Vijayasekaran, Aparna

Abstract Objective To evaluate the clinical value of breast MRI in radiation-associated angiosarcoma of the breast (RAASB) for assessing disease extent at diagnosis and after neoadjuvant therapy compared with clinical examination and surgical pathology. Methods This IRB-approved retrospective study included 25 patients with breast MRIs between1995 and 2020. MRI estimated disease extent was compared to clinical exam and surgical pathology. MRI findings were evaluated for additional disease and impact on clinical management. Agreement between MRI and clinical assessment of disease was evaluated using Cohen’s kappa statistic. Results Baseline MRI demonstrated moderate agreement with clinical disease extent (Cohen’s κ = 0.44; 95% CI, 0.14-0.75). Thirteen of 24 (54%) of MRIs reflected clinical exam, 4/24 (17%) MRIs underestimated disease, and 5/24 (21%) MRIs overestimated disease. Baseline MRI changed surgical management in 4/24 (17%). In 8 patients who proceeded directly to surgery, MRI reflected pathology in 6/8 (75%). In 10 patients with post-neoadjuvant MRI, 4/10 (40%) pathology and MRI extent were similar, 5/10 (50%) MRI overestimated disease, and 1/10 (10%) MRI underestimated disease. Conclusion MRI has clinical value in assessing RAASB with the potential for significantly altering surgical management. In this small cohort, post-neoadjuvant MRI demonstrated limited additional clinical value. Larger studies are needed to define the optimal role and timing of post-neoadjuvant MRI. Advances in knowledge Baseline MRI detected additional disease not identified on initial clinical exam in 5/24 (21%) and changed surgical management in 4/24 (17%). Although baseline MRI demonstrated moderate agreement with clinical examination, post-neoadjuvant MRI frequently overestimated residual disease when compared with final pathology.

Abstract While the launch of the da Vinci Surgical System catalyzed the expansion of robotic surgery across disciplines, adoption in plastic surgery remains modest. To explore this disconnect, this study surveys plastic surgeons to gauge interest, utilization, and perceived barriers to robotic surgery adoption. A 15-question survey on training, access, interest, and barriers to robotic procedures was developed on Qualtrics and distributed via email to members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) in May 2024. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize responses. About 123 responses were collected among 3,512 survey recipients. Among respondents, 84.6% reported having access to a surgical robot; however, only 13.8% had training on robotic systems during residency, and only 12.2% utilized the technology for plastic surgery procedures. Interest in robotics was noted among 47.9% of respondents, particularly for deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap procedures (65.5%), rectus/Vertical Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous (VRAM) flap (58.2%), and hernia repairs (27.3%). Key barriers to adoption included training requirements (63.9%), lack of demand (60.2%), increased operative time (54.6%), and financial concerns (26.9%). Additional obstacles cited were credentialing difficulties and skepticism about the necessity of robotics in plastic surgery. The present survey identified inadequate training, high costs, and limited demand as key barriers to the adoption of robotics in plastic surgery, reflecting the current lack of robotic integration into residency curricula, as well as the substantial investment and maintenance costs associated with robotic systems. Nevertheless, the strong interest in robotics highlights the need for expanded training programs, promotion of clinical benefits, and research quantifying potential downstream savings to overcome these barriers.

