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Updated: Jun 13, 2025

Endoscopic Bilateral Nipple-sparing Mastectomy via a Single Axillary Incision with Immediate Pre-pectoral Implant-based Breast Reconstruction
Published on: May 17, 2024
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy outcomes in post-irradiated patient undergoing microvascular breast reconstruction: A
Matteo Scampa1, Jérôme Martineau1, Sylvain Boet2,3,4,5
1Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva University, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland.
Introduction:
Radiotherapy is a challenge in autologous breast reconstruction because of its impact on cutaneous and vascular systems. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a recognized treatment of radiation-related complications. We aimed to assess the impact of perioperative HBOT on irradiated breast microvascular reconstructive outcomes.
Method:
We reviewed the medical charts of patients who received radiotherapy and then underwent secondary free autologous breast reconstruction at our institution. Data on demographics, HBOT protocol, intervention characteristics and post-operative complications were collected. Outcomes of the irradiated patients were then compared between the HBOT and non-HBOT groups.
Results:
Fourteen patients were included (11 unilateral and 2 bilateral deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps and 1 free transverse rectus abdominis muscle flap). Seven patients received HBOT and 7 did not. In the non-HBOT group, there were 1 Clavien-Dindo grade II, 1 Clavien-Dindo grade IIIa and 2 Clavien-Dindo grade IIIb post-operative complications. In the HBOT group, there were 3 Clavien-Dindo grade I, 1 Clavien-Dindo grade IIIa and 2 Clavien-Dindo grade IIIb post-operative complications. The mean operative time was 452.3 minutes (SD ±62.4 minutes) for unilateral cases without HBOT and 457.8 minutes (SD ±102.1 minutes) with HBOT (p=0.913). Mean ischaemia time per flap without HBOT was 109.4 minutes (SD ±51.8 minutes) versus 80.1 minutes (SD ±37.7 minutes) in the HBOT group (p=0.249).
Conclusion:
This study provides insights into the potential of HBOT treatment in preparing patients with irradiated breast cancer for secondary autologous reconstruction.

