

The average weights of the mastectomy specimen and initial abdominal flap were 451.03 g and 644.95 g, respectively. The ratio of the weight of the mastectomy specimen to that of the initial flap was 0.71±0.23. There was a strong positive linear relationship between the weight of the mastectomy specimen and that of the initial flap (Pearson correlation coefficient, 0.728). Thirty nulliparous patients had a final-to-initial flap weight ratio of 0.66±0.11. The 25 patients who underwent a contralateral procedure had a ratio of 0.96±0.30. The adjusted ratio of the final flap weight to the initial flap weight was 0.66±0.12.

CONCLUSIONS

Breast weight had a strong positive relationship with abdominal flap weight in Koreans. Abdominal flaps provided sufficient soft tissue for breast reconstruction in most Korean patients, including nulliparous patients. However, when the mastectomy weight is estimated to be >700 g, a contralateral reduction procedure may be considered.

Outcome after urgent microvascular revision of free DIEP, SIEA and SGAP flaps for autologous breast reconstruction

INTRODUCTION

Microvascular complications after free flap breast reconstruction are devastating, and revision of a compromised breast reconstruction is very challenging. The aim of this study was to review the different characteristics of urgent microvascular revision in DIEP, SIEA and SGAP flaps and to evaluate the final outcome after revision.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed for all patients who underwent an autologous breast reconstruction with a DIEP, SIEA or SGAP flap at the University Hospitals of Leuven between August 1997 and December 2013. The number of revisions, time to revision, reason for revision, and outcome after microvascular free flap revision were analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 1562 free flaps were evaluated during the study period, of which 4.42% required urgent exploration. DIEP flaps (3.38%) had a statistically significant lower revision rate than SIEA flaps (11.76%) and SGAP flaps (8.42%). Venous insufficiency was the main reason for revision of DIEP flaps (86.7%) and SGAP flaps (62.5%). SIEA flaps mostly failed because of an arterial problem (62.5%). SIEA flaps (62.5%) had a higher revision failure rate than DIEP flaps (37.8%) and SGAP flaps (12.5%). We found a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) in the outcome of revision in DIEP flaps in correlation to the time to revision. Our overall flap failure rate was 1.79% (DIEP 1.28%; SIEA 7.35%; SGAP 1.05%).

CONCLUSIONS

The DIEP flap remains the most reliable flap for microvascular breast reconstructions. SIEA flaps are only performed when no suitable perforator for a DIEP flap is present. Multiple revisions are no longer performed, as the outcome after more than one revision is very disappointing. The difference in reason for revision between the different flaps led to the introduction of some technical refinements.

Double transverse myocutaneous gracilis free flaps for unilateral breast reconstruction

BACKGROUND

In cases were the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP flap) is not available and unilateral transverse myocutaneous gracilis flap (TMG flap) is not sufficient for breast reconstruction, we perform double TMG flaps as a reconstructive method. In this report, we present our results of the use of double TMG free-flap-transfer for unilateral breast reconstruction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between August 2004 and June 2012 we performed 58 TMG flaps in 29 patients for unilateral breast reconstruction. Patient data were analyzed and operative outcome (operation time, complication rate and aesthetic results) were investigated. Aesthetic outcome was evaluated retrospectively via photo documentation by an independent plastic surgeon. The results were classified in;unsatisfactory, satisfactory, good and very good.

RESULTS

The average operating time was 6 hours 55 minutes (295 - 650 minutes). Of 58 TMG flaps, 57 (98.3%) were successful. Thrombosis occurred in seven (12%) cases (1 arterial, 6 venous). Flap salvage was successful in six cases and flap failure occurred in one (1.7%) case. The results of 25 patients were graded as good and very good. Three patients showed satisfying and one patient unsatisfying results.

CONCLUSION

Double TMG flaps in unilateral breast reconstruction could lead to good operative results. This method further expands the range of options with autologous tissue in reconstructive breast surgery. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:539-545, 2016.

One-staged silicone implant breast reconstruction following bilateral nipple-sparing prophylactic mastectomy in patients at high-risk for breast cancer

BACKGROUND

There is little consensus regarding the indications, ideal incision, or reconstruction method for prophylactic mastectomy. In addition, the biggest limitation in studies that assess either patient satisfaction or operation results is the lack of group homogeneity.

METHODS

In our center, 21 bilateral prophylactic mastectomies, due to breasts at high risk for cancer, and simultaneous breast reconstruction using submuscular medium-height high-profile silicone implants were performed between 2008 and 2012. The patients were divided into two groups: small-breasted (9 patients) and large/ptotic-breasted (12 patients). A periareolar incision was used in the 9 patients and a vertical mastopexy incision was used in the 12 patients who needed nipple-areola complex repositioning.

RESULTS

The rates of general satisfaction and aesthetic outcomes, assessed using the Michigan Breast Satisfaction Questionnaire, were 100 and 90.4%, respectively. Seroma occurred in three patients and venous congestion of the nipple-areola complex developed in four patients, which resolved spontaneously. No nipple-areola necrosis, implant exposition, or capsule contractures were encountered. Only three patients underwent fat injection for contour restoration.

CONCLUSION

We obtained very good aesthetic results with low complication rates using this technique in a homogeneous group of patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

"Body-lift"-like pattern for the simultaneous bilateral superior gluteal artery perforator flap in breast reconstruction

Prophylactic mastectomies have increased during the last 10 years. Breast reconstructions with free flaps are performed because they provide natural and long-lasting results. In bilateral mastectomy, a simultaneous bilateral superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flap can provide good reconstruction with autologous tissue and low donor-site morbidity. This report describes the case of a "body-lift"-like pattern for a simultaneous bilateral SGAP flap procedure. This innovative pattern provides good aesthetic results for the abdomen and buttocks and preserves the option of using a deep inferior epigastric artery and vein perforator (DIEP) flap in case one SGAP flap fails. After 3 months, the patient was very satisfied with the results. The SGAP flap remains undeniably an alternative to the DIEP flap when the abdominal excess is insufficient for a bilateral reconstruction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Abnormal Mammary Adipose Tissue Environment of Brca1 Mutant Mice Show a Persistent Deposition of Highly Vascularized Multilocular Adipocytes

A major challenge to breast cancer research is the identification of alterations in the architecture and composition of the breast that are associated with breast cancer progression. The aim of the present investigation was to characterize the mammary adipose phenotype from Brca1 mutant mice in the expectation that this would shed light on the role of the mammary tissue environment in the early stages of breast tumorigenesis. We observed that histological sections of mammary tissue from adult Brca1 mutant mice abnormally display small, multilocular adipocytes that are reminiscent of brown adipose tissue (BAT) as compared to wildtype mice. Using a marker for BAT, the uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), we demonstrated that these multilocular adipose regions in Brca1 mutant mice stain positive for UCP1. Transcriptionally, UCP1 mRNA levels in the Brca1 mutant mice were elevated greater than 50-fold compared to age-matched mammary glands from wildtype mice. Indeed, BAT has characteristics that are favorable for tumor growth, including high vascularity. Therefore, we also demonstrated that the multilocular brown adipose phenotype in the mammary fat pad of Brca1 mutant mice displayed regions of increased vascularity as evidenced by a significant increase in the protein expression of CD31, a marker for angiogenesis. This Brca1 mutant mouse model should provide a physiologically relevant context to determine whether brown adipose tissue can play a role in breast cancer development.