ObjectiveTo compare the surgical data, safety, cosmetic outcomes, and quality of life of patients underwent single axillary incision endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction with endoscopic harvesting of latissimus dorsi muscle flap (abbreviation as the “endoscopic group”) and traditional open surgery of latissimus dorsi muscle flap harvesting for breast reconstruction after mastectomy (abbreviation as the “open group”). MethodsThe patients were collected, who underwent latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction at the West China Hospital of Sichuan University and the Fourth People’s Hospital of Sichuan Province from January 2021 to June 2024 from a prospective maintenance database, and then were assigned into an endoscopic group and open group according to the surgical method. Their basic information, information relevant operation, postoperative complications, and patient reported outcomes (BREAST-Q scale) score were compared between the two groups. ResultsA total of 73 patients were enrolled, including 23 patients in the endoscopic group and 50 patients in the open group. There were no statistically significant differences in the age, body mass index, breast sagging, tumor location, tumor N stage, pathological type, adjuvant therapy, etc. between the patients of two groups, except for a higher proportion of T4 stage patients in the open group as compared with the endoscopic group (P＜0.001). A longer size of latissimus dorsi muscle flap was harvested in the endoscopic group as compared with the open group (P=0.002). There were no statistically significant differences in the total surgical complications, major complications, minor complications, and implant-related complications between the patients of two groups (P>0.05). The most common complication in the patients of both groups was back seroma, 21.7% (5/23) in the endoscopic group and 22.0% (11/50) in the open group. The total length of incisions in the endoscopic group was significantly shorter than that in the open group (P<0.001), and the points of the breast satisfaction (P=0.045), back satisfaction (P<0.001), and sexual well-being (P=0.028) of the patients in the endoscopic group were significantly higher than those in the open group. The major complications did not happen in the endoscopic group, but happened in 2 cases in the open group (1 patient due to ischemic necrosis of the latissimus dorsi muscle and 1 patient due to breast infection resulting in implant removal). During the follow-up period, 3 (6.0%) patients had distant metastasis (all were lung metastasis) in the open group, and there was no local or regional recurrence, distant metastasis, and specific death of breast cancer in the endoscopic group. ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that, for patients who have skin invasion but who desire breast reconstruction or have failed by prosthetic breast reconstruction (such as skin flap necrosis), traditional open surgery of latissimusdorsi flap harvesting for breast reconstruction is worth choosing. However, for breast cancer patients who do not need additional skin breast reconstruction, endoscopic latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction has greater advantages in cosmetic effect, and it is safe and effective.
Objective To explore the clinical application of the pedicled omentum flap in breast reconstruction of breast cancer patients. Methods Between May 2013 and October 2017, 205 patients with breast cancer received modified mastectomy. The pedicled omentum flap was used to reconstruct breast at the same time. All patients were female with an average age of 34.9 years (mean, 26-58 years). The tumor located at left breast in 127 cases and right side in 78 cases. The diameter of the tumor was 2-5 cm (mean, 2.9 cm). The 120 cases of breast cancer were at stage Ⅰ and 85 cases were at stage Ⅱ; and 126 cases were invasive ductal carcinoma and 79 cases were invasive lobular carcinoma. The course of disease ranged from 10 to 92 days (mean, 38.5 days). The size of defect after tumor ablation ranged from 9 cm× 6 cm to 18 cm×12 cm; the size of pedicled omentum flap ranged from 18 cm×10 cm to 22 cm×16 cm. Results According to the anatomical basis, the omentum was divided into 4 types, including thin type (42 cases, 20.5%), medium type (133 cases, 64.9%), hypertrophy type (24 cases, 11.7%), and absence type (6 cases, 2.9%). All omentum flaps survived successfully and the incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 6-74 months (mean, 24.5 months); 83 cases were followed up more than 5 years. The shape, texture, and elasticity of the reconstructed breast were good and no flap contracture deformation happened. Only linear scar left at the donor sites, and the function of abdomen was not affected. No local recurrence happened. Conclusion The pedicled omentum flap can be harvested safely and reliable, which is the one of ideal option for breast reconstruction in breast cancer patients.