Abstract Background In 2019, the US performed 290,000 breast reconstructions with an estimated infection rate of 3-35%. Tissue expander infections detract from desired aesthetic effects, delay adjuvant treatments, increase morbidity and mortality, and have high recurrence rates (20-40%). Little is known about risk factors for recurrent tissue expander infections, particularly the impacts of different treatment modalities. Methods We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study of adult women post-mastectomy who developed microbiologically-proven tissue expander infection between the period of 2017 – 2024. Outcomes including 12-month infection recurrence and risk factors for recurrence were compared between surgical versus nonoperative groups, as well as between three surgical strategies (i.e., one-stage, two-stage, explantation). Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between the treatment modalities and the outcomes. Univariate models assessed the relationship between the covariates of interest and infection recurrence. Results 107 patients were included, with the majority treated with combination of antibiotics and surgical therapy (Table 1). There was no significant difference in outcomes when the operative versus antibiotics alone cohorts were compared (Table 2). The odds of infection recurrence and rehospitalization in patients who underwent two-staged exchange or explantation were significantly lower when compared with the one-staged group (Table 3). Univariate modeling found severity and radiation therapy to be numerically more common in the group experiencing recurrence, with a trend towards statistical significance (Table 4). Conclusion Our study demonstrates reduced risk of recurrent tissue expander infection with two-staged exchange or explantation, compared to one-staged exchange. Though limited by small sample size, the strengths of our study include our presentation of the real-world variability of these syndromes and their management, adjustment for infection severity and other potential confounders; and the focus on microbiologically-defined infections. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

ABSTRACT The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap remains the preferred flap option for autologous breast reconstruction following mastectomy. This case report presents the novel use of the cephalic vein (CV) as an interposition graft to alleviate venous congestion in a patient undergoing DIEP flap reconstruction. A 42‐year‐old woman experienced venous congestion following her initial autologous reconstruction, attributed to thrombus formation from kinking of the vascular pedicle. Despite initial attempts to resolve the congestion, the condition persisted. Since the flap was based on a single perforator, we decided to attempt a CV turndown. The CV was noted to be attenuated and not feasible for use in turndown; therefore, venous salvage was completed by using the CV as an interposition graft to bypass the affected flap vena comitans. The procedure successfully restored venous flow, allowing for flap salvage and subsequent healing. This case underscores the potential of CV as an interposition graft in autologous breast reconstruction, particularly when traditional CV turndown is not possible due to vessel attenuation.

Introduction: Capsular contracture (CC) is the most common complication following breast augmentation and reconstruction. Although numerous risk factors and preventive strategies have been proposed, the etiology remains poorly understood. This study employs bibliometric analysis to evaluate global research trends, collaboration networks, and emerging hotspots in CC research. Methods: We queried the Web of Science Core Collection using keywords related to breast implants and CC, including publications through December 31, 2024. Data including publication year, author, institution, citations(C), and keywords were analyzed using VOSviewer , Microsoft Excel , and Scimago Graphica to visualize trends, collaboration networks, and research foci. Results: A total of 2065 publications(P) were included. The United States led in both total publication output and citation count (P = 800, C = 27 984), with Harvard (P = 48, C = 1688) and Georgetown Universities (P = 45, C = 2750) being key contributors. Emerging contributions from Asian institutions were noted, though citation impact remained lower. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery was the most prolific and cited journal (P = 473, C = 23 113). Recent research hotspots identified through keyword analysis include Biofilm , Acellular Dermal Matrix (ADM) , Implant placement , contamination , and inflammation . Most top-cited studies were of Level IV or V evidence. Conclusion: Research on CC is increasing, with a shift toward exploring biological mechanisms like biofilm formation and preventative measures such as ADM and implant positioning. Despite growing international interest, most evidence remains low quality. Future work should prioritize clinical studies that generate higher level of evidence and foster broader global collaboration to improve patient outcomes and refine surgical practices.

Summary: Breast cancer is a common malignancy, and treatment often involves mastectomy. For oncological safety, the anterior and lateral cutaneous branches of the third through fifth intercostal nerves are routinely resected during nipple-sparing mastectomies, leading to loss of nipple sensation. The current gold standard for nipple neurotization uses nerve allografts to connect the nipple with a remaining stump of an intercostal nerve. Despite the convenience of off-the-shelf solutions, this study explored a novel approach using intercostal nerves as autografts or for direct repair to restore nipple sensation. Six patients underwent nipple-sparing mastectomy and opted for nipple neurotization. Three patients underwent neurotization with an intercostal nerve autograft, whereas in 3 patients, long intercostal nerves allowed nipple neurotization directly without the need for an autograft. Meticulous dissection of the intercostal nerves enabled a length of approximately 9 cm (±1.5) per nerve. The acquired nerve length allowed tension-free coaptation of direct nipple neurotization in 3 patients and utilization as an autograft in the other 3 patients. No postoperative complications were observed, whereas sensory outcomes are yet to be evaluated. The study highlighted the feasibility of using intercostal nerves either as autologous intercostal nerve grafts or for direct neurotization. Using an intercostal nerve as an autograft is a cost-effective and time-efficient strategy to avoid the need for an allograft without additional donor-site morbidity. This technique offers a practical and globally accessible solution for improving patient access to state-of-the-art postmastectomy breast reconstruction.

