Study on the Impact of Post-Mastectomy Radiotherapy on Immediate Breast Reconstruction and Complications: A Meta-Analysis

Background and objective:Immediate breast reconstruction not only reduces the number of surgeries for patients after mastectomy but also decreases psychological and physical trauma,making it increasingly popular.However,there is currently no consensus on the integration of post-mastectomy radiotherapy(PMRT)with reconstruction techniques.This review evaluates the impact of PMRT on complications following immediate breast reconstruction,providing guidance for clinical treatment decisions.Methods:PubMed,Web of Science,Embase,and other databases were searched for studies published in the past 15 years on outcomes of implant-based breast reconstruction in the context of radiotherapy to identify articles for analysis.RevMan 5.4 software was used to analyze the risks of seroma,infection,wound dehiscence,flap necrosis,implant exposure,capsule contracture,and reconstruction failure.Results:A total of 1l relevant studies were included,comprising 6323 cases of immediate breast reconstruction.It was found that breasts receiving postoperative irradiation had a significantly increased risk of complications,with statistically significant differences in seroma(P=0.004),infection(P<0.00001),wound dehiscence(P=0.04),implant exposure(P<0.00001),capsule contracture(P<0.00001),and reconstruction failure(P<0.00001).There was no statistically significant difference in flap necrosis(P=0.88).Conclusion:The results indicate that postoperative radiotherapy significantly increases the risk of complications for patients undergoing immediate implant-based reconstruction.Preventive measures may be taken in advance with the assistance of healthcare providers if necessary.

Synchronous multiple primary malignant neoplasms in breast,kidney,and bilateral thyroid:A case report

BACKGROUND Multiple primary malignant neoplasms(MPMNs)are rare,while synchronous MPMNs(SMPMNs)are even less common.Owing to the progression of medical technology and the extension of life expectancy,its incidence is gradually increasing.CASE SUMMARY Although reports of breast and thyroid dual cancers are common,cases of an additional diagnosis of kidney primary cancer within the same individual are rare.CONCLUSION We present a case of simultaneous MPMN of three endocrine organs,reviewing the relevant literature to enhance our understanding of SMPMNs while emphasizing the increasingly important need for accurate diagnosis and multidisciplinary management whenever this challenging situation arises.

Nomogram for predicting early complications after distal gastrectomy

BACKGROUND Reducing or preventing postoperative morbidity in patients with gastric cancer(GC)is particularly important in perioperative treatment plans.AIM To identify risk factors for early postoperative complications of GC post-distal gastrectomy and to establish a nomogram prediction model.METHODS This retrospective study included 131 patients with GC who underwent distal gastrectomy at the Second Hospital of Shandong University between January 2019 and February 2023.The factors influencing the development of complications after distal gastrectomy in these patients were evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.Based on the results obtained,a predictive nomogram was established.The nomogram was validated using internal and external(n=45)datasets.Its sensitivity and specificity were established by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.Decision curve(DCA)analysis was used to determine its clinical benefit and ten-fold overfitting was used to establish its accuracy and stability.RESULTS Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that hypertension,diabetes,history of abdominal surgery,and perioperative blood transfusion were independent predictors of postoperative complications of distal gastrectomy.The modeling and validation sets showed that the area under the curve was 0.843[95%confidence interval(CI):0.746-0.940]and 0.877(95%CI:0.719-1.000),the sensitivity was 0.762 and 0.778,respectively,and the specificity was 0.809 and 0.944,respectively,indicating that the model had good sensitivity and specificity.The C-indexes of the modeling and validation datasets were 0.843(95%CI:0.746-0.940)and 0.877(95%CI:0.719-1.000),respectively.The calibration curve(Hosmer Lemeshow test:χ^(2)=7.33)showed that the model had good consistency.The results of the DCA analysis indicated that this model offered good clinical benefits.The accuracy of 10-fold cross-validation was 0.878,indicating that the model had good accuracy and stability.CONCLUSION The nomogram prediction model based on independent risk factors related to postoperative complications of distal gastrectomy can facilitate perioperative intervention for high-risk populations and reduce the incidence of postoperative complications.

