Duc T. Bui

Free flap reexploration: Indications, treatment, and outcomes in 1193 free flaps

Background: Microvascular free tissue transfer is a reliable method for reconstruction of complex surgical defects. However, there is still a small risk of flap compromise necessitating urgent reexploration. A comprehensive study examining the causes and methods of avoiding or treating these complications has not been performed. The purpose of this study was to review the authors’ experience with a large number of microvascular complications over an 11-year period. Methods: This was a retrospective review of all free flaps performed from 1991 to 2002 at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. All patients who required emergent reexploration were identified, and the incidence of vascular complications and methods used for their management were analyzed. Results: A total of 1193 free flaps were performed during the study period, of which 6 percent required emergent reexploration. The most common causes for reexploration were pedicle thrombosis (53 percent) and hematoma/bleeding (30 percent). The overall flap survival rate was 98.8 percent. Venous thrombosis was more common than arterial thrombosis (74 versus 26 percent) and had a higher salvage rate (71 versus 40 percent). Salvaged free flaps were reexplored more quickly than failed flaps (4 versus 9 hours after detection; p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in salvage rate in flaps requiring secondary vein grafting or thrombolysis as compared with those with anastomotic revision only. Conclusions: Microvascular free tissue transfer is a reliable reconstructive technique with low failure rates. Careful monitoring and urgent reexploration are critical for salvage of compromised flaps. The majority of venous thromboses can be salvaged. Arterial thromboses can be more problematic. An algorithm for flap exploration and salvage is presented.

The effect of acellular dermal matrix use on complication rates in tissue expander/implant breast reconstruction.

Tissue expander/implant breast reconstructions by 5 surgeons at a single institution from 2005 to 2008 were retrospectively identified and divided into 2 cohorts: use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM, n = 75) versus standard submuscular placement (n = 52). The ADM group had a statistically significant higher rate of infection (28.9% vs. 12.0%, P = 0.022), reoperation (25.0% vs. 8.0%, P = 0.011), expander explantation (19.2% vs. 5.3%, P = 0.020), and overall complications (46.2% vs. 22.7%, P = 0.007). When stratifying by breast size, a higher complication rate was not observed with the use of ADM in breasts less than 600 g, whereas ADM use in breasts larger than 600 g was associated with a statistically significant higher rate of infection when controlling for the occurrence of skin necrosis. The ADM cohort had a significantly higher mean initial tissue expander fill volume (256 mL vs. 74 mL, P < 0.001) and a significantly higher mean initial tissue expander fill ratio (49% vs. 17%, P < 0.001). Further work is needed to define the ideal patient population for ADM use in tissue expander/implant breast reconstruction.

Intraoperative perfusion techniques can accurately predict mastectomy skin flap necrosis in breast reconstruction: results of a prospective trial.

Background: Intraoperative vascular imaging can assist assessment of mastectomy skin flap perfusion to predict areas of necrosis. No head-to-head study has compared modalities such as laser-assisted indocyanine green dye angiography and fluorescein dye angiography with clinical assessment. Methods: The authors conducted a prospective clinical trial of tissue expander–implant breast reconstruction with intraoperative evaluation of mastectomy skin flaps by clinical assessment, laser-assisted indocyanine green dye angiography, and fluorescein dye angiography. Intraoperatively predicted regions of necrosis were photographically documented, and clinical assessment guided excision. Postoperative necrosis was directly compared with each prediction. The primary outcome was all-inclusive skin necrosis. Results: Fifty-one tissue expander–implant breast reconstructions (32 patients) were completed, with 21 cases of all-inclusive necrosis (41.2 percent). Laser-assisted indocyanine green dye angiography and fluorescein dye angiography correctly predicted necrosis in 19 of 21 of cases where clinical judgment had failed. Only six of 21 cases were full-thickness necrosis, and five of 21 required an intervention (9.8 percent). Risk factors such as smoking, obesity, and breast weight greater than 1000 g were statistically significant. Laser-assisted indocyanine green dye angiography and fluorescein dye angiography overpredicted areas of necrosis by 72 percent and 88 percent (p = 0.002). Quantitative analysis for laser-assisted indocyanine green dye angiography in necrotic regions showed absolute perfusion units less than 3.7, with 90 percent sensitivity and 100 percent specificity. Conclusions: Laser-assisted indocyanine green dye angiography is a better predictor of mastectomy skin flap necrosis than fluorescein dye angiography and clinical judgment. Both methods overpredict without quantitative analysis. Laser-assisted indocyanine green dye angiography is more specific and correlates better with the criterion standard diagnosis of necrosis. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, I.

