Browsing by Author "Lester, Mary E."

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    177. Prophylactic Absorbable Antibiotic Beads For High Risk Implant-based Reconstruction: A Single Institution Pilot Study
    (Wolters Kluwer, 2023-05-19) Ahmed, Shahnur; Lee, Jason T. C.; Roth, Dylan D.; Liu, Steven; Fisher, Carla S.; Fan, Betty; Imeokparia, Folasade; Ludwig, Kandice; Lester, Mary E.; Hassanein, Aladdin H.; Surgery, School of Medicine
    PURPOSE: Infections are problematic in implant-based reconstruction after mastectomies. Infection rates have been reported to be as high as 31%. Strategies to reduce the risk of infection include various antibiotic irrigation solutions, “no-touch” techniques, optimizing sterility, and empiric antibiotic use for skin flora coverage. Absorbable antibiotic beads have been well described for other indications, including orthopedic and pressure sore reconstruction. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of prophylactic biodegradable antibiotic beads during pre-pectoral and sub-pectoral implant-based breast reconstruction following mastectomy. METHODS: A single-center retrospective review of patients who underwent implant-based breast reconstruction post-mastectomy between 2019 to 2022. Patients were divided into two groups: Group I were deemed “high risk” by the senior author and received biodegradable antibiotic beads (1 gram vancomycin, 240 mg gentamicin) during tissue expander or implant reconstruction (pre-pectoral or subpectoral) while Group II (control) had no antibiotic beads. Demographic data, diabetes, body mass index (BMI), implant plane (pre-pectoral or sub-pectoral), smoking and use of mesh were recorded. Outcome variables included postoperative cellulitis or infection requiring oral or intravenous antibiotics and tissue expander loss at 90 days. RESULTS: In our study period, 19 patients (36 total implants/expanders) received biodegradable antibiotic beads during implant-based breast reconstruction (Group I). There were 174 patients (290 total expanders) who did not receive antibiotic beads (Group II). Patients in Group I had a history of previous expander/implant infection in 73.6%. Pre-pectoral placement of implants occurred in 84.2% of patients in Group I and 74.1% in Group II. Diabetes was prevalent in 15.8% of Group I compared to 5.7% seen in Group II patients. The mean BMI in Group I was 30.5 kg/m2 compared to 27.8 kg/m2 in Group II (p-value 0.88). Implant infection rate of Group I at 90 days was 8.3% (3/36 total expanders) compared to 8.6% (25/290 total expanders) in Group II. Implant loss in Group I was 5.5% (2/26 total expanders) compared to 7.6% (22/290) in Group II. CONCLUSION: The incidence of infection in high risk patients who have absorbable antibiotic beads placed during the time of reconstruction appears to be normalized to the control group in this pilot study, suggesting that absorbable antibiotic beads may decrease postoperative infection complications. Future studies may further clarify its benefit in selected groups.
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    A Comparative Analysis of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Methods for Sternal Wound Infections
    (Wolters Kluwer, 2025-03-07) Bamba, Ravinder; Harvey, Brianna I.; Malik, Noor U.; Higgins, Jasmine; Sung, Cynthia; Corvera, Joel S.; Hartman, Brett C.; Hassanein, Aladdin H.; Lester, Mary E.; Surgery, School of Medicine
    Sternal wound infection can be a severe complication of cardiac surgery. Multiple debridements are often necessary before definitive coverage, and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is often used as a temporary dressing between debridements. NPWT with instillation and dwell (NPWT-i) has been used in many wound types including sternal wounds with success. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes between sternal wounds managed with conventional NPWT and NPWT-i. A total of 47 patients who had sternal wound infections were managed with debridement, negative pressure therapy, and flap. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the type of negative pressure therapy: NPWT (n = 24) and NPWT-i (n = 23). The NPWT group required 3.3 debridements per patient before flap coverage, whereas the NPWT-i group required 3.4 debridements per patient (P = 0.86). Other postoperative outcomes including seroma, hematoma, delayed wound healing, and surgical site infection were similar between the 2 groups. We found NPWT similar to NPWT-i for the number of debridements needed and outcomes in the management of sternal wound infections. NPWT-i does not replace or decrease the need for operative debridement in sternal wounds.
