Surgical reconstruction of complex and huge defect after locally advanced breast cancer ablation

Objective The purpose of this study is to review the single institutional experience in oncoplastic treatment of locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). Methods This is a retrospective analysis of 246 female patients who underwent breast and chest wall reconstruction after LABC ablation in the department from August 2007 to December 2015. The mean age of the patients is 43.7 years old, range from 34 to 70 years old. The soft tissue defect size ranged from 12 cm×6 cm to 32 cm×28 cm, different flaps were chosen for reconstruction, flap size ranged from 13 cm×6 cm to 33 cm×29 cm. Simple rib defects or sternum defects occurred in 65 cases, using mesh repair and flap reconstruction; simple soft tissue defects were noted in 112 cases, pedicled flap or free flap was used; in 69 cases complicated composite chest wall defects involving multiple layers (soft tissue, ribs/sternum, and intrathoracic organs) were repaired with methylmethacrylate/polypropylene mesh sandwich prostheses. The breast and chest wall soft tissue defects were repaired with pedicled or free flap. Results In 3 cases with pedicled rectus abdominis flap partial necrosis was noted, local flap was used after further debridement in 2 cases, in the third case with extensive defect left, free anterolateral thigh flap was transferred for reconstruction. In 2 cases with free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap, postoperative venous congestion occurred. The re-exploration procedure was carried out, edema was removed and the flap survived thoroughly. In 2 cases with free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap postoperative course margin dehiscence and chest wall basement partial necrosis was noted, free anterolateral thigh flap was transferred for reconstruction after thoroughly debridement, the wounds healed smoothly. All other wounds healed uneventfully, all flaps survived totally. The hospital stay time ranged from 12 days to 42 days, all patients received further therapy. The mean follow-up was 28.8±0.4 months, with a range from 9 to 96 months. 26 cases were lost for follow up, in the rest 220 cases, local tumor recurrence was noted in 52 cases, distant metastasis was noted in 42 cases, all other patients recovered well, the function and appearance of flaps were satisfactory, the life quality of patients improved notably. Conclusions Oncoplastic techniques are suitable and safe for LABC reconstruction, helpful for oncological local control, can improve patients life quality. Key words: Locally advanced breast cancer; Perforator flap; Free flap transplantation; Reconstruction of defect of chest wall