Background: Breast reconstruction has a positive impact on body image and quality of life for women after experiencing the physically and psychologically demanding process of mastectomy. Previous studies have presented body mass index (BMI) as a predictor for postoperative complications after breast reconstruction, however, study results vary. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the impact of patients’ BMI on postoperative complications following implant-based breast reconstruction. Methods: All implant-based breast reconstructions performed at the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery at the Medical University of Vienna from January 2001 to March 2018 were evaluated. A total of 196 reconstructed breasts among 134 patients met eligibility criteria. Demographic data, surgical techniques, as well as major and minor complications within a one-year follow-up period were analyzed. Results: Patients’ BMI did not show a significant impact on complication rates. The overall incidence of postoperative complications was 30.5% (40/131) of which 17.6% required reoperation. Impaired wound healing (18.3%), seroma (6.1%), hematoma (4.6%), capsular contraction (4.6%) and infection (3.8%) were the most common complications. Conclusion: In our study cohort, BMI was not associated with a significantly higher risk of complications. However, postoperative complications significantly increased with a longer operative time and resulted in an extended length of hospital stay.

Background: Considering the debilitating burden of neuroma resulting in a significant loss of function and excruciating pain, the use of muscle-in-vein conduits (MVCs) for the reconstruction of painful neuroma of sensory nerves of the fingers was assessed. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 10 patients who underwent secondary digital nerve repair by MVCs. The recovery of sensibility was evaluated by static and moving two-point discrimination (2PDs, 2PDm) and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing (SWM). The minimum follow-up was set 12 months after the operation. Results: The median period between trauma and nerve repair was 13.4 weeks (IQR 53.5). After neuroma resection, defects ranged from 10–35 mm (mean 17.7 mm, SD 0.75). The successful recovery of sensibility was achieved in 90% of patients after a median follow-up of 27.0 months (IQR 31.00). The mean 2PDs and 2PDm was 8.1 mm (SD 3.52) and 5.2 mm (SD 2.27), respectively. Assessment by SWM resulted in a mean value of 3.54 (SD 0.69). Reduction in pain was achieved among all patients; eight patients reported the complete relief of neuropathic pain. There was no recurrence of neuroma in any patient. Conclusions: Muscle-in-vein conduits provide an effective treatment for painful neuroma of digital nerves, resulting in satisfactory restoration of sensory function and relief of pain.