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Published on: May 17, 2024
The learning curve of the MS-TRAM/DIEP breast reconstruction by dual-trained breast surgeons
Shunrong Li1,2, Songliang Zhang3, Xiaolan Zhang3
1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
Background:
Breast cancer surgeries involving MS-TRAM/DIEP breast reconstruction has traditionally been collaborative efforts between breast surgeons and plastic surgeons. However, in our institution, this procedure is performed by dual-trained breast surgeons who are proficient in both breast surgery and MS-TRAM/DIEP breast reconstruction. This study aims to provide insights into the learning curve associated with this surgical approach.
Materials And Methods:
We included eligible breast cancer patients who underwent MS-TRAM/DIEP breast reconstruction by dual-trained breast surgeons between 2015 and 2020 at our institution. We present the learning curve of this surgical approach, with a focus on determining factors affecting flap harvesting time, surgery time, and ischemic time. Additionally, we assessed the surgical complication rates.
Results:
A total of 147 eligible patients were enrolled in this study. Notably, after 30 cases, a statistically significant reduction of 1.7 h in surgery time and 21 min in ischemic time was achieved, signifying the attainment of a plateau in the learning curve. And the major and minor complications were comparable between the early and after 30 cases.
Conclusion:
This study explores the learning curve and feasibility experienced by dual-trained breast surgeons in performing MS-TRAM/DIEP breast reconstruction.
Trial Registration:
NCT05560633.