Analysis of herbs use law and mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in preventing and treating postoperative complications of breast cancer

Objective:Excavate the compatibility rules of traditional Chinese medicine for preventing and treating postoperative complications of breast cancer,study the potential mechanism of prevention and treatment with traditional Chinese medicine.Methods:Collate and analyze the relevant prescriptions collected from CNKI and the core drug combination and the new formula are obtained by adopting the traditional Chinese medicine inheritance auxiliary system(TCMISSV2.5).Use BATMAN-TCM online analysis tool to analyze KEGG pathways of high frequency drugs and predict the potential signal pathways.Results:Data mining has selected 10 pairs of core herb combinations and 5 new recipes of 133 prescriptions.In the network pharmacology analysis of bai zhu,huang qi,fu ling,the potential signaling pathways of its action are the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway and calcium signaling pathway.Conclusion:Herbs for invigorating spleen and qi and herbs for nourishing blood and activating blood are commonly used to prevent and treat postoperative complications of breast cancer.Core herbs may play their role by interfering with the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway and calcium signaling pathway.

Breast Reduction Complications

Background: Breast reduction surgery is increasing in popularity, with so many techniques all around the world, and the community’s knowledge of the details of this procedure increases thanks to the Internet and easy access to information, which increases breast reduction reviews for plastic surgery clinics. Reduction mammaplasty is an established and effective technique to treat symptomatic macromastia. Variable rates of complications have been reported, and there is a continued need for better outcome assessment studies. Aim: The purpose of this study was to identify the complications occurred during the first year of breast reduction surgery. Materials and Methods: A prospective study over a 1-year period from October 2018 to October 2019, that included 32 patients who underwent breast reduction surgery using the same technique (inferior pedicle and inverted T scar) in the Department of Plastic Surgery at Al-Mouassat University Hospital, Damascus, Syria. Patients were followed through a whole year after surgery and complications that occurred were recorded. Results: Complications that occurred in 14 patients (43%), and, and were more common in patients with larger breasts and worse symptoms before surgery. The most common complication was delayed wound healing, and it was associated with breast volume before surgery and with smoking. In general, the most relevant factor influencing the incidence of complications was the weight of the resected breast tissue, which is mainly related to the size of the breast before surgery. Conclusion: The weight of the resected breast tissue was the most important factor influencing the occurrence of complications after breast reduction surgery. The most prevalent complication was delayed wound healing and it was associated with the weight of the removed tissue.

The accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound in evaluating the size of early-stage breast neoplasms

Objective Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. Accurate evaluation of the size and extent of the tumor is crucial in selecting a suitable surgical method for patients with breast cancer. Both overestimation and underestimation have important adverse effects on patient care. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of breast magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and ultrasound(US) examination for measuring the size and extent of early-stage breast neoplasms.Methods The longest diameter of breast tumors in patients with T_(1–2)N_(0–1)M_0 invasive breast cancer preparing for breast-conserving surgery(BCS) was measured preoperatively by using both MRI and US and their accuracy was compared with that of postoperative pathologic examination. If the diameter difference was within 2 mm, it was considered to be consistent with pathologic examination.Results A total of 36 patients were imaged using both MRI and US. The mean longest diameter of the tumors on MRI, US, and postoperative pathologic examination was 20.86 mm ± 4.09 mm(range: 11–27 mm), 16.14 mm ± 4.91 mm(range: 6–26 mm), and 18.36 mm ± 3.88 mm(range: 9–24 mm). US examination underestimated the size of the tumor compared to that determined using pathologic examination(t = 3.49, P < 0.01), while MRI overestimated it(t =-6.35, P < 0.01). The linear correlation coefficients between the image measurements and pathologic tumor size were r = 0.826(P < 0.01) for MRI and r = 0.645(P < 0.01) for US. The rate of consistency of MRI and US compared to that with pathologic examination was 88.89% and 80.65%, respectively, and there was no statistically significant difference between them(χ~2 = 0.80, P > 0.05).Conclusion MRI and US are both effective methods to assess the size of breast tumors, and they maintain good consistency with pathologic examination. MRI has a better correlation with pathology. However, we should be careful about the risk of inaccurate size estimation.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for superficial esophageal neoplasms

Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) is currently accepted as the major treatment modality for superficial neoplasms in the gastrointestinal tract including the esophagus.An important advantage of ESD is its effectiveness in resecting lesions regardless of their size and severity of fibrosis.Based on excellent outcomes for esophageal neoplasms with a small likelihood of lymph node metastasis,the number of ESD candidates has increased.On the other hand,ESD still requires highly skilled endoscopists due to technical difficulties.To avoid unnecessary complications including perforation and postoperative stricture,the indications for ESD require careful consideration and a full understanding of this modality.This article,in the highlight topic series,provides detailed information on the indication,procedure,outcome,complications and their prevention in ESD of superficial esophageal neoplasms.

