Precision in preoperative evaluation of the abdominal wall vascular anatomy is of utmost importance in successful planning and execution of perforator flap surgery for breast reconstruction after mastectomy. We performed a study in 357 patients scheduled for deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEAP) flap breast reconstruction to review our 5-year experience with the technique we developed based on our previous research confirming accuracy of a computed tomographic (CT) angiogram (multidetector row computed tomography [MDCT]) in preoperative planning of abdominal perforator flap surgery. Images obtained from the radiological study were used to create an accurate map of dominant abdominal perforators of the deep inferior epigastric artery, showing their location, size, and anatomic considerations of relevance for the preoperative flap design. Anatomic dissection of all perforators was performed in the first 36 cases to compare the data with preoperative MDCT findings. In the following 321 patients, the dominant perforator was chosen solely on the basis of MDCT and dissected directly. Exact correlation between surgical and radiological results was found in the first 36 cases. A significant reduction in average operating time and postoperative complications was noted in the following 321 patients. CT angiogram provides important preoperative information on inferior abdominal wall vascular anatomy, facilitating DIEAP flap harvest, saving operative time, and reducing complications and costs. It proved to be an invaluable tool in the preoperative algorithm for DIEAP flap breast reconstruction.

Background and Objectives: In the last years, prepectoral breast reconstruction has increased its popularity, becoming a standard reconstructive technique by preserving pectoralis major anatomy and functionality. Nevertheless, the lack of solid and extensive data negatively impacts on surgeons’ correct information about postoperative complication rates and proper patient selection. This study aims to collect the largest evidence on this procedure.Methods: A multicentre retrospective audit, promoted by the Barcelona Hospital, collected the experience of 30 centers on prepectoral breast reconstruction with Braxon ADM. The study had the scientific support of INPECS and IIB societies which provided the online database Clinapsis.Results: A total of 1450 procedures were retrospectively collected in a 6‐year period. Mean age 52.4 years, BMI 23.9, follow‐up 22.7 months. Reconstruction was carried out after a tumor in 77.1% of the cases, 20.1% had prophylactic surgery, 2.8% had revisions. Diabetes, smoke, and immunosuppression had an influence on complications occurrence, as well as implant weight. Capsular contracture was associated with postoperative radiotherapy, but the overall rate was low (2.1%). Complications led to implant loss in 6.5% of the cases.Conclusions: The international Braxon Audit Group multicentre data collection represents a milestone in the field of breast reconstruction, extensively improving the knowledge on this procedure.

Background Breast cancer–related lymphedema is a prevalent condition that has a major impact on quality of life. Surgical treatment has become an alternative to help affected patients with good results. However, there is no consensus on surgical procedure and protocol. Methods We analyzed our data in two periods: from June 2007 to December 2011 and from January 2012 to June 2014. Data included the analysis of the limb circumferences and the subjective symptoms felt by patients. Results Of the 200 patients treated in the study, 81 had lymphaticovenous anastomosis, 7 had autologous lymph node transfer, 16 had total breast anatomy restoration, 52 had vibroliposuction, and 44 had combined reconstructive procedures. In the first period, the circumference of the superior limb showed a decrease of 0.9 to 6.1 cm (average 2.75 cm). In the second period, the circumference of the superior limb showed a decrease of 2.9 to 6.1 cm (average 3.85 cm). Clinical results and data from the questionnaires confirmed the improvement and subjective benefits. Conclusion We have obtained considerable improvements in results of limb circumferences and subjective symptoms after incorporating several modifications into our surgical strategy for lymphedema treatment. A detailed preoperative assessment should be performed to determine whether reconstructive surgery or palliative surgery is indicated.

A reliable method for precise identification of the dominant perforator would be extremely valuable in perforator flap surgery. During the past 5 years, multidetector-row computed tomography has demonstrated excellent results in preoperative planning of abdominal free flap breast reconstruction, significantly reducing operative time and complications. The main drawbacks of computed tomography are unnecessary radiation to the patient and possible allergic reactions to intravenous contrast material. To circumvent these limitations, we performed noncontrast magnetic resonance imaging for abdominal perforator mapping. The aim of our study was to assess the accuracy and reliability of this technique in preoperative planning of breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps. From October 2007 to February 2009, noncontrast magnetic resonance preoperative mapping was performed in 56 female patients who underwent breast reconstruction after mastectomy with deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps. Imaging results were compared with the intraoperative clinical findings in all patients. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging without the contrast showed no false-positive or false-negative results. In all cases, the perforator chosen as dominant according to magnetic resonance images corresponded with the perforator chosen intraoperatively (100% predictive value). Preoperative imaging techniques make perforator flap surgery safer for the patient. Noncontrast magnetic resonance imaging provides reliable information on the vascular anatomy of the abdominal wall, facilitating selection of the most appropriate deep inferior epigastric artery dominant perforator. It avoids radiation to the patient and also the need for intravenous contrast medium as required for the multidetector-row computed tomography. In our opinion, noncontrast magnetic resonance imaging is an ideal method for preoperative planning of breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps.