Manrique, Oscar J.

Background: The incidence of lymphedema may be as high as 65% among breast cancer patients, varying according to the diagnostic method and locoregional treatment. Therefore, investigations of preventive methods are highly welcomed. Our goal was to conduct a systematic review of the literature about the use of axillary reverse mapping to prevent lymphedema during breast cancer treatment. We hypothesized that identification of arm-draining lymph nodes may decrease the incidence of lymphedema. Methods: On October 7, 2019, we conducted a systematic review of studies in PubMed, Cochrane Clinical Answers, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, without time frame or language limitations, on the use of axillary reverse mapping to prevent lymphedema during breast cancer treatment. We excluded articles that investigated other uses of lymphoscintigraphy, such as lymphedema diagnosis or treatment evaluation. Results: Of 104 potential articles found in the literature, 5 studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. A total of 501 patients were included. Reverse mapping was done with radiography or single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography. Moreover, the examination was applied with different treatments, such as axillary lymph node dissection or radiotherapy, allowing preservation of noncompromised lymph nodes. Axillary reverse mapping also had prognostic value and was used with sentinel lymph node biopsy to identify patients at higher risk for lymphedema. Only one study compared the incidence of lymphedema between patients who received standard care or reverse mapping, showing significant benefits of its use. Conclusions: Use of axillary reverse mapping to prevent lymphedema is feasible and seems to provide valuable information for breast cancer treatment. Future studies that compare reverse mapping and standard care are still necessary.

Background: Many insurance companies in the United States rely on the Schnur sliding scale to predict resection weights to determine medical necessity for breast reduction surgery. Accurate methods to predict resection weights are needed to avoid insurance denials. The authors compared the accuracy of formulas such as the Schnur, Appel, Descamps, and Galveston scales in predicting resection weights, and assessed whether they influence insurance coverage decision. Methods: A retrospective review of bilateral reduction mammaplasty procedures from June of 2017 to June of 2019 was performed at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester. Oncoplastic reduction operations were excluded. The accuracy of each formula-based estimate was evaluated with linear regression analysis. Results: One hundred fifty-four patients (308 breasts) were reviewed. The Schnur scale had low correlation with actual resection weight (r 2 = 0.381; b1 = 1.153; p < 0.001). The Appel scale was the most accurate (r 2 = 0.642; b1 = 1.01; p < 0.001), followed by the Descamps (r 2 = 0.572, b1 = 0.934, p < 0.001) and Galveston (r 2 = 0.672; b1 = 0.654; p < 0.001) scales. The Appel, Descamps, and Galveston scales were more accurate for resection weights of 500 g or greater, body mass index greater than 30 kg/m², and patients younger than 50 years. For resection weights of 500 g or greater, the median difference between the estimated and actual resection weight for the Schnur, Appel, Descamps, and Galveston scales was −211.4 ± 272.3, −17.5 ± 272.3, −9.6 ± 229.5, and −99.2 ± 238.5 g, respectively. No scale was accurate for resection weights less than 500 g. Insurance reimbursement was denied in 15.56 percent of patients; of these, 23 percent had resection weights less than 500 g. The Schnur scale overestimated the resection weights in 28.9 percent of patients. Conclusions: The Schnur scale is a poor predictor of breast resection weight. The Appel scale is the most accurate estimator, especially in the young and obese population with larger resections. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, I.

Abstract Background Postmastectomy breast reconstruction (PMR) increases patient satisfaction, quality of life, and psychosocial well-being. There is scarce data regarding the safety of PMR in chronic anticoagulated patients. Perioperative complications can reduce patient satisfaction; therefore, it is important to elucidate the safety of PMR in these patients. Methods A retrospective case–control study of patients who underwent PMR with implants and were on chronic anticoagulation was performed at our institution. Inclusion criteria were women ≥ 18 years old. Exclusion criteria included autologous reconstructions, lumpectomy, and oncoplastic procedures. Two controls for every one patient on anticoagulation were matched by age, body mass index, radiotherapy, smoking history, type of reconstruction, time of reconstruction, and laterality. Results From 2009 to 2020, 37 breasts (20 patients) underwent PMR with implant-based reconstruction and were on chronic anticoagulation. A total of 74 breasts (40 patients) who had similar demographic characteristics to the cases were defined as the control group. Mean age for the case group was 53.6 years (standard deviation [SD] = 16.1), mean body mass index was 28.6 kg/m2 (SD = 5.1), and 2.7% of breasts had radiotherapy before reconstruction and 5.4% after reconstruction. Nine patients were on long-term warfarin, six on apixaban, three on rivaroxaban, one on low-molecular-weight heparin, and one on dabigatran. The indications for anticoagulation were prior thromboembolic events in 50%. Anticoagulated patients had a higher risk of capsular contracture (10.8% vs. 0%, p = 0.005). There were no differences regarding incidence of hematoma (2.7% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.63), thromboembolism (5% vs. 0%, p = 0.16), reconstructive-related complications, or length of hospitalization (1.6 days [SD = 24.2] vs. 1.4 days [SD = 24.2], p = 0.85). Conclusion Postmastectomy implant-based breast reconstruction can be safely performed in patients on chronic anticoagulation with appropriate perioperative management of anticoagulation. This information can be useful for preoperative counseling on these patients.

