• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제45권6호
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• pp.542-549
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• 2018

Background Despite the increasing popularity of prosthetic breast reconstruction, scant data exist on the microbiological profile of drainage fluid from closed-suction drains and the relationship thereof to surgical-site infections (SSIs) in breast reconstruction surgery. This study aimed to determine whether bacteria isolated from drainage fluid were associated with the development of SSIs, and whether the bacterial profile of drainage fluid could be a clinically useful predictor of SSIs. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of 61 women who underwent tissue expander/implant or direct-to-implant reconstructions. Patient demographics and culture studies of drainage fluid from suction drains collected on postoperative day 7 were evaluated. Results Sixteen patients (26.23%) were culture-positive, and 45 patients (73.77%) were culture-negative. The most frequently isolated bacteria were coagulase-negative staphylococci, followed by Staphylococcus aureus. SSIs were diagnosed in seven patients and were mostly resolved by systemic antibiotics; however, the tissue expander or implant was explanted in two patients. Positive culture of drainage fluid from closed-suction drains was significantly associated with the development of SSIs (P<0.05). The positive predictive value was 37.50%, and the negative predictive value was 97.78%. Conclusions To our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate a significant association between the microbiological profile of drainage fluid from closed-suction drains and the development of SSIs in patients with prosthetic breast reconstructions. The high negative predictive value suggests that microbial testing of drainage fluid from closed-suction drains may have clinical utility. Further prospective studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm our findings.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제45권4호
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• pp.333-339
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• 2018

Background Flap volume is an important factor for obtaining satisfactory symmetry in breast reconstruction with a transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) free flap. We aimed to develop an easy and simple method to estimate flap volume. Methods We performed a preoperative estimation of the TRAM flap volume in five patients with breast cancer who underwent 2-stage breast reconstruction following an immediate tissue expander operation after a simple mastectomy. We measured the height and width of each flap zone using a ruler and measured the tissue thickness by ultrasound. The volume of each zone, approximated as a triangular or square prism, was then calculated. The zone volumes were summed to obtain the total calculated volume of the TRAM flap. We then determined the width of zone II, so that the calculated flap volume was equal to the required flap volume ($1.2{\times}1.05{\times}$the weight of the resected mastectomy tissue). The TRAM flap was transferred vertically so that zone III was located on the upper side, and zone II was trimmed in the sitting position after vascular anastomosis. We compared the estimated flap width of zone II (=X) with the actual flap width of zone II. Results X was similar to the actual measured width. Accurate volume replacement with the TRAM flap resulted in good symmetry in all cases. Conclusions The volume of a free TRAM flap can be straightforwardly estimated preoperatively using the method presented here, with ultrasound, ruler, and simple calculations, and this technique may help reduced the time required for precise flap tailoring.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제47권2호
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• pp.140-145
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• 2020

Background Capsular contracture is a common complication of two-stage expander/implant breast reconstruction. To minimize the risk of this complication, capsulectomy is performed using monopolar cautery or ultrasonic surgical instrumentation, the latter of which can be conducted with a Harmonic scalpel. To date, there is disagreement regarding which of the two methods is superior. The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative outcomes between a group of patients who underwent surgery using a Harmonic scalpel and another group treated with monopolar cautery. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients who underwent capsulectomy as part of two-stage breast reconstruction between January 2018 and February 2019 and who received at least 1 month of follow-up after surgery. Operative time and postoperative outcomes, including drainage duration, were analyzed. Results In total, 36 female patients underwent capsulectomy. The monopolar group consisted of 18 patients and 22 breasts, while the Harmonic scalpel group consisted of 18 patients and 21 breasts. There was no statistically significant difference in demographics between the two groups. The Harmonic scalpel group had a significantly shorter mean drainage duration (6.65 days vs. 7.36 days) and a smaller mean total drainage volume (334.69 mL vs. 433.54 mL) than the monopolar cautery group (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed with regard to seroma or hematoma formation. Conclusions The Harmonic scalpel approach for capsulectomy reduced the total drainage volume and drainage duration compared to the monopolar cautery approach. Therefore, this approach could serve as a good alternative to electrocautery.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제49권5호
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• pp.580-586
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• 2022

Background Appropriate position of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) is crucial following nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM). The prevention of NAC malposition in two-stage implant-based breast reconstruction has not been well described, and the efficacy of the techniques has not been evaluated. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of our technique to prevent NAC malposition in patients who underwent implant-based breast reconstruction after NSM. Methods Patients who underwent two-stage implant-based breast reconstruction with NSM between January 2012 and December 2019 were included. We used a surgical technique to fix the NAC to the rigid base, assuming a pocket-like appearance, with pectoralis major muscle and lateral adipofascial flap at the time of tissue expander (TE) insertion. Patients were classified into two groups based on the performance of the technique for the prevention of NAC malposition. Results In 35 patients who underwent implant-based breast reconstruction after NSM, the clavicle-to-nipple distance ratio was 96.0±5.0% in those who underwent NAC fixation and 86.1±11.5% in those who did not undergo NAC fixation. Conclusions Using our technique, NAC malposition could be prevented in two-stage implant-based breast reconstruction. NAC fixation during TE insertion was found to be extremely effective. This procedure successfully prevented NAC malposition without the formation of extra scars.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제42권2호
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• pp.194-200
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• 2015

Background Surgical site infections (SSIs) result in significant patient morbidity following immediate tissue expander breast reconstruction (ITEBR). This study determined a single institution's 30-day SSI rate and benchmarked it against that among national institutions participating in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP). Methods Women who underwent ITEBR with/without acellular dermal matrix (ADM) were identified using the ACS-NSQIP database between 2005 and 2011. Patient characteristics associated with the 30-day SSI rate were determined, and differences in rates between our institution and the national database were assessed. Results 12,163 patients underwent ITEBR, including 263 at our institution. SSIs occurred in 416 (3.4%) patients nationwide excluding our institution, with lower rates observed at our institution (1.9%). Nationwide, SSIs were significantly more common in ITEBR patients with ADM (4.5%) compared to non-ADM patients (3.2%, P=0.005), and this trend was observed at our institution (2.1% vs. 1.6%, P=1.00). A multivariable analysis of all institutions identified age ${\geq}50$ years (odds ratio [OR], 1.4; confidence interval [CI], 1.1-1.7), body mass index ${\geq}30kg/m^2$ vs. < $25kg/m^2$ (OR, 3.4; CI, 2.6-4.5), and operative time >4.25 hours (OR, 1.9; CI, 1.5-2.4) as risk factors for SSIs. Our institutional SSI rate was lower than the nationwide rate (OR, 0.4; CI, 0.2-1.1), although this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.07). Conclusions The 30-day SSI rate at our institution in patients who underwent ITEBR was lower than the nation. SSIs occurred more frequently in procedures involving ADM both nationally and at our institution.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제36권6호
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• pp.755-760
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• 2009

Purpose: Breast surgeons usually insert tissue expander or implant beneath the subpectoral - subglandular dual plane in breast reconstruction. But sometimes it happens unsatisfactory lower pole fullness, asymmetric inframammary fold and breast shape because there is implant migration due to the pectoralis major muscle contraction and gravity. To solve all the problem like these, we introduce implant breast reconstruction using AlloDerm$^{(R)}$(LifeCell Corp., Branchburg, N.J.) sling. Methods: The AlloDerm$^{(R)}$ sling was used in 13 patients and 18 breasts for implant breast reconstruction. After mastectomy, costal and lower sternal insertion of pectoralis major muscle was detached. Rehydrated AlloDerm$^{(R)}$ was sutured to the chest wall and serratus anterior fascia at the level of inframammary fold downward and to lower border of the pectoralis major muscle upward like crescent shape with tension free technique after implant insertion into the subpectoral - subAlloDerm dual pocket. Results: We make satisfactory lower pole fullness, symmetric inframammary fold and breast shape. In conclusion, patients obtain relatively natural breast shape. There was no complication except one case of capsular contracture and one case of breast cellulitis. Conclusion: Implant breast reconstruction using AlloDerm$^{(R)}$ sling makes easy to get natural breast shape through satisfactory lower pole fullness, symmetric inframammary fold and implant positioning.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제45권5호
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• pp.432-440
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• 2018

Background Adjuvant therapy after breast surgery, including tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors, improves the postoperative outcomes and long-term survival of breast cancer patients. The aim of this study was to determine whether volume changes occurred in the contralateral breast during hormonal or other adjuvant therapies. Methods This study reviewed 90 patients who underwent unilateral breast reconstruction between September 2012 and April 2018 using tissue expanders and a permanent implant after the surgical removal of breast cancer. The volume of the contralateral breast was measured using a cast before the first (tissue expander insertion) and second (permanent implant change) stages of surgery. Changes in breast volume were evaluated to determine whether adjuvant therapy such as hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy influenced the volume of the contralateral breast. Results The group receiving tamoxifen therapy demonstrated a significant decrease in volume compared with the group without tamoxifen (-7.8% vs. 1.0%; P=0.028). The aromatase inhibitor-treated group showed a significant increase in volume compared with those who did not receive therapy (-6.2% vs. 4.5%; P=0.023). There were no significant differences between groups treated with other hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Conclusions Patients who received tamoxifen therapy showed a significant decrease in volume in the contralateral breast, while no significant change in weight or body mass index was found. Our findings suggest that we should choose smaller implants for premenopausal patients, who have a high likelihood of receiving tamoxifen therapy.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제47권2호
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• pp.118-125
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• 2020