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    A Novel Framework for Optimizing Efficiency and Education in Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction
    (Wolters Kluwer, 2023-11-27) Lester, Mary E.; Berns, Jessica; Dawson, Steven; Newsom, Keeley; Hartman, Brett; Hassanein, Aladdin H.; Surgery, School of Medicine
    Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps are becoming the most frequent choice for autologous breast reconstruction. There are many benefits to DIEP flaps, but the procedures can be lengthy and have a steep learning curve. The balance of efficiency and education can be difficult to achieve. A framework was implemented to focus on both efficiency and education at each stage of the DIEP flap procedure. The author's methods to improve efficiency include a two-team approach with assigned roles for faculty and residents. The roles are consistent across the institution. Methods to enhance education include practice in a laboratory-based microsurgical training course and assigning goals for the rotation. Trainees include independent and integrated plastic surgery residents without microsurgical fellows. Bilateral DIEPs are performed with two attendings, and unilateral DIEPs, with one attending. A retrospective review identified patients undergoing DIEP flap reconstruction from 2017 to 2020. Outcome measures include operative time and complications, which are comparable to previously published data. Focusing on education allows residents to learn each stage of the case. The authors present a framework for training residents in DIEP flap reconstruction to optimize efficiency and education.
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    Abstract 68: The False Positive Rate Of Transcutaneous Tissue Oximetry Alarms In Microvascular Breast Reconstruction Rises After 24 Hours
    (Wolters Kluwer, 2020-05-13) Tran, Phu C.; DeBrock, Will; Lester, Mary E.; Hartman, Brett C.; Socas, Juan; Hassanein, Aladdin H.; Medicine, School of Medicine
    Purpose: Transcutaneous tissue oximetry is widely used as an adjunct for postoperative monitoring after microvascular breast reconstruction and has been shown to improve flap salvage rates. Despite a high sensitivity at detection of postoperative vascular issues, alarms from probe malfunctions/ and or positioning can generate unnecessary nursing calls, concerns, and evaluations. The purpose of this study is to analyze the false positive rate of transcutaneous tissue oximetry monitoring over the postoperative period and assess changes in its utility over time. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing microvascular breast reconstruction out our institution were assessed between 2017-2019. Inclusion criteria included use of transcutaneous tissue oximetry for monitoring. Variables of interest were transcutaneous tissue oximetry alarms that triggered nursing calls, flap loss, re-exploration, and salvage rates. Results: The study included 175 patients (286 flaps). The flap loss rate was 1.0% (3/175). A total of twelve patients (6.8%) required re-exploration, with a 67.0% flap salvage rate. Nine of these patients required exploration within 24 hours. The 3 takebacks after 24 hours were not for vascular compromise but were for abdominal wall hematoma, increasingly sanguineous drain output, and exam concerning for hematoma. Within the 24-hour postoperative period, 43 tissue oximetry alarms triggered nursing calls; 7 alarms (16.2%) were confirmed to be for flap issues secondary to vascular compromise. After 24 hours, 44 alarms were triggered, none of which were associated with flap compromise. The false positive rate of the alarm within 24 hours was 83.7% (36/43) compared to 100% (44/44) after 24 hours (p= 0.01). Conclusions: Transcutaneous tissue oximetry is a helpful adjunct to the clinical exam in the postoperative monitoring of flaps in microsurgical breast reconstruction. The false positive rate significantly rises after 24 hours. The benefit may not outweigh the concerns, labor, and effort that results from alarms after postoperative day 1. We recommend considering discontinuing transcutaneous tissue oximetry monitoring after 24 hours.
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    Breast Implant Reconstruction in the Ptotic Patient: Evaluation of Wise and Vertical Skin Sparing Mastectomy
    (Sage, 2024-03-12) Holohan, M. Margaret; Diaz, Stephanie M.; Newsom, Keeley; Smith, Alex; Fan, Betty; Imeokparia, Folasade O.; Fisher, Carla S.; Ludwig, Kandice K.; Lester, Mary E.; Hassanein, Aladdin H.; Surgery, School of Medicine
    Introduction: Post-mastectomy reconstruction in patients with severe breast ptosis can be challenging. Traditionally, a skin sparing mastectomy (SSM) with a circumareolar incision or a horizontal elliptical extension results in a long, horizontally-oriented scar in the central breast. The Wise pattern SSM with an inferiorly-based dermal flap addresses skin redundancy and provides added vascularized implant coverage in ptotic patients with macromastia. The purpose of this study is to compare outcomes in ptotic patients undergoing SSM with Wise pattern and a modified vertical technique which also uses de-epithelialized excess skin under the incision. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on patients that underwent SSM using a Wise or vertical skin reducing technique. The Wise pattern was performed using an inferiorly-based dermal flap and the vertical method used a laterally-based dermal flap covering the implant/tissue expander (TE). Results: SSM with the use of autoderm was performed in 42 patients (67 breasts) using either the Wise (n = 49 breasts) or vertical (n = 18 breasts) method. Both groups had similar BMI (35.4). The prepectoral plane was used in 93.5% of Wise pattern patients and all vertical patients. All cases of seroma and hematoma occurred in the Wise pattern group (10.2%). Mastectomy skin necrosis requiring unplanned return to surgery for debridement occurred in 20.4% of those undergoing Wise pattern SSM and 11.1% undergoing the vertical pattern (p = 0.49). Conclusion: Severely ptotic patients undergoing SSM have a high risk of skin necrosis. A dermal flap under the closure has the advantage of vascularized tissue reinforcing the wound in implant based reconstruction. The vertical pattern SSM using a laterally-based dermal flap may be a safe, simple alternative to the Wise pattern in select patients.
