Prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction with postmastectomy radiation therapy

Sarah M. Elswick, Christin A. Harless, Sarah N. Bishop, Cathy D. Schleck, Jay Mandrekar, Ryan D. Reusche, Robert W. Mutter, Judy C. Boughey, Steven R. Jacobson, Valerie Lemaine

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

38 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Two-stage subpectoral implant-based breast reconstruction is the most common method for breast reconstruction. Recent advances in surgical techniques and technology have made prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction feasible. There are limited data on outcomes after prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction and postmastectomy radiation therapy. Methods: A retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing immediate two-stage prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction with postmastectomy radiation therapy was performed. Outcomes of irradiated breasts were compared with nonirradiated breasts in bilateral cases. Results: Ninety-three cases of prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction in 54 women who underwent immediate two-stage reconstruction (39 bilateral and 15 unilateral) and unilateral postmastectomy radiation therapy were identified. Mean follow-up was 19 months from mastectomy and tissue expander reconstruction and 9 months from implant placement. Crude complication rates in irradiated versus nonirradiated sides were as follows: surgical-site infection, 18.5 percent versus 7.7 percent; seroma, 5.6 percent versus 5.1 percent; mastectomy skin flap necrosis, 1.9 percent versus 2.6 percent; wound dehiscence, 1.9 percent versus 7.7 percent; capsular contracture, 1.9 percent versus 0 percent; hematoma, 1.9 percent versus 2.6 percent; and extrusion, 1.9 percent versus 0 percent. On univariate analysis, there were no risk factors associated with any complication, including radiation therapy, surgical-site infection, unplanned readmissions, and unplanned return to the operating room. To date, reconstruction has been completed in 96 percent of patients, with successful implant-based breast reconstruction in 81 breasts (45 irradiated breasts and 36 nonirradiated breasts). Conclusions: Early data of prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction in patients with postmastectomy radiation therapy show promising results. Post-mastectomy radiation therapy should not be an absolute contraindication to prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1-12
Number of pages12
JournalPlastic and reconstructive surgery
Volume142
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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