Objective
To evaluate the feasibility of immediate breast reconstruction with silicone prosthesis for breast tumor.
Methods
The clinical data of the 42 patients with breast tumor who had undergone breast reconstruction with silicone prosthesis from January 2012 to June 2017 were collected retrospectively. The postoperative complications and cosmetic results were analyzed.
Results
All patients underwent operation successfully. The surgical time was 230–435 min (mean of 325 min), the intraoperative blood loss was 100–160 mL (mean of 130 mL), and the hospitalization time was 18–33 d (mean of 24 d). The cosmetic results was excellent in 26 patients, good in 8 patients, bad in 8 patients, and fine rate was 81.0% (34/42). Rate of patients’ overall satisfaction with breast reconstruction was 73.8% (31/42) and rate of aesthetic satisfaction was 78.6% (33/42). After operation, seroma occurred in 2 patients, and the ischemic necrosis in nipple and areola occurred in 3 patients. All the patients were followed-up for 4–70 months, and the median follow-up time was 37 months. During the follow-up period, no patient had metastasis or recurrence. Six patients received radiotherapy, among them 2 patients appeared Ⅱ-grade capsular contracture.
Conclusion
The breast reconstruction with silicone prosthesis is a simple, easy, and effective surgical procedure.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of endoscopic radical mastectomy for breast cancer combined with total pectoral muscle reconstruction with breast implants. Methods The clinical data of 138 female patients with breast cancer who met the selection criteria between April 2019 and December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The mean age of the patients was 43.8 years (range, 27-61 years). The maximum diameter of the tumors ranged from 1.00 to 7.10 cm, with an average of 2.70 cm. Pathological examination showed that 108 cases were positive for both estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor, and 40 cases were positive for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. All patients underwent endoscopic radical mastectomy for breast cancer combined with total pectoral muscle reconstruction with breast implants. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, prosthesis size, and occurences of nipple-areola complex (NAC) ischemia, flap ischemia, infection, and capsular contracture were recorded. The Breast-Q2.0 score was used to evaluate breast aesthetics, patient satisfaction, and quality of life (including the social mental health score, breast satisfaction score, and chest pain score). Patients were divided into two groups based on the time of operation after the technique was implemented: group A (within 1 year, 25 cases) and group B (after 1 year, 113 cases). The above outcome indicators were compared between the two groups. Furthermore, based on the postoperative follow-up duration, patients were classified into a short-term group (follow-up time was less than 1 year) and a long-term group (follow-up time was more than 1 year). The baseline data and postoperative Breast-Q2.0 scores were compared between the two groups. ResultsThe average operation time was 120.76 minutes, the average intraoperative blood loss was 23.77 mL, and the average prosthesis size was 218.37 mL. Postoperative NAC ischemia occurred in 21 cases (15.22%), flap ischemia in 30 cases (21.74%), infection in 23 cases (16.67%), capsular contracture in 33 cases (23.91%), and prosthesis removal in 2 cases (1.45%). The operation time of group A was significantly longer than that of group B (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss, prosthesis size, and related complications between the two groups (P>0.05). All patients were followed up 3-48 months (mean, 20 months). There were 33 cases in the short-term group and 105 cases in the long-term group. There was no significant difference in baseline data such as age, body mass index, number of menopause cases, number of neoadjuvant chemotherapy cases, number of axillary lymph node dissection cases, breast cup size, degree of breast ptosis, and postoperative radiotherapy constituent ratio between the two groups (P>0.05). At last follow-up, the breast satisfaction score in the patients’ Breast-Q2.0 score ranged from 33 to 100, with an average of 60.9; the social mental health score ranged from 38 to 100, with an average of 71.3; the chest pain score ranged from 20 to 80, with an average of 47.3. The social mental health score of the long-term group was significantly higher than that of the short-term group (P<0.05); there was no significant difference in breast satisfaction scores and chest pain scores between the two groups (P>0.05). No patient died during the follow-up, and 2 patients relapsed at 649 days and 689 days postoperatively, respectively. The recurrence-free survival rate was 98.62%. Conclusion Endoscopic radical mastectomy for breast cancer combined with total pectoral muscle reconstruction with breast implants has fewer complications and less damage, and the aesthetic effect of reconstructed breast is better.
