De novo experience of resorbable woven mesh in immediate breast reconstruction post-mastectomy

Abstract

Background

Implant based reconstruction (IBR) is the most common form of breastreconstruction. IBR has advantages; uncomplicated surgery, no donor site and goodaesthetic outcome. However, disadvantages include infection with implant loss andphysical limitation to the size of breast which can be used. The use of surgical matricesto increase the size of implants used has gained in popularity, however concernsregarding increased complication rates exists. Here we describe our initial experienceusing a resorbable mesh in post mastectomy patients.

Methods

Post mastectomy patients after cancer surgery or for risk reducing surgerywere examined. We examined our initial experience over an 18 month period ofpatients undergoing reconstruction with the use of resorbable mesh and implant basedreconstruction. Patients were followed for major or minor complications including flap necrosis, implant loss, haematoma, seroma and infection rates.

Results

Few major complications were encountered. There were no instances of flap necrosis or haematoma formation. However, 5 reconstructed breasts (n=74, 6.7%)resulted in loss of the implant due to infection. These losses were associated withpatients who were either current or ex-smokers, or in patients who had or wereundergoing either radiation or chemotherapy. Minor complications such as superficialwound infections were seen in 8 of 74 (10.8%) reconstructed breasts. The overallcomplication rate was 17.5%, or 13 of 74 reconstructed breasts.

Conclusions

The use of resorbable mesh provides excellent cosmetic outcomes withminimal complications. To avoid major complications discretion should be used inpatients with risk factors such as smoking and radiation therapy.

Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.

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