Complications in smokers after postmastectomy tissue expander/implant breast reconstruction

Smoking is universally considered to be a risk factor for surgical complications. The incidence of complications following tissue expander/implant breast reconstruction in patients who smoke has not been previously evaluated. A review of complications following tissue expander/implant reconstruction in 515 patients was performed. Patients who had 2-stage, tissue expander/implant reconstruction at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center between May 2002 and December 2003 were included. Complications in smokers (n = 132) and nonsmokers (n = 383) were compared. The rate of overall complications, reconstructive failure, mastectomy flap necrosis, and infectious complications was significantly higher in smokers compared with nonsmokers. The rate of complications in ex-smokers was also higher than in nonsmokers. Using multivariate statistical analysis to adjust for confounding variables, smoking was identified as independent predictor of postoperative complications. A significant association between smoking status and postoperative complications exists. Thus, smokers who undergo postmastectomy expander/implant reconstruction should be informed of the increased risk of surgical complications and should be counseled on smoking cessation.

Anterior and middle cranial fossa skull base reconstruction using microvascular free tissue techniques: surgical complications and functional outcomes.

Surgical ablation for oncologic disease requiring skull base resection can result in both facial disfigurement and a complex wound defect with exposed orbital content, oral cavity, bone, and dural lining. Inadequate reconstruction can result in brain abscesses, meningitis, osteomyelitis, visual disturbances, speech impairment, and altered oral intake. This study assesses the functional outcomes of patients who undergo anterior and middle cranial fossa skull base reconstruction using microsurgical free tissue transfer techniques. Using a prospectively maintained database, a 10-year, single institution retrospective chart review was performed on patients who had surgery for anterior and middle cranial base tumor resections. The type of resection, reconstruction method, complication rate, and functional outcomes were reviewed. From 1992 to 2003, 70 patients (49 men, 21 women) with a mean age of 54 (age 6–78) underwent anterior and middle cranial skull base tumor resection and reconstruction. The patients were divided into the following groups: maxillectomy with orbital content preservation (n = 21), orbitomaxillectomy with palatal preservation (n = 26), and orbitomaxillectomy with palatal resection (n = 23). The average length of hospital stay was 12.6 days. The vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap was used in the majority of cases to correct midface defects. Two flaps required emergent re-exploration; however, there were no flap failures. Early and late postoperative complications were investigated. Cerebrospinal fluid was observed infrequently (7%) and did not require additional surgical intervention. Intracranial abscesses were encountered rarely (1.4%). Patients who had maxillectomy with orbital preservation and reconstruction had minor ophthalmologic eyelid changes that occurred frequently. Patients who required palatal reconstruction had a normal or intelligible speech (93%) and unrestricted or soft diet (88%). Using a multidisciplinary surgical team approach, there is an increasing role for reconstruction of complex oncologic midface resection defects using microvascular surgical techniques. Early/late complications and functional problems after anterior cranial base resections are uncommon when free tissue transfer is used concomitantly.

Current practice among plastic surgeons of antibiotic prophylaxis and closed-suction drains in breast reconstruction: experience, evidence, and implications for postoperative care.

Background:Despite their widespread use, there are no evidence-based guidelines on the management of closed-suction drains or antibiotics in postmastectomy breast reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to assess consensus and variation in postoperative care among plastic surgeons. Methods:The authors designed and administered a self-reported, anonymous survey to 4669 American Society of Plastic Surgeons and Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons members in October 2009. Results:A total of 650 completed surveys were available for analysis. A majority (>81%) of respondents reported using closed-suction drains in breast reconstruction. Most surgeons (>93%) used a volume criteria for drain removal, most commonly when drain output was ≤30 mL over 24 hours (>86%). Preoperative antibiotic use was nearly universal (98%), usually consisting of intravenous cefazolin (97%). Postoperative care demonstrated less uniformity with outpatient antibiotics administered by 72% of respondents. Surgeons were divided on when to discontinue outpatient antibiotics: 46% preferred concomitant discontinuation with drains, whereas 52% preferred a specific postoperative day. No clear consensus was observed for the number (1 or 2) or type (Jackson-Pratt or Blake) of drains used. Respondents were further divided on the restriction of postoperative showering with drains and the use of acellular dermal matrix. Conclusions:These results demonstrate a consensus for drain use, drain removal, and preoperative antibiotic administration. There was no consensus for number or type of drain used, postoperative antibiotic use, shower restrictions, and use of acellular dermal matrix. Our results further emphasize the need for evidence-based postoperative-care guidelines specific to breast reconstruction.

A systematic review of antibiotic use and infection in breast reconstruction: what is the evidence?