Objective To investigate if intercostal neurovascular perforator can nourish lower abdominal flap. Methods Between June 2017 and December 2020, in 39 female patients with predominant perforator originated from intercostal nerve nutrient vessels, main trunk of the deep inferior epigastric vessels was chosen to be the pedicle to harvest free lower abdominal flap for breast reconstruction. The age of the patients ranged from 28 to 52 years, with an average of 38.6 years. There were 16 cases on the left and 23 cases on the right. The duration of breast cancer was 3-32 months, with an average of 21.8 months. Pathological stage was stageⅡin 31 cases and stage Ⅲ in 8 cases. Among them, 25 cases were primary tumor resection and one stage breast reconstruction and 14 cases were delayed breast reconstruction. Results The lower abdominal flap pedicled with one side pedicle was harvested in 32 cases, all of which were supplied by the main trunk of the deep inferior epigastric vessel combined with the intercostal neurovascular perforator; 7 cases were harvested with bilateral pedicled lower abdominal flaps, of which 4 cases were supplied by the main trunk of the deep inferior epigastric vessel combined with intercostal neurovascular perforator on one side and deep inferior epigastric artery perforator on the other side, and the other 3 cases were supplied by bilateral main trunk of the deep inferior epigastric vessel and the intercostal neurovascular perforator. In the flaps nourished with the main trunk of the deep inferior epigastric vessel combined with the intercostal neurovascular perforator, the intercostal neurovascular perforators were one branch type in 15 cases, one branch+reticular type in 19 sides, and reticular type in 8 sides. The size of flap ranged from 26 cm×10 cm to 31 cm×13 cm; the thickness was 2.5-5.5 cm (mean, 2.9 cm); the vascular pedicle length was 7.0-11.5 cm (mean, 9.2 cm); the weight of the flap was 350-420 g (mean, 390 g). All the flaps survived completely and the incisions at donor sites healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 14-35 months (mean, 25.4 months). The shape, texture, and elasticity of reconstructed breasts were good and no flap contracture happened. Only linear scar left at the donor site, the function of abdomen was not affected. No local recurrence happened. ConclusionWhen the direct perforator of the deep inferior epigastric artery may not provide reliable blood supply for the lower abdominal flap, the intercostal neurovascular perforator with deep inferior epigastric vessels can ensure the blood supply of the free lower abdominal flap.
ObjectiveTo analyze the value of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging in the evaluation of blood flown of ipple-areola complex (NAC) and implant selection during single-port endoscopic breast reconstruction. Methods From November 2018 to March 2020, 19 patients who underwent single-port inflatable endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy combined with breast reconstruction in Beijing Friendship Hospital were retrospectively collected. ICG fluorescence imaging technology was used to evaluate the blood supply pattern and the risk of ischemic necrosis of NAC, so as to guide the selection of implant. At the same time, 14 patients who underwent single-port inflatable endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy combined with breast reconstruction in Beijing Friendship Hospital from February 2017 to October 2018 were selected as the historical control group (control group). NAC ischemic necrosis, breast satisfaction and implant removal were compared between the two groups. Results In the ICG group, there were3 cases of V1 pattern and 2 cases of NAC ischemic necrosis (1 case of grade 1, 1 case of grade 2). There was no NAC ischemic necrosis in 16 patients with V2 mode and V3 mode. No implant loss occurred in any of the patients. In the control group, 5 cases had NAC ischemic necrosis (all were severe ischemic necrosis), and 2 cases had implant loss. The rate of severe NAC ischemic necrosis in the ICG group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.01), but there was no significant difference in implant loss rate between the two groups (P=0.17). The breast satisfaction score of the ICG group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.01), but there were no significant difference in satisfaction scores of chestwell-being, psychological well-being and sexual well-being between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusions ICG imaging can be used to evaluate the blood supply pattern during the operation of prosthetic body mass reconstruction, guide the choice of implant in immediate breast reconstruction, so as to further improve postoperative breast satisfaction.