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    Comparison of Breast Reconstruction Outcomes Using Oxychlorosene versus Triple Antibiotic Solution for Pocket Irrigation
    (Wolters Kluwer, 2022-08-18) Bamba, Ravinder; Tran, Phu C.; Mailey, Brian A.; Lin, Jenny; DeBrock, William; Dawson, Steven; Sinha, Mithun; Hartman, Brett C.; Hadad, Ivan; Lester, Mary E.; Hassanein, Aladdin H.; Surgery, School of Medicine
    Background: Breast pocket irrigation with antiseptic solutions is performed to reduce contamination with breast implants. The optimal antiseptic irrigation solution and the efficacy of individual practices are unclear. Oxychlorosene sodium is frequently used at our institution. Oxychlorosene is bactericidal with a mechanism of action of oxidation and hypochlorination. The purpose of our study was to compare the outcomes of oxychlorosene sodium irrigation with triple antibiotic solution (TAS) in implant-based breast reconstruction. Methods: All patients who underwent implant-based reconstruction after mastectomy were reviewed. The primary predictive variable was type of solution used for pocket irrigation (TAS or oxychlorosene). Outcome variables included surgical site infection, device removal, and wound complications. Results: Between 2013 and 2018, 331 implant-based breast reconstructions were performed. Of these, 62% (n = 206) received oxychlorosene for surgical pocket irrigation (group I), and 38% (n = 125) received TAS (group II). Group I had an 11.7% (n = 24) 90-day surgical site infection rate, with 4.9% (n = 10) requiring oral antibiotics, 2.4% (n = 5) requiring intravenous antibiotics without device removal, and 4.4% (n = 9) requiring prosthetic removal. Group II had an 11.2% (n = 14) 90-day infection rate, with 5.6% (n = 7) requiring oral antibiotics, 2.4% (n = 3) requiring intravenous antibiotics without device removal, and 3.2% (n = 4) requiring removal (P = 0.90). When comparing the cost of oxychlorosene irrigation with TAS irrigation, oxychlorosene was less expensive. Conclusions: Oxychlorosene and TAS have similar surgical site infection rates in prosthetic breast reconstruction. Ease of preparation and cost make oxychlorosene a more favorable option for antibiotic irrigation in reconstructive breast surgery with prosthetic devices.
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    Evaluation of an Extended-duration Chemoprophylaxis Regimen for Venous Thromboembolism after Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction
    (Wolters Kluwer, 2021-08) Pittelkow, Eric M.; DeBrock, Will C.; Mailey, Brian; Ballinger, Tarah J.; Socas, Juan; Lester, Mary E.; Hassanein, Aladdin H.; Medicine, School of Medicine
    Patients undergoing free flap breast reconstruction are at a high risk for venous thromboembolism based upon Caprini scores. Guidelines for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis recommend high-risk groups receive extended chemoprophylaxis for several weeks after gynecological, orthopedic, and surgical oncology cases. Extended prophylaxis has not been studied in free flap breast reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of free flap breast reconstruction patients who received extended venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis with those who received standard inpatient-only prophylaxis. Methods: Patients undergoing microsurgical breast reconstruction were divided into two groups: standard VTE prophylaxis (Group I) and extended prophylaxis (Group II). Both groups received prophylactic subcutaneous heparin or enoxaparin preoperatively and enoxaparin 40 mg daily postoperatively while inpatient. Group II was discharged with a home regimen of enoxaparin 40 mg daily for an additional 14 days. Results: In total, 103 patients met inclusion criteria (36 patients in Group I, 67 patients in Group II). The incidence of VTE was 1.5% in Group II compared with 2.8% in Group I (P = 0.6). There was no difference in reoperative hematoma between Group I (n = 0) and Group II (n = 1) (P = 0.7). Total flap loss was 2.2%. Conclusions: Although this retrospective pilot study did not show statistical significance in VTE between those receiving extended home chemoprophylaxis (1.5% incidence) compared with inpatient-only chemoprophylaxis (2.8%), the risk of bleeding complications was similar. These results indicate that a larger, higher powered study is justified to assess if an extended home chemoprophylaxis protocol should be standard of care post free flap breast reconstruction.
