Long-term Outcomes of Acellular Dermal Matrix Use in Breast-Conserving Surgery: A Single-Institution Study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) is a standard oncologic treatment.
• Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is used to improve outcomes in BCS.
• Long-term data on ADM use in BCS are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate long-term postoperative outcomes and complications.
• To assess the incidence of major and minor complications after BCS with ADM.
• To identify factors associated with ADM removal.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 236 patients from July 2015 to August 2021.
• Inclusion of patients with adequate postoperative follow-up.
• Classification of complications as major or minor; ADM removals categorized as early or delayed.

Main Results:

• 50.4% of patients experienced complications (22 major, 97 minor) over a median 71.7-month follow-up.
• Infection was the most common major complication (9.3%), seroma the most common minor (41.1%).
• ADM removal occurred in 11.9% of patients, with 8.1% unrelated to recurrence, often delayed due to infection.

Conclusions:

• Complications are common after BCS with ADM insertion.
• The rates of major complications (9.3%) and reoperation for ADM removal (8.1%) warrant attention.
• Careful patient selection and long-term surveillance are essential for BCS with ADM.