Goldilocks Mastectomy: A Safe Bridge to Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction in the Morbidly Obese.
Sleutelwoorden
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Reconstructive surgeons are encountering an increasing number of obese women requiring postmastectomy reconstruction. These patients are poor candidates for autologous and prosthetic-based reconstructions as they have a high rate of reconstructive failure, surgical complications, and poor aesthetic outcomes. We demonstrate here the utility of the previously described Goldilocks mastectomy with free nipple grafts as a safe bridge to second stage implant-based breast reconstruction.
METHODS
Ten consecutive morbidly (BMI > 40) or super obese (BMI>50) women underwent bilateral Goldilocks mastectomy with free nipple grafts followed by second stage subpectoral implant placement at least three months postoperatively. Patients were assessed for implant-related complications including malposition, capsular contracture, dehiscence, and extrusion.
RESULTS
Ten postmastectomy reconstructions in patients with BMIs ranging from 37 to 50 with a mean BMI of 45 underwent bilateral Goldilocks mastectomy with free nipple grafts. Two patients had wound healing complications after Goldilocks mastectomy but were completely healed within 8 weeks. There were no instances of delayed wound healing or reconstructive failure after prosthetic placement. With at least 9 months of follow-up on all patients, no patient has had a capsular contracture, significant malposition, or other complication requiring reoperation.
CONCLUSIONS
The obese patient poses a significant reconstructive challenge for which no reproducible approach has been described. Here, we present a 2-stage strategy: the previously described Goldilocks mastectomy with free nipple grafts followed by second stage subpectoral definitive implant placement. This is the first proposed description of a reliable strategy for postmastectomy reconstruction in the morbidly and super obese.