Abstract Background Posttraumatic lymphedema develops more frequently than expected and reports on its management are scarce in the literature. We aimed to report the clinical outcomes of a case series of posttraumatic lymphedema patients treated with different vascularized lymph node transfers (VLNTs). Patients and Methods Five patients with secondary posttraumatic lower limb lymphedema treated with VLNT were included in this report. The groin-VLNT (n = 1), supraclavicular-VLNT (n = 2), and gastroepiploic-VLNT (n = 2) were implemented. The average flap area was 69.8 cm2. Patients underwent postoperative complex decompressive therapy for an average of 10.0 months. Results The average mean circumference reduction rate was 24.4% (range, 10.2–37.6%). Postsurgical reduction in the number of infection episodes per year was observed in all patients. The mean follow-up was 34.2 months. Conclusions VLNT is a promising surgical treatment for posttraumatic lymphedema patients. In our report, VLNT has demonstrated to reduce the volume and number of infections per year in posttraumatic lymphedema.

Background: Since its first description in 2012, the Goldilocks procedure has become an option for immediate breast reconstruction, particularly for obese patients who are poor candidates for traditional implant or autologous reconstruction. In this work, the authors performed a longitudinal study of patients who underwent mastectomy with Goldilocks reconstruction to assess the incidence of additional surgical procedures, and to assess surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction. Methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent mastectomy with the Goldilocks procedure only at Mayo Clinic Rochester between January of 2012 and September of 2019 was performed. Demographics, complications, additional breast procedures performed to attain the final results, and patient-reported outcomes using the BREAST-Q were recorded. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify statistical associations and risk factors. Results: Sixty-three patients (108 breasts) were included. Mean age was 57.8 years. Mean body mass index was 37.6 kg/m2. Median follow-up time after the mastectomy with the Goldilocks procedure was 15 months. The major complication rate within the first 30 days was 9.3 percent. Forty-four breasts (40.7 percent) underwent additional surgery. Dyslipidemia was significantly associated with an increased risk of additional surgery (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.00; p = 0.045). Scores in the four BREAST-Q domains were not statistically different between patients who had additional procedures and those who did not. Conclusions: Based on the results, the authors recommend a thorough preoperative discussion with patients who are candidates for the Goldilocks procedure to explore all options for reconstruction and their expectations, because it is crucial to reduce the necessity for additional operations in this high-risk population. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

AbstractBackground Abdominal wall vascularized composite allotransplantation (AW-VCA) is a novel reconstructive technique used for large abdominal wall defects in combination with intestinal transplantation (ITx) or multivisceral abdominal transplantation (MVTx). Since the introduction of this procedure, several studies have been published reporting their experience. This study aims to present a scoping review looking at all available evidence-based medicine information to understand the most current surgical techniques and clinical outcomes.Methods This scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews checklist. A comprehensive research strategy of several databases was conducted.Results A total of 31 studies were included in this review, which comprised animal, cadaveric, and human studies. In human studies, four surgical techniques with high flap survival rates and low complication rates were found. In cadaveric studies, it was shown that the use of iliofemoral cuff-based flaps provided adequate tissue perfusion to the abdominal wall graft. Also, the use of thoracolumbar nerves have been described to provide functionality to the AW-VCA and prevent long-term muscle atrophy.Conclusion AW-VCA is a safe and efficient alternative for patients with large and complex abdominal wall defects. The future holds a promising evolution of a functional AW-VCA, though surgeons must face and overcome the challenge of distorted anatomy frequently present in this population. Forthcoming studies with a better level of evidence are required to evaluate functionality and differences between surgical techniques.

