Reliability of Reconstructed Breast Flap after Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy in Immediate Breast Reconstruction

Abstract

BackgroundPostmastectomy adjuvant therapy is used to prevent locoregional recurrence and improve overall breast cancer specific survival rates. However, it can adversely affect the cosmetic results of reconstruction. Therefore, the authors examined flap stability and patients' satisfaction with immediate breast reconstruction after adjuvant therapy.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 204 patients from January 2006 to November 2011. For complication rates, the authors categorized the patients who underwent the immediate breast reconstruction into 4 groups: adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy group, adjuvant chemotherapy only group, adjuvant radiotherapy only group, and the group that did not undergo adjuvant therapy. For comparison of patients' satisfaction, the study was performed with an additional 16 patients who had undergone delayed breast reconstruction.ResultsRegarding complication rates, the group that had undergone adjuvant therapy showed no significant difference compared to the group that did not undergo adjuvant therapy. In evaluating the patients' satisfaction, there was no significant difference.ConclusionsEven after adjuvant therapy, immediate breast reconstruction showed good results with respect to flap stability and patients' satisfaction. Immediate breast reconstruction and adjuvant therapy is a safe and useful option for breast cancer patients.

Does post-mastectomy radiotherapy affect the outcome and prevalence of complications in immediate DIEP breast reconstruction? A prospective cohort study

“…23e25 An increasing number of patients with BRCA combine radiotherapy and breast reconstruction. 13,26 Although the adverse effects of radiotherapy after implant-based reconstruction are well documented, 27 there is division of opinion over the outcome of autologous reconstruction when combined with PMRT. 13 Some studies have reported higher rate of complications, volume loss and flap shrinkage, and poor aesthetic outcomes, whereas more recent studies have found acceptable results in particular with modifications of radiotherapy regimes.…”

Multidisciplinary Practice Variations of Anti-Thrombotic Strategies for Free Tissue Transfers

“…Thus, there is no definitive conclusion if preoperative chemotherapy and radiation are risk factors for flap viability. 12,14,[32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40] Surgeons may have rated radiation and chemotherapy as less of a risk factor than hematologists because they routinely use flaps in oncologic patients receiving adjuvant therapy.…”