Breast Cerclage: An Innovative Expedient for Perimammary Dehiscence Healing

Area of Science:

• Surgical reconstruction
• Wound healing
• Chest wall surgery

Background:

• Perimammary zone healing is critical, with high dehiscence rates, especially sternal ones.
• Sternal wound complications increase morbidity and mortality after cardiac/vascular surgery.
• Heavy breasts can cause tension, delaying perimammary wound recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel technique for managing critical post-surgical sternal dehiscence.
• To evaluate the efficacy of breast cerclage in reducing wound tension and preventing relapse.
• To assess functional and aesthetic outcomes of the innovative technique.

Main Methods:

• Report of a case involving a 66-year-old female with critical sternal dehiscence and comorbidities.
• Management included primary intention closure combined with a breast cerclage.
• The breast cerclage aimed to reduce tension on the perimammary wound.

Main Results:

• The combined approach led to rapid and complete wound healing.
• The breast cerclage minimized the risk of wound relapse.
• Both functional and aesthetic results were satisfactory.

Conclusions:

• Breast cerclage is a novel, effective expedient for managing sternal dehiscence by reducing wound tension.
• This technique shows promise for improving outcomes in chest wall reconstruction.
• The procedure offers satisfactory functional and aesthetic results, potentially becoming a standard approach.