Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 28, 2026

Designing CAD/CAM Surgical Guides for Maxillary Reconstruction Using an In-house Approach
Published on: August 24, 2018
Locoregional Cancer Recurrence after Breast Reconstruction: Detection, Management, and Secondary Reconstructive
Michael N Mirzabeigi1, Irfan A Rhemtulla1, Elizabeth S Mcdonald1
1From the Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, and the Departments of Radiology and Surgery, University of Pennsylvania Health System.
Background:
Locoregional recurrence of the previously reconstructed breast poses a diagnostic and operative challenge. This study examines detection, management, and reconstructive strategies of locoregional recurrence following postmastectomy breast reconstruction.
Methods:
A retrospective review of records was performed on patients treated within the health system for breast cancer from January of 2000 to July of 2014. Of these patients, descriptive factors and operative details were collected for those that developed locoregional recurrence. Subsequent reconstructive operations were also examined. Using a multidisciplinary team, a surveillance/management algorithm was generated.
Results:
A total of 41 patients with locoregional recurrence were identified (mean time to recurrence, 4.6 years). Two- and 5-year survival following locoregional recurrence was 88 percent and 39 percent, respectively. Locoregional recurrence was found to occur in the following tissue planes: subcutaneous (27 percent), subcutaneous/pectoralis (24 percent), chest wall (37 percent), and axillary (12 percent). The most frequent method of detection was patient concern leading to examination. Older age at the time of locoregional recurrence (p = 0.028), increased time to recurrence/detection (p = 0.024), and chemotherapy before locoregional recurrence (p = 0.014) were associated with the need for a secondary salvage flap. Patients who experienced a subcutaneous recurrence were far less likely to undergo a secondary flap (p = 0.011). Factors associated with loss of the index reconstruction included lower body mass index (p = 0.009), pectoralis invasion (p = 0.05), and implant reconstruction (p = 0.03).
Conclusions:
Detection and management of locoregional recurrence requires appropriate physical examination and imaging. Significant factors associated with failure to salvage the initial reconstruction included body mass index, plane of recurrence, and type of initial reconstruction.
Clinical Question/Level Of Evidence:
Risk, III.
More Related Videos
13:35Endoscopic Bilateral Nipple-sparing Mastectomy via a Single Axillary Incision with Immediate Pre-pectoral Implant-based Breast Reconstruction
Published on: May 17, 2024
10:10Long-term Culture of Human Breast Cancer Specimens and Their Analysis Using Optical Projection Tomography
Published on: July 29, 2011
Related Concept Videos
Reconstruction of Signal using Interpolation
Electron Microscope Tomography and Single-particle Reconstruction
Electron Tomography
Electron tomography can be performed either in TEM or STEM (scanning transmission...
Secondary Active Transport
Secondary Active Transport
Secondary Healthcare System
Primary and Secondary Growth in Roots and Shoots