ABSTRACT Background Abdominal‐based free flaps are the mainstay in autologous breast reconstruction. Their safety and consistency in outcomes are well‐documented. When flap compromise occurs, operative salvage is the gold standard. However, when—and if—to place these patients on heparin infusions is unclear. The goal of this study was to investigate abdominal‐based free flap compromise and compare outcomes with and without heparin infusion. Materials and Methods This was a single‐institution, multiple‐surgeon, retrospective chart review of patients undergoing autologous, abdominal‐based free flap breast reconstruction who experienced anastomotic compromise within a 6‐year period. Treatment and outcomes data collected include flap salvage, hematoma, seroma, surgical site infection (SSI), transfusion requirement, and length of hospital stay. Results Fifty‐one flaps had evidence of compromise. A total of 31 (60.8%) patients were placed on heparin infusions after experiencing anastomotic compromise, compared to 20 who did not receive heparin infusion. Thirty‐five patients (68.6%) underwent deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps. Twenty‐six patients (51%) experienced venous congestion, 22 patients (43.1%) experienced arterial compromise, and three (5.9%) experienced both. Twenty‐eight patients (54.9%) received tissue plasminogen activator; in the heparin infusion group, 21 patients (67.7%) received tissue plasminogen activator. The total salvage rate of compromised flaps was 94.1% (48/51). There was no significant difference between heparin infusion and standard cares in length of hospital stay, length of drains in‐place, successful salvage (93.5% vs. 95%), hematoma (19.4% vs. 15%), fat necrosis, SSI, hospital readmission (19.4% vs. 15%), and return rates to the operating room (48.4% vs. 50%). However, there was a significantly higher transfusion rate in patients receiving heparin infusion (38.7% vs. 10%). Of the 25 flaps with evidence of thrombosis, 72% were placed on heparin infusions while 28% were not; there was no significant difference in salvage rate in this sub‐group. Conclusions This review of autologous breast reconstruction free flap compromise provides evidence of similar safety profiles, with similar salvage rates, when comparing salvage with and without heparin infusion; there is a higher transfusion requirement when treating with heparin infusion.

Background: Immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR) via lymphovenous anastomosis is performed in patients undergoing axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) to minimize the risk of lymphedema. Following ALND, drains are placed to prevent seromas, while prolonged drain days are associated with increased risk of infection. The study aim was to determine the impact of ILR on the number of drain days following ALND in patients with breast cancer. Methods: We report a post-hoc analysis of a prospective trial (April 2018-January 2023) comparing patients with breast cancer who underwent ALND with ILR (intervention arm) vs ALND without ILR (control arm). Wilcoxon rank sum test and chi-squared or Fisher’s exact tests compared continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Multivariable quantile regression models evaluated the difference in drain days and days until drain removal criteria were met with covariates adjusted. Results: Data from 214 patients were analyzed (n = 115 interventional arm, n = 99 control arm). The intervention arm had a median of 15 axillary drain days compared to 11 days in the control arm ( P = .001). There was no significant difference between groups when measuring drain days based on the date the drain met removal criteria, rather than actual drain removal date. Seroma incidence was lower in the intervention arm (3.5%) vs the control arm (12.1%) ( P = .017) without a statistical difference in incidence of infection. Conclusion: ALND with ILR does not decrease the number of drain days compared to ALND without ILR in patients with breast cancer, although we found the incidence of seromas to be lower without increase in incidence of infection.