Neurological complications of hematopoietic cell transplantation in children and adults

Hematopoietic cell transplantation（HCT） is widely performed for neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases. HCT involves intravenous infusion of hematopoietic progenitor cells from human leukocyte antigen（HLA）-matched donor（allogeneic） or from the patient（autologous）. Before HCT, the patient is prepared with high dose chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy to destroy residual malignant cells and to reduce immunologic resistance. After HCT, chemotherapy is used to prevent graft rejection and graft versus host disease（Gv HD）. Neurological complications are related to the type of HCT, underlying disease, toxicity of the conditioning regimens, immunosuppression caused by conditioning regimens, vascular complications generated by thrombocytopenia and/or coagulopathy, Gv HD and inappropriate immune response. In this review, neurological complications are presented according to time of onset after HCT：（1） early complications（in the first month）-related to harvesting of stem cells, during conditioning（drug toxicity, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome）, related to pancytopenia,（2） intermediate phase complications（second to sixth month）-central nervous system infections caused by prolonged neutropenia and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy due to JC virus,（3） late phase complications（after sixth month）-neurological complications of Gv HD, second neoplasms and relapses of the original disease.

Treatment efficacy of radiof requency ablation of 338 patients with hepatic malignant tumor and the relevant complications

AIM: To investigate the treatment efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatic malignant tumor and the relevant complications.METHODS: A total of 338 patients with 763 hepatic tumors underwent ultrasound-guided RFA (565 procedures).There were 204 cases of hepatic cellular carcinoma (HCC)with 430 tumors, the mean largest diameter was 4.0 cm.Of them, 48 patients (23.5％) were in stages Ⅰ-Ⅱ (UICC Systems) and 156 (76.5％) in stages Ⅲ-Ⅳ There were 134 cases of metastatic liver carcinoma (MLC), with 333metastases in the liver, the mean diameter was 4.1 cm,the liver metastases of 96 patients (71.6％) came from gastrointestinal tract. Ninety-three percent of the 338patients were treated using the relatively standard protocol. Crucial attention must be paid to monitor the abnormal changes in ultrasound images as well as the vital signs of the patients to find the possible hemorrhage and peripheral structures injury in time. The tumors were considered as ablated completely, if no viability was found on enhanced CT within 24 h or at 1 mo after RFA. These patients were followed up for 3-57 mo.RESULTS: The ablation success rate was 93.3％ (401/430tumors) for HCC and was 96.7％ (322/333 tumors) for MLC. The local recurrence rate for HCC and MLC was 7.9％ (34/430 tumors) and 10.5％ (35/333 tumors),respectively. A total of 137 patients (40.5％) underwent 2-11times of repeated ablations because of tumor recurrence or metastasis. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year survival rate was84.6％, 66.6％, and 63.1％, respectively;the survival rate from 48 patients of Ⅰ-Ⅱ stage HCC was 93.7％, 80.4％,and 80.4％, respectively. The major complication rate in this study was 2.5％ (14 of 565 procedures), which consisted of 5 hemorrhages, 1 colon perforation, 5 injuries of adjacent structures, 2 bile leakages, and 1 skin burn.CONCLUSION: RFA, as a minimally invasive local treatment,has become an effective and relatively safe alternative for the patients of hepatic malignant tumor, even of advanced liver tumor, tumor recurrence, and liver metastases. Knowledge about possible complications and their control may increase the treatment efficacy and help to promote the use of RFA technique.