Objective To explore the clinical and aesthetic results of single axillary approach reverse sequence endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy of breast cancer combined with subpectoral implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) for breast cancer patients. MethodsThe clinical data of consecutive female patients who underwent single axillary approach reverse sequence endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy of breast cancer combined with subpectoral IBBR from May 2020 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The patient demographics, perioperative parameters, complications and aesthetic results were collected. Results A total of 62 patients (74 breasts) were included. The mean age of patients was (39.0±7.8) years. The total mean operation time was (185.2±45.5) minutes. Five (8.1%) patients suffered from surgical complications. Two (3.2%) patients experienced major complications, and 3 (4.8%) suffered from minor complications. No patient experienced partial nipple-areola complex necrosis. Seventeen (27.4%) patients experienced implant related complications, of which 11 (17.7%) experienced capsular contracture. During a median follow-up time of 30 months ranging from 11 to 42 months, no patient experienced locoregional recurrence, distant metastasis or death. Thirty-seven (88.1%) patients evaluated their breasts as good or excellent. In the surgeon-reported cosmetic results, 40 (95.2%) patients achieved excellent or good results. ConclusionThis surgical technique is characterized by minimal trauma, short operation time, high safety, and excellent cosmetic outcomes for patients with small breasts and mild ptosis, making it worthy of further promotion.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of post mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) on breast reconstruction after mastectomy in breast cancer patients, in order to provide evidence support for clinical treatment decision.MethodsFive databases searched in the current study include the Cochrane Library, PubMed, CNKI, VIP and WanFang database. A systematic search for control trials was performed in each database from the starting date of each database to March 1, 2021. After the two evaluators independently selected literatures, extracted data and conducted quality evaluation according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the meta analysis was carried out by Revman 5.3 software.ResultsA total of 9 cohort studies (3 447 cases) were included, including 699 cases in PMRT group and2 748 cases in non-radiotherapy group. The results of meta-analysis showed that: PMRT was associated with significant increase in capsular contracture. The incidence of capsular contracture increased from 4.34% in the non-radiotherapy group to 34.10% in patients receiving PMRT [OR=9.25, 95%CI (3.76, 22.78), P<0.000 01]. In addition, PMRT was associated with a significant increase in incidences of reconstructive failure [OR=2.55, 95%CI (1.74, 3.74), P<0.000 01] and revisional surgery [OR=2.24, 95%CI (1.58, 3.18), P<0.000 01]. Moreover it was associated with a significant reduction in patient satisfaction [OR=0.29, 95%CI (0.15, 0.57), P=0.000 30] and cosmetic outcome [OR=0.26, 95%CI (0.15, 0.43), P<0.000 01].ConclusionThis meta-analysis demonstrates that breast cancer patients who received PMRT after breast reconstruction, the rate of adverse events is increased and patients’ satisfaction and cosmetic outcome are decreased.
Objective
To introduce an surgical technique of endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) combined with immediate breast reconstruction through simple single-port access that placed in axillary incision.