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    Evaluation of Prepectoral Breast Tissue Expander Reconstruction Intraoperative Fill: Air or Saline?
    (American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2023-04) Bamba, Ravinder; Christopher, Laura; Mailey, Brian A.; Mercho, Raphael; Dawson, Steven E.; Hadad, Ivan; Lester, Mary E.; Hassanein, Aladdin H.; Surgery, School of Medicine
    Staged implant-based breast reconstruction with immediate tissue expanders (TEs) is the most common method of breast reconstruction after mastectomy. TEs traditionally are filled with saline for expansion. Some surgeons have advocated initial intraoperative fill of the TE with air to avoid excess pressure on ischemic mastectomy skin flaps. The purpose of the study was to compare intraoperative air versus saline tissue fills. All patients who underwent prepectoral TE reconstruction after mastectomy from 2017 to 2019 were reviewed. The primary predictive variable was whether saline or air was used for initial tissue expansion. Outcome variables included mastectomy skin necrosis, nipple necrosis, infection, number of expansions, hematoma, and explantation. A total of 53 patients (88 TEs) were included in the study: 28 patients (44 TEs) who underwent initial intraoperative fill with air and 25 patients (44 TEs) who underwent an initial saline fill were assessed. There were no significant differences in complication rates between initial TE fill with saline versus air, including nipple necrosis, wound dehiscence, cellulitis, abscess, or TE removal (P = 1.0). The number of postoperative TE fills in the initial air fill group was 3.2 compared to 2.7 in the initial saline fill group (P = 0.27). Prepectoral TE initial fill with air has similar postoperative outcomes compared to initial saline fill. The authors found no benefit to initially filling prepectoral TEs with air intraoperatively. Given the additional effort of exchanging air for saline during the first postoperative fill, there was no clinical advantage of filling prepectoral TEs with air.
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    Implant-based Breast Reconstruction Salvage with Negative Pressure Wound Therapy with Instillation: An Evaluation of Outcomes
    (Wolters Kluwer, 2024-09-03) Ahmed, Shahnur; Hulsman, Luci; Imeokparia, Folasade; Ludwig, Kandice; Fisher, Carla; Bamba, Ravinder; Danforth, Rachel; VonDerHaar, R. Jason; Lester, Mary E.; Hassanein, Aladdin H.; Surgery, School of Medicine
    Background: Implant infection is problematic in breast reconstruction. Traditionally, infected tissue expanders (TE)/implants are removed for several months before replacement, resulting in breast reconstruction delay. Salvage involving device removal, negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell (NPWTi-d) placement, and early staged TE/implant replacement within a few days has been described. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of the NPWTi-d salvage pathway with traditional implant removal. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on patients who underwent implant-based reconstruction and developed TE/implant infection/exposure requiring removal. Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 had TE/implant removal, NPWTi-d placement, and TE/implant replacement 1-4 days later. Group 2 (control) underwent standard TE/implant removal and no NPWTi-d. Reinfection after TE/implant salvage, TE/implant-free days, and time to final reconstruction were assessed. Results: The study included 47 patients (76 TE/implants) in group 1 (13 patients, 16 TE/implants) and group 2 (34 patients, 60 TE/implants). The success rate (no surgical-site infection within 90 days) of implant salvage was 81.3% in group 1. No group 1 patients abandoned completing reconstruction after TE/implant loss versus 38.2% (13 of 34) in group 2 (P = 0.0094). Mean implant-free days was 2.5 ± 1.2 in group 1 versus 134.6 ± 78.5 in group 2 (P = 0.0001). The interval to final implant-based reconstruction was 69.0 ± 69.7 days in group 1 versus 225.6 ± 93.6 days in group 2 (P = 0.0001). Conclusions: A breast implant salvage pathway with infected device removal, NPWTi-d placement, and early TE/implant replacement was successful in 81.3%. Patients experienced 132 less implant-free days and faster time to final reconstruction.
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    Postoperative Day 1 Dangling Protocol with Tissue Oximetry Guidance Decreases Hospital Stay in Lower Extremity Fasciocutaneous Free Flaps: Early Experience
    (Wolters Kluwer, 2024-08-27) Danforth, Rachel; Wiebe, Jordan E.; Socas, Juan; Lester, Mary E.; Hassanein, Aladdin H.; Surgery, School of Medicine