Postoperative complications after robotic resection of colorectal cancer:An analysis based on 5-year experience at a large-scale center

BACKGROUND As a common gastrointestinal malignancy,colorectal cancer(CRC)poses a serious health threat globally.Robotic surgery is one of the future trends in surgical treatment of CRC.Robotic surgery has several technical advantages over laparoscopic surgery,including 3D visualization,elimination of the fulcrum effect,and better ergonomic positioning,which together lead to better surgical outcomes and faster recovery.However,analysis of independent factors of postoperative complications after robotic surgery is still insufficient.AIM To analyze the incidence and risk factors for postoperative complications after robotic surgery in patients with CRC.METHODS In total,1040 patients who had undergone robotic surgical resection for CRC between May 2015 and May 2020 were analyzed retrospectively.Postoperative complications were categorized according to the Clavien-Dindo(C-D)classification,and possible risk factors were evaluated.RESULTS Among 1040 patients who had undergone robotic surgery for CRC,the overall,severe,local,and systemic complication rates were 12.2%,2.4%,8.8%,and 3.5%,respectively.Multivariate analysis revealed that multiple organ resection(P<0.001)and level III American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA)score(P=0.006)were independent risk factors for overall complications.Multivariate analysis identified multiple organ resection(P<0.001)and comorbidities(P=0.029)as independent risk factors for severe complications(C-D grade III or higher).Regarding local complications,multiple organ resection(P=0.002)and multiple bowel resection(P=0.027)were independent risk factors.Multiple organ resection(P<0.001)and level III ASA score(P=0.007)were independent risk factors for systemic complications.Additionally,sigmoid colectomy had a lower incidence of overall complications(6.4%;P=0.006)and local complications(4.7%;P=0.028)than other types of colorectal surgery.CONCLUSION Multiple organ resection,level III ASA score,comorbidities,and multiple bowel resection were risk factors for postoperative complications,with multiple organ resection being the most likely.

Advancement of Complications Related to Augmentation Mammoplasty using Silicone Gel Prosthesis

Augmentation mammaplasty with implants is a form of plastic surgery that can ameliorate breast volume deficiencies and achieve beautiful breast shape using implants.Complications after augmentation mammoplasty are the main reasons that may hinder its use or result in procedural failure.Here,we review the mechanism,clinical manifestations,and treatment of the main complications,such as capsular contracture,implant malposition,and rippling,of augmentation mammaplasty.We aimed to achieve a more stable,reliable,and long-lasting effect on implant mammoplasty to eventually benefit our patients.

Does testosterone prevent early postoperative complications after gastrointestinal surgery?

AIM:To investigate the role of sex hormones in the early postoperative complications of gastrointestinal diseases. METHODS:A total of 65 patients who underwent operations for gastric and colorectal diseases(mainly malignant diseases)were included in the study. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected at different times for analysis of estradiol,testosterone and progesterone.The only study endpoint was analysis of postoperative complications. RESULTS:Patients of both sexes were uniform but postoperative complication rate was significantly higher in female patients(P=0.027).There was no significant association of estradiol and progesterone with postoperative complications.Testosterone levels in complicated patients were significantly lower than in uncomplicated patients(P<0.05).Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve showed that a lower value of testosterone was a predictor for higher complication rate(P<0.05),and a lower value oftestosterone at later times after surgery was a better predictor of complications. CONCLUSION:Patients with low testosterone level were prone to higher postoperative complications,which was evident in both sexes.However,further studies are necessary to support this result.

Breast cancer: Epidemiology, risk factors and screening

Breast cancer is a global health concern with a significant impact on the well-being of women. Worldwide, the past several decades have witnessed changes in the incidence and mortality of breast cancer. Additionally,epidemiological data reveal distinct geographic and demographic disparities globally. A range of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors are established as being associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer.This review discusses genetic, hormonal, behavioral, environmental, and breast-related risk factors. Screening plays a critical role in the effective management of breast cancer. Various screening modalities, including mammography,ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging(MRI), and physical examination, have different applications, and a combination of these modalities is applied in practice. Current screening recommendations are based on factors including age and risk, with a significant emphasis on minimizing potential harms to achieve an optimal benefits-to-harms ratio. This review provides a comprehensive insight into the epidemiology, risk factors, and screening of breast cancer. Understanding these elements is crucial for improving breast cancer management and reducing its burden on affected individuals and healthcare systems.

A Comparison of Perioperative Blood Transfusions and Other Complications Following Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flaps versus Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flaps

Objective: Abdominal based free flaps such as