Background: The literature reports overall complication rates in breast reconstruction to be as high as 60 percent. Infection rates can exceed 20 percent, much higher than anticipated in clean elective surgery. There is no consensus among surgeons regarding the necessary duration of antibiotic prophylaxis, although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines suggest only 24 hours. This systematic review examines antibiotic regimens and associated infection rates in breast reconstruction. Methods: Systematic electronic searches were performed in the PubMed, Ovid, and Cochrane databases using Medical Subject Headings terms for studies reporting antibiotic use and infection in all forms of breast reconstruction. Studies between 1970 and 2011 were reviewed. Included publications were required to report an antibiotic protocol and infection rate. Results: A total of 834 abstracts were identified, 81 of which met inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The overall reported infection rates in the included studies varied between 0 and 29 percent (average, 5.8 percent). When comparing combined patient cohorts receiving no antibiotics, less than 24 hours, and greater than 24 hours, the average infection rates were 14.4, 5.8, and 5.8 percent, respectively. Conclusions: There is no consensus on the necessary duration of antibiotic prophylaxis following breast reconstruction. No benefit was found in patients who received more than 24 hours of postoperative antibiotics. Standardized definitions for antibiotic regimens, unit of analysis reporting, and a new breast reconstruction surgical-site infection grading system are offered to improve standardized outcome documentation. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to best determine an optimal antibiotic regimen. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Nipple-areola reconstruction following chest-wall irradiation for breast cancer: is it safe?

Radiation therapy (RT) is considered by some to be a contraindication to nipple-areola reconstruction (NAR) particularly in patients with breast implant reconstruction. In this retrospective chart review, all patients who underwent breast reconstruction with tissue expanders and implants from 1997–2003 were reviewed. A subset of patients with a history of radiation therapy (pre- or postoperative) was identified. Postoperative complications, surgical technique, and the time course of reconstructive procedures were analyzed. Thirteen percent of patients with a history of RT had NAR compared with 36% of similarly reconstructed patients without a history of RT. Reconstruction was accomplished using a variety of local flaps, with an overall complication rate of 25%. Nipple-areola reconstruction after chest-wall irradiation in patients reconstructed with breast implants should be performed in carefully selected patients. Acceptable surgical candidates demonstrate resolution of acute radiation changes, no evidence of late radiation changes, and appropriate thickness of the mastectomy skin flaps.

Outcome of split-thickness skin grafts after external beam radiotherapy.

Abstract:There are many technical considerations in patients who require radiotherapy after oncologic reconstruction. A traditional tenet is to avoid skin grafts in this setting. However, this is not always avoidable. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the wound healing and functional outcome of patients in the authors’ institution whose skin grafts were subsequently irradiated. A retrospective analysis of all patients treated with split-thickness skin grafts and postoperative radiotherapy at Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center from 1995 to 2002 was performed. Parameters evaluated included indications for skin graft, defect size, time to postoperative radiotherapy, total radiotherapy dose, delays and interruptions in radiotherapy, wound complications, and the need for further skin grafting. There were 30 patients (23 men, 7 women) with a mean defect size of 152 ± 132 cm2. All split-thickness skin grafts were placed on healthy vascular tissue beds. In most instances (67%) skin grafts were used to cover muscle flaps. Median time to initial radiotherapy after grafting was 8 weeks (range, 4–60 weeks). There was 1 delay and 4 interruptions in radiotherapy treatment. There were 2 partial skin graft losses (<20%) after radiation that healed with conservative treatment. There was 1 complete skin graft loss after radiotherapy that required regrafting. Split-thickness skin grafts can tolerate postoperative radiotherapy without significant complications. Postoperative external beam radiation can begin as early as 6 to 8 weeks after skin grafting. If the requirement for postoperative radiotherapy is known, split-thickness grafts should ideally be placed on well-vascularized muscle beds. Minor skin graft loss resulting from postoperative radiotherapy can usually be treated conservatively without the need for additional surgery.

Modeling fade patterns of nipple areola complex tattoos following breast reconstruction.

BackgroundNipple-areolar complex (NAC) tattoos are an effective cosmetic solution for creating a finished look following breast reconstruction procedures. NAC tattoos are prone to significant fading, leading patients to seek revisions. This study was designed to quantify changes in NAC tattoo appearance over time. MethodsA total of 71 images of 39 patients were analyzed for NAC tattoo color and shape by 5 blinded medical student graders using a customized scoring system. Subsequently, each image was analyzed using ColorPic software (Iconico, New York, NY). Red/green/blue and hue/saturation/value color parameters were collected. Color quantities were normalized to the individual patient’s skin tone to control for variability in lighting. Spearman correlations and nonlinear regressions were calculated utilizing GraphPad Prism 6.0 (GraphPad, La Jolla, CA). ResultsThe length of time after tattoo placement inversely correlated with color score (P < 0.0001) and shape score (P = 0.0007). The time following tattoo placement was also inversely correlated with all quantitative color parameters. Each color parameter fit a 1-phase exponential decay model. ConclusionsThe decline in qualitative color and shape score agrees with clinical experience of tattoo quality declining over time. The color qualities of the tattoo approach those of the patient’s skin over time, ultimately reaching a plateau. This can be modeled using a 1-phase decay equation. In practice, tattoo colors may be selected that compensate for the predictable changes that will occur. The results of this study will help optimize tattoo color and may alleviate the need for NAC tattoo revisions.