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The Use of Absorbable Mesh in Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction: A 7-Year Review
Heather R Faulkner1, Lauren Shikowitz-Behr1, Matthew McLeod1
1From the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|November 25, 2020
Summary
Synthetic absorbable mesh offers a safe and cost-effective alternative for breast reconstruction, showing stable results comparable to acellular dermal matrix. This approach provides significant cost savings in prosthetic breast reconstruction.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Biomaterials in Medicine
Background:
- Breast reconstruction commonly utilizes implants or expanders, often with adjunctive materials like acellular dermal matrix or synthetic meshes.
- There is a limited number of large-scale studies investigating the efficacy of synthetic mesh in breast reconstruction procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and outcomes of using synthetic absorbable mesh in implant-based breast reconstruction.
- To compare the complication rates and cost-effectiveness of synthetic mesh versus acellular dermal matrix.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients undergoing implant reconstruction with synthetic absorbable mesh over a 7-year period.
- Demographic data and surgical outcomes were collected and statistically analyzed.
Main Results:
- The study included 227 patients (376 mastectomies) who received direct-to-implant subpectoral reconstruction with absorbable mesh between 2011 and 2017.
- Observed complication rates included 2.1% for infection and 4.8% for capsular contracture.
- Patients receiving radiation therapy experienced higher complication rates. Significant cost savings exceeding $1.2 million were noted compared to acellular dermal matrix.
Conclusions:
- Synthetic absorbable mesh is a viable and safe alternative to acellular dermal matrix for prosthetic breast reconstruction.
- This method yields stable reconstructive results and offers substantial financial benefits.
