High-Efficiency Same-Day Approach to Breast Reconstruction During the COVID-19 Crisis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Plastic Surgery
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Hospitals faced resource limitations during the COVID-19 crisis, impacting breast cancer patient care.
• There was an urgent need for efficient treatment protocols to maximize hospital capacity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a same-day protocol for mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction.
• To minimize resource utilization for breast cancer patients during the COVID-19 crisis.

Main Methods:

• A quality improvement initiative operationalized a novel same-day breast reconstruction protocol.
• Consecutive patients undergoing immediate breast reconstruction were prospectively enrolled.
• Peri-operative results and postoperative complications were summarized.

Main Results:

• The average time from surgical closure to discharge was 5.02 hours.
• All patients were discharged home without readmission or emergency visits.
• No postoperative complications were observed.

Conclusions:

• A same-day breast reconstruction protocol can be operationalized to provide cancer treatment during resource limitations.
• Pre-pectoral implant-based reconstruction can be definitive or a bridge to autologous reconstruction.
• This protocol offers a solution for breast cancer care during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.