Patient determinants as independent risk factors for postoperative complications of breast reconstruction

• Background: Breast reconstruction is an essential component in the treatment of breast cancer. Postoperative complications after breast reconstruction are common and affect patient satisfaction. Determining independent risk factors using patient characteristics could be advantageous for patient assessment and counseling. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 623 consecutive patients who underwent reconstruction with a deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP), latissimus dorsi flap (LD), lateral thoracodorsal flap (LTDF), or tissue expander with a secondary implant (EXP) in this study. Information on demographic and perioperative factors was collected, as well as information on all postoperative complications. Logistic regression was used to analyze associations between possible patient-related risk factors and postoperative complications. Results: Smoking was associated with the highest number of early overall complications [odds ratio (OR) 2.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-3.37, P=0.0005], followed by body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01-1.13, P=0.017). High BMI was associated with the highest number of late overall postoperative complications (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.00-1.11, P=0.042), followed by history of radiotherapy (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.01-2.74, P=0.046). When the risk factors were combined, the risk for postoperative complications rose exponentially. Conclusions: Our results provide evidence that patients should cease smoking and overweight patients should lose weight before undergoing breast reconstruction. Additionally, if the patient has received radiotherapy, the reconstruction method should be carefully chosen. High BMI, history of radiotherapy, and smoking are independent risk factors for many types of both early and late postoperative complications in breast reconstructive surgery. Combining these risk factors multiplies the risk of postoperative complications.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Kirurgi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Surgery (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Breast cancer

breast reconstruction

deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap

implant

epigastric perforator flap

skin-sparing mastectomy

postmastectomy

radiation-therapy

chest-wall radiotherapy

saline-filled implants

tram

flap

tissue expander

venous thromboembolism

multivariate-analysis

12-year experience

Surgery

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)