Direct-to-Implant Retropectoral Dual Plane Approach With Autologous Inferior-Based Dermal Flap: Does SPY-Elite Laser Angiographic System Reduce Complication Rates?

The study aims to investigate the complications and long-term outcomes associated with retropectoral DTI breast reconstruction with IDF utilizing the SPY-Elite laser angiographic system.

This retrospective study was conducted from June 2017 to January 2023. We examined 52 patients (85 breasts) treated with a direct-to-implant retropectoral dual plane approach with IDF implant coverage. Informed consent was duly obtained from every participant. Inclusion criteria dictated that patients should have medium to large breasts and a second or third degree of ptosis, as per the Regnault ptosis scale. During the intraoperative evaluation, the mastectomy flaps and IDF were assessed with the SPY-Elite laser angiographic system using near-infrared imaging. We recorded patient demographics, characteristic data, and complications.

A total of 52 patients, aged 27 to 63, underwent 85 mastectomies using a direct-to-implant retropectoral approach with inferior dermal flap. The average age of the patients was 48, and their average body mass index was 30.8, with a range of 28 to 43. The distance from the nipple to the inframammary fold varied between 14 and 24 cm. The implants used had an average size of 275 cc, ranging from 250 to 650 cc. Textured anatomic implants with either moderate plus or high profile were used in all cases. The sternal notch to nipple distance for these patients ranged from 24 to 38 cm. During the evaluation using the SPY-Elite laser angiographic system, insufficient distal marginal perfusion was detected in five out of 85 inferior dermal flaps, measuring between 2 and 5 cm². These areas were subsequently debrided, and the reconstructions were successfully completed, representing 5.8% of cases. No instances of necrosis related to IDF have been observed. There have been no failed assessments conducted by SPY ICG.

In total, the complication rate was 15.2%, with minor complications occurring in 8.2% of the breasts (7 out of 85) and major ones in 7% (6 out of 85). The subjects were monitored for an average of 14 months, the duration ranging from 12 to 24 months.

Inferior dermal flaps have considerable advantages, such as a natural autologous blood supply, a more realistic tissue thickness and texture, lower costs, and better tolerance to post-reconstruction radiation. Moreover, using the IDF technique and assessing the perfusion of IDF and mastectomy flaps through the SPY-Elite laser angiographic system appears to be a dependable, efficient way to achieve good cosmetic results in one operation, eliminating the need for additional surgeries.

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