Methods
Between January 2017 and February 2018, 15 female patients with breast cancer (stageⅠ in 5 cases and stage Ⅱ in 10 cases) were treated with endoscopic NSM combined with immediate breast reconstruction through simple single-port access that placed in axillary incision. They were 27-45 years old (mean, 37.5 years). The disease duration ranged from 1 to 24 months (mean, 8 months). The tumor located at the left breast in 8 cases and at the right breast in 7 cases. The diameter of tumor ranged from 1.5 to 3.0 cm (mean, 2.6 cm). The distance between tumor and nipple was 1.8-4.0 cm (mean, 2.3 cm).
Results
After operation, the nipple epidermal necrosis occurred in 1 case, and subcutaneous effusion in 1 case. No subcutaneous emphysema or skin flap necrosis occurred. Postoperative pathological examination showed that 1 case was nipple involvement and was treated with nipple resection. All patients were followed up 7-17 months (mean, 11 months). According to the Harris assessment criteria for appearance of reconstructed breast, there were 4 cases of excellent, 10 cases of good, and 1 case of poor. No tumor recurrence or metastasis occurred during follow-up.
Conclusion
It is a safe and feasible method of endoscopic NSM combined with immediate breast reconstruction through simple single-port access that placed in axillary incision, and can obtain good cosmetic results. It is a new option to breast reconstruction.
Objective To summarize the anatomical types of the concomitant veins of deep inferior epigastric artery and the corresponding choice of anastomosis methods, and to evaluate the indications and safety of various methods. MethodsBetween October 2015 and June 2021, 296 female patients received breast reconstruction with autologous free lower abdominal flap, including 154 cases of immediate breast reconstruction and 142 cases of delayed breast reconstruction. The average age of the patients was 36.5 years, ranged from 26 to 62 years. Unilateral free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap transplantation was performed in 172 cases, and unilateral free muscle-sparing rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap transplantation was performed in 124 cases. The internal thoracic vessels were selected as the recipient vessels in all cases. The length of vascular pedicle ranged from 9.5 to 13.0 cm, with an average of 11.2 cm. The concomitant veins of deep inferior epigastric artery included three anatomical types: one-branch type in 26 cases (8.8%), two-branch type in 180 cases (60.8%), and Y-shaped structure in 90 cases (30.4%). Anastomosis of inferior epigastric artery was performed with the proximal end of internal thoracic artery, while that of vein should be adjusted according to the diameter, length, wall thickness, and branches of the vein. The specific classification of venous anastomosis included: ① The sole concomitant vein of deep inferior epigastric artery was anastomosed with the internal mammary vein (26 cases); ② The two concomitant veins of deep inferior epigastric artery were anastomosed with the internal mammary vein respectively (151 cases); ③ The larger one of two concomitant veins of deep inferior epigastric artery was anastomosed with the internal mammary vein, and the other one was ligated and discarded (29 cases); ④ The two concomitant veins of deep inferior epigastric artery were Y-shaped, and the common trunk segment was directly anastomosed with the internal mammary vein (31 cases); ⑤ The smaller branch of the concomitant veins of Y-shaped structure was ligated, and the thicker branch was anastomosed with the internal mammary vein (17 cases); ⑥ The concomitant veins of Y-shaped structure were anastomosed with the internal mammary veins respectively (42 cases). Results Among the patients who underwent venous anastomosis according to scheme ④, 3 cases had venous crisis of flap after operation, of which 1 case was successfully rescued by emergency exploration; the other 2 cases had flap necrosis, of which 1 case survived after being repaired by pedicled latissimus dorsi flap, and 1 case closed the wound directly. Flaps with other venous anastomosis protocols survived completely. All 296 patients were followed up 12-70 months, with an average of 37.5 months. The reconstructed breast has good shape, good elasticity, and no skin flap contracture. The donor site of the flap only left linear scar, and the abdominal wall function was not affected. ConclusionThe method of direct anastomosis of concomitant veins of deep inferior epigastric artery with Y-shaped structure is relatively risky, and the vessels are prone to be twisted and compressed, leading to the occurrence of venous crisis. It can improve the safety of surgery if only one large vein is anastomosed or two veins are separated to anastomose respectively.
