The international surgical journal with global reach

This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Predictors of complications after direct‐to‐implant breast reconstruction with an acellular dermal matrix from a multicentre randomized clinical trial. BJS 2018; 105: 1305-1312.

Published: 16th April 2018

Authors: V. L. Negenborn, R. E. G. Dikmans, M. B. Bouman, H. A. H. Winters, J. W. R. Twisk, P. Q. Ruhé et al.

Background

In the multicentre randomized trial BRIOS (Breast Reconstruction In One Stage), direct‐to‐implant (DTI) breast reconstruction with an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) was associated with a markedly higher postoperative complication rate compared with two‐stage tissue expander/implant breast reconstruction. This study aimed to identify factors that contribute to the occurrence of complications after DTI ADM‐assisted breast reconstruction.

Method

Data were obtained from the BRIOS study, including all patients treated with DTI ADM‐assisted breast reconstruction. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors predictive of postoperative complications.

Results

Fifty‐nine patients (91 breasts) were included, of whom 27 (35 breasts) developed a surgical complication. Reoperations were performed in 29 breasts (32 per cent), with prosthesis removal in 22 (24 per cent). In multivariable analyses, mastectomy weight was associated with complications (odds ratio (OR) 1·94, 95 per cent c.i. 1·33 to 2·83), reoperations (OR 1·70, 1·12 to 2·59) and removal of the implant (OR 1·55, 1·11 to 2·17). Younger patients (OR 1·07, 1·01 to 1·13) and those who received adjuvant chemotherapy (OR 4·83, 1·15 to 20·24) more frequently required reoperation. In univariable analyses, adjuvant radiotherapy showed a trend towards more complications (OR 7·23, 0·75 to 69·95) and removal of the implant (OR 5·12, 0·76 to 34·44), without reaching statistical significance.

Conclusion

Breast size appeared to be the most significant predictor of complications in DTI ADM‐assisted breast reconstruction. The technique should preferably be performed in patients with small to moderate sized breasts. Registration number: NTR5446 (
http://www.trialregister.nl).

Full text