Surgical Complications in Breast Reconstruction: Assessment and Associations

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer represents a pathology that generates catastrophic impact and has recently increased its incidence and survival due to timely diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, improving the quality of life of cancer survivors has become a priority, offering reconstructive procedures that reduce complications, costs, hospital stay, and optimize resources. Material and methods: 264 patients reconstructed with autologous tissue (TRAM flap and latissimus dorsi) and alloplastic (breast tissue expander-breast implant and direct breast implant) were included. Variables such as demographic, anthropometric, and histologic type were collected. Results: 62% were reconstructed through the use of alloplastics and 38% with autologous tissue. The risk factors related to a greater probability of immediate postoperative complications (surgical site infection, surgical wound dehiscence and reconstruction failure) were obesity (OR: 2.1, CI: 1.5 -2.7), preoperative radiation (OR: 1.89, CI: 1.75 -1.92), arterial hypertension (OR: 1.2), Diabetes Mellitus (OR: 1.78) and smoking (OR: 1.31). Conclusions: The reconstructive process is complex and influenced by patient factors, surgeon experience and the hospital center. However, when choosing the reconstructive strategy, risk factors present in each patient must be considered, since radiation and obesity present a greater probability of postoperative complications.