Background: Obesity is a risk factor for complications in breast reconstruction. Thus, implant-based immediate breast reconstruction in obese women may be controversial. The authors analyzed obese patients who underwent skin-sparing mastectomy using Wise-pattern incisions (Goldilocks procedure) and compared outcomes between two groups: Goldilocks with immediate breast reconstruction and Goldilocks only. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of patients with a body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or higher who underwent the Goldilocks procedure at the Mayo Clinic Health System from 2012 to 2019. Data were extracted from electronic medical records. Minor complications (partial-thickness wound dehiscence or flap necrosis, or tissue expander/implant malposition) and major complications (full-thickness wound dehiscence or flap necrosis, capsular contracture, tissue expander/implant explantation, or unplanned reoperation or readmission) were compared between groups. Patient-reported outcomes using BREAST-Q questionnaires were also assessed. Results: One hundred five patients (181 breasts) were included. Mean ± SEM age and body mass index were 57.1 ± 10.4 years and 37.9 ± 5.8 kg/m2 for the Goldilocks-only group and 51.5 ± 1.1 years and 35.5 ± 0.4 kg/m2 for the Goldilocks with immediate breast reconstruction group, respectively. Median follow-up time was 15.1 months (interquartile range, 10.0 to 28.6 months). Overall, 96 breasts underwent the Goldilocks-only procedure and 85 Goldilocks with immediate breast reconstruction. Multivariable analyses revealed a higher rate of minor complications (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.83; 95 percent CI, 1.22 to 7.02) and major complications (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.26; 95 percent CI, 1.25 to 4.24) in the Goldilocks with immediate breast reconstruction group compared with the Goldilocks-only group, at any given time. Patient satisfaction was not statistically different between groups. Conclusions: The Goldilocks procedure is a feasible breast reconstructive option in obese patients; however, when it is performed with immediate breast reconstruction, it is associated with higher rates of complications. For patients with a body mass index of 40 kg/m2 or greater, the authors recommend the Goldilocks-only procedure or delayed reconstruction. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

AbstractBackground Studies reporting on the deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) free flap are restricted to a limited number of patients and areas of application. The aim of this review was to assess the reliability and versatility of the DCIA free flap during reconstruction.Methods A comprehensive review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines using PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, and SCOPUS. A critical analysis of pooled data was performed to assess outcomes employing the DCIA free flap.Results A total of 445 DCIA free flaps were included. The main recipient sites were head and neck (72.35%), lower extremity (20.67%), and upper extremity (6.74%). The main indications for reconstruction were tumor resection (73.8%) and trauma (17.43%). Fifty non-DCIA flaps were required to finalize the reconstruction of several defects. The pooled flap failure rate using the DCIA free flap was 4% (95% confidence interval: 1–8%). No significant heterogeneity was present across studies (Q statistic 22.12, p = 0.14; I 2 = 27.68%, p = 0.139). Complication rates for head and neck and limb reconstruction were 57.37 and 40.16%, respectively. The average length and surface area of bone flaps were 7.79 cm and 22.8 cm2, respectively. The area of the skin paddles was 117 cm2.Conclusion The DCIA free flap has shown to be a versatile reconstructive alternative for head and neck and short-medium size limb defects. However, the complexity of functions, the recipient site location, and a potential large defect can detract from the use of the DCIA free flap as an initial reconstructive option for head and neck and extensive limb defects.

Purpose : There is an unknown percentage of transgender and gender non-confirming individuals who undergo gender affirmation surgeries (GAS) that experiences regret. Regret could lead to physical and mental morbidity, also questioning the appropriateness of these procedures in selected patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of regret in transgender individuals who underwent GAS and evaluate associated factors. Methods : A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive research strategy was performed including the following databases: Ovid MEDLINE(R) and Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, and Daily, Ovid EMBASE, Ovid Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus. Random-effects meta-analysis of proportions, subgroup analysis, meta-regression, publication bias, and sensitivity analyses were performed. Results: A total of 27 studies, pooling 7,928 transgender patients that underwent any type of GAS were included in this review. The pooled prevalence of regret after GAS was 1% (95% Confidence interval [CI] <1-2%). Overall, 33% underwent transmasculine surgical procedures and 67% transfeminine procedures. The prevalence of regrets among patients undergoing transmasculine and transfeminine surgeries was <1% (IC<1-<1%) and 1% (CI<1-2%), respectively. A total of 77 patients regretted having had GAS. Of them, 28 had minor and 34 had major regrets based on Pfäfflin’s regret classification. The majority of these had “clear regret” based on Kuiper and Cohen Kettenis’ classification. Conclusion: Based on this review, there is an extremely low prevalence of regret in transgender patients after GAS. We believe this study corroborates the improvements made in regard to selection criteria for GAS. However, there is high subjectivity in the assessment of regret and lack of standardized questionnaires, which highlight the importance of developing validated questionnaires in this population.