Implant-based breast reconstruction using acellular dermal matrix and the risk of postoperative complications.
BACKGROUND
Acellular dermal matrix has been popularized as an adjunct to tissue expander or implant breast reconstruction given its utility in providing additional coverage and support for the inferior pole. This study was performed to assess the risk of postoperative complications associated with the use of acellular dermal matrix-assisted implant-based reconstruction.


METHODS
The authors performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive immediate breast reconstructions performed over a 6-year period. A total of 415 implant-based reconstructions were divided into two groups: tissue expander or implant-based reconstruction with or without acellular dermal matrix. Demographic information, comorbidities, oncologic data, adjuvant therapy, and complications were collected for comparison.


RESULTS
A total of 283 patients underwent 415 immediate breast reconstructions (151 unilateral and 132 bilateral); 269 reconstructions were performed using tissue expander or implants with acellular dermal matrix, and 146 reconstructions were performed without acellular dermal matrix. The seroma and infection rates were higher in the acellular dermal matrix group (14.1 versus 2.7 percent, p = 0.0003, for seroma; 8.9 versus 2.1 percent, p = 0.0328, for infection). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that acellular dermal matrix and body mass index were statistically significant risk factors for developing seroma and infection. The use of acellular dermal matrix increased the odds of seroma by 4.24 times (p = 0.018) and infection by 5.37 times (p = 0.006).


CONCLUSIONS
Acellular dermal matrix has enhanced implant-based reconstruction and remains useful in immediate prosthetic breast reconstruction. It is associated, however, with higher rates of postoperative seroma and infection. Careful patient selection, choice of tissue expander/implant volume, and postoperative management are warranted to optimize overall reconstructive outcome.
Chun
Yoon S
YS
Boston, Mass. From the Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Faulkner Hospital.
Verma
Kapil
K
Rosen
Heather
H
Lipsitz
Stuart
S
Morris
Donald
D
Kenney
Pardon
P
Eriksson
Elof
E
D000328:Adult; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018427:Breast Implants; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008408:Mastectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D015625:Tissue Expansion Devices
D001672:Biocompatible Materials