Multicentre study of prepectoral breast reconstruction using acellular dermal matrix.

BACKGROUND: Single-stage reconstruction is used widely after mastectomy. Prepectoral implant placement is a relatively new technique. This multicentre audit examined surgical outcomes following prepectoral reconstruction using acellular dermal matrix (ADM).

METHODS: All patients who had a mastectomy with prepectoral breast reconstruction and ADM in the participating centres between January 2015 and December 2017 were included. Demographic and treatment details, and short- and long-term operative outcomes were recorded. Factors affecting complications and implant loss were analysed: age, BMI, smoking status, diabetes, vascular disease, laterality of surgery, previous ipsilateral breast surgery or radiotherapy, indication for surgery (invasive versus in situ carcinoma, or risk reduction), type of mastectomy, axillary clearance, breast volume, implant volume, and neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy.

RESULTS: A total of 406 reconstructions were performed across 18 centres. Median follow-up was 9·65 months. Median hospital stay was 1 day. The 90-day unplanned readmission rate was 15·7 per cent, and the return-to-theatre rate 16·7 per cent. Some 15·3 per cent of patients had a major complication, with a 90-day implant loss rate of 4·9 per cent. A further six patients had delayed implant loss. In multivariable analysis, no factor was significantly associated with complications or implant loss.

CONCLUSION: Prepectoral breast reconstruction with ADM has satisfactory surgical outcomes. The duration of follow-up needs to be extended to examine outcomes in patients who received adjuvant radiotherapy.