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Autologous free flap reconstruction safe in patients with inflammatory breast cancer

In patients with inflammatory breast cancer, researchers found autologous free flap reconstruction could be performed safely, with reasonable complication rates and without an increased risk for flap loss.

The researchers retrospectively analyzed data for 830 patients with inflammatory breast cancer who underwent reconstruction between January 2000 and December 2012. Of the patients analyzed, 59 underwent free flap reconstruction, with all receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy. On average, patients underwent autologous free flap breast reconstruction at 18.6 months after irradiation; 46 patients underwent reconstruction for a unilateral breast defect, and 13 patients had bilateral free flap breast reconstruction.

Edward I. Chang

Twenty-one patients developed complications after reconstruction; however, the researchers found age, BMI, smoking comorbidities and bra/breast size were not associated with the development of these complications.

Minor wound-healing complications with the flap inset into the irradiated field occurred in seven patients; however, the complications healed with non-operative, local wound care.

Patients with inflammatory breast cancer patients who underwent reconstruction had significantly improved survival compared with those who did not undergo reconstruction, according to the researchers. – by Abigail Sutton

Disclosures: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.