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Prepectoral breast reconstruction may be safe alternative to partial submuscular reconstruction

Prepectoral breast reconstruction demonstrated comparable safety and efficacy as partial submuscular expander replacement in a cohort of patients treated at a single center.

The study included data for 270 breasts from 166 patients treated between 2012 and 2016. Factors that underwent analysis included adjuvant treatment, length and characteristics of the expansion, and complications during expansion.

The researchers wrote that the technique eliminates dissection of the pectoralis major with the placement of a prosthesis above the muscle.

The prepectoral tissue expander group included 84 breasts from 51 patients, whereas the partial submuscular expander placement group included 186 breasts from 115 patients.

No differences were reported between the two groups in terms of comorbidities and postoperative radiation exposure. Complications occurred in 17.9% of patients in the prepectoral expander group and 18.8% of those in the partial submuscular expander placement group (P = .49).

“This technique is now considered for all patients who are safe oncologic candidates, and are undergoing [nipple-sparing mastectomy] and prosthetic reconstruction,” the researchers concluded. – by Rob Volansky

Disclosure: Sbitany reports being a consultant for LifeCell.