Ischemic Complications after Nipple-sparing Mastectomy: Predictors of Reconstructive Failure in Implant-based...

Mastectomy flap and nipple-areola complex (NAC) ischemia can be devastating complications after nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM). Predictors of reconstructive failure with major skin envelope ischemia and implications for decision-making remain to be fully elucidated.

All cases of implant-based reconstruction after NSM from 2006 to June 2018 with mastectomy flap necrosis or NAC necrosis requiring debridement were reviewed. Data on patient demographics, operative characteristics, additional complications, and the nature and management of ischemic complications were collected and analyzed.

Out of 1045 NSMs, 70 cases (6.7%) had major ischemic complications. Fifty-two cases (74.3% of major ischemic complications) had isolated major mastectomy flap necrosis, 7 (10%) had full NAC necrosis and 11 (15.7%) had both. Five cases (7.1%) underwent implant exchange at the time of debridement and 15 cases (21.4%) required explantation. Explanted cases had significantly lower body mass index (22.3 versus 24.7, P = 0.013) and larger debridement size (49.5 cm² versus 17.6 cm², P = 0.0168). Additionally, explanted cases had a higher rate of acellular dermal matrix/mesh (100% versus 45.5%, P < 0.0001), prior radiation (20.0% versus 0%, P = 0.0083), immediate implants (46.7% versus 20.0%, P = 0.0491), major infection (30.0% versus 1.8%, P = 0.028), and both major mastectomy flap/NAC necrosis (33.3% versus 10.9%, P = 0.0494).

NSM cases with major ischemia requiring explantation had a lower body mass index and significantly higher rate of preoperative radiation, immediate implant placement, use of acellular dermal matrix/mesh, and concomitant major infection. These variables should be taken into account when discussing risks with patients preoperatively and assessing the quality of mastectomy flaps and subsequent reconstructive choices intraoperatively.