Shrout, Max A.

Abstract Background A chimerically configured gracilis and profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap is highly prevalent based on recent computed tomography (CT)-imaging data. The purpose of this study is to further characterize the vascular anatomy of this novel flap configuration and determine the feasibility of flap dissection. Methods To characterize flap arterial anatomy, lower extremity CT angiograms performed from 2011 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. To characterize venous anatomy and determine the feasibility of flap harvest, the lower extremities of cadavers were evaluated. Results A total of 974 lower extremity CT angiograms and 32 cadavers were included for the assessment. Of the 974 CT angiograms, majority (966, 99%) were bilateral studies, yielding a total of 1,940 lower extremities (right-lower-extremity = 970 and left-lower-extremity = 970) for radiographic evaluation. On CT angiography, a chimerically configured gracilis and PAP flap was found in 51% of patients (n = 494/974). By laterality, chimeric anatomy was present in 26% of right lower extremities (n = 254/970) and 25% of left lower extremities (n = 240/970); bilateral chimeric anatomy was found in 12% (n = 112/966) of patients. Average length of the common arterial pedicle feeding both gracilis and PAP flap perforasomes was 31.1 ± 16.5 mm (range = 2.0–95.0 mm) with an average diameter of 2.8 ± 0.7 mm (range = 1.3–8.8 mm).A total of 15 cadavers exhibited chimeric anatomy with intact, conjoined arteries and veins allowing for anatomical tracing from the profunda femoris to the distal branches within the tissues of the medial thigh. Dissection and isolation of the common pedicle and distal vessels was feasible with minimal disruption of adjacent tissues. Chimeric flap venous anatomy was favorable, with vena commitante adjacent to the common pedicle in all specimens. Conclusion Dissection of a chimeric medial thigh flap consisting of both gracilis and PAP flap tissues is feasible in a cadaveric model. The vascular anatomy of this potential flap appears suitable for future utilization in a clinical setting.

Introduction Autologous fat grafting (AFG) is a popular and effective method of breast reconstruction after mastectomy; however, the oncological safety of AFG remains in question. The aim of this study was to determine whether AFG increases the risk of cancer recurrence in the reconstructed breast. Methods A matched, case-control study was conducted from 2000 to 2017 at the senior author's institution. Inclusion was limited to female patients who underwent mastectomy and breast reconstruction with or without AFG. Data were further subdivided at the breast level. χ2 analyses were used to test the association between AFG status and oncologic recurrence. A Cox proportional-hazards model was constructed to assess for possible differences in time to oncologic recurrence. The probability of recurrence was determined by Kaplan-Meier analyses and confirmed with log-rank testing. Results Overall, 428 breasts met study criteria. Of those, 116 breasts (27.1%) received AFG, whereas 312 (72.9%) did not. No differences in the rates of oncologic recurrence were found between the groups (8.2% vs 9.0%, P < 1.000). Unadjusted (hazard ratio = 1.03, confidence interval = 0.41–2.60, P < 0.957) and adjusted hazard models showed no statistically significant increase in time to oncologic recurrence when comparing AFG to non-AFG. In addition, no statistical differences in disease-free survival were found (P = 0.96 by log rank test). Conclusion Autologous fat grafting for breast reconstruction is oncologically safe and does not increase the likelihood of oncologic recurrence. Larger studies (eg, meta analyses) with longer follow-up are needed to further elucidate the long-term safety of AFG as a reconstructive adjunct.

Background Health care disparities in Appalachia are well documented. However, no previous studies have examined possible differences in the utilization of breast reconstruction (BR) in Appalachia. This study aims to determine if a disparity in BR utilization exists in women from Appalachia Kentucky. Methods A retrospective, population-based cohort study was conducted from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2015. The Kentucky Cancer Registry was queried to identify population-level data for female patients diagnosed with breast cancer and treated with mastectomy. A multivariate logistic regression model controlling for patient, disease, and treatment characteristics was constructed to predict the likelihood of BR. Results Bivariate testing showed differences (P < 0.0001) in BR utilization between Appalachian and non-Appalachian women in Kentucky (15.0% and 26.3%, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that women from Appalachia (odds ratio, 0.54; confidence interval (95), 0.48–0.61; P < 0.0001) were less likely to undergo BR than non-Appalachian women. Interestingly, the rate of BR increased over time in both Appalachian (r = 0.115; P < 0.0001) and non-Appalachian women (r = 0.148; P < 0.0001). Conclusions Despite the benefits of BR, women from Appalachia undergo BR at lower rates and are less likely to receive BR than non-Appalachian Kentuckians. Although the rates of BR increased over time in both populations, access to comprehensive breast cancer care remains a challenge for women from Kentucky's Appalachian region.