Since April 2015, post-mastectomy breast reconstruction has been covered by the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). The frequency of these procedures has increased very rapidly. We analyzed data obtained from the Big Data Hub of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) and determined annual changes in the number of breast reconstruction procedures and related trends in Korea. We evaluated the numbers of mastectomy and breast reconstruction procedures performed between April 2015 and December 2018 using data from the HIRA Big Data Hub. We determined annual changes in the numbers of total, autologous, and implant breast reconstructions after NHIS coverage commenced. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. The post-mastectomy breast reconstruction rate increased from 19.4% in 2015 to 53.4% in 2018. In 2015, implant reconstruction was performed in 1,366 cases and autologous reconstruction in 905 (60.1% and 39.8%, respectively); these figures increased to 3,703 and 1,570 (70.2% and 29.7%, respectively) in 2018. Free tissue transfer and deep inferior epigastric perforator flap creation were the most common autologous reconstruction procedures. For implant-based reconstructions, the rates of directto-implant and tissue-expander breast reconstructions (first stage) were similar in 2018. This study summarizes breast reconstruction trends in Korea after NHIS coverage was expanded in 2015. A significant increase over time in the post-mastectomy breast reconstruction rate was evident, with a trend toward implant-based reconstruction. Analysis of data from the HIRA Big Data Hub can be used to predict breast reconstruction trends and convey precise information to patients and physicians.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제41권3호
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• pp.264-270
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• 2014

Background The technique of delayed-immediate breast reconstruction includes immediate insertion of a tissue expander, post-mastectomy radiation, followed by reconstruction. The aesthetic benefits of delayed-immediate reconstruction compared to delayed reconstruction are postulated but remain unproven. The purpose of this study was to compare aesthetic outcomes in patients following delayed and delayed-immediate autologous breast reconstruction. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients who underwent delayed or delayed-immediate autologous breast reconstruction by the senior author from 2005 to 2011. Postoperative photographs were used to evaluate aesthetic outcomes: skin quality, scar formation, superior pole contour, inferior pole contour, and overall aesthetic outcome. Ten non-biased reviewers assessed outcomes using a 5-point Likert scale. Fisher's Exact and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests were used for comparative analysis. Results Patient age and body mass index were similar between delayed (n=20) and delayed-immediate (n=20) cohorts (P>0.05). Skin and scar quality was rated significantly higher in the delayed-immediate cohort (3.74 vs. 3.05, P<0.001 and 3.41 vs. 2.79, P<0.001; respectively). Assessment of contour-related parameters, superior pole and inferior pole, found significantly improved outcomes in the delayed-immediate cohort (3.67 vs. 2.96, P<0.001 and 3.84 vs. 3.06, P<0.001; respectively). Delayed-immediate breast reconstruction had a significantly higher overall score compared to delayed breast reconstructions (3.84 vs. 2.94, P<0.001). Smoking and the time interval from radiation to reconstruction were found to affect aesthetic outcomes (P<0.05). Conclusions Preservation of native mastectomy skin may allow for improved skin/scar quality, breast contour, and overall aesthetic outcomes following a delayed-immediate reconstructive algorithm as compared to delayed breast reconstruction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제38권5호
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• pp.703-706
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• 2011

Purpose: Augmentation mammoplasty by cohesive silicone gel implant is becoming more popular nowadays. Many types of complications have been reported, such as hematoma, seroma, infection, capsular contracture and etc. But there were no report of deep vein thrombosis(DVT) after augmentation mammoplasty in Korea. The authors experienced one case of DVT after augmentation mammoplasty using a cohesive silicone gel implant. Methods: A 38-year-old woman with breast cancer underwent reconstruction by tissue expander and augmentation mammoplasty by cohesive silicone gel implant, and exchange of expander to cohesive silicone gel implant. The operation was finished without any complicating event. On 4th day after the operation, the patient complained of intermittent right lower leg pain. By doppler ultrasonography, the patient was diagnosed with acute venous thrombosis of the popliteal vein, posterior tibial vein and peroneal vein. Results: Intravenous heparinization and oral warfarin were started immediately and elastic compression stocking was applied. Intravenous heparinization was continued until INR (blood coagulation unit) reached to target levels. The patient was discharged on 11th day of operation with oral warfarin. Other complication has not been reported after 10 weeks of operation. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first report of DVT after silicone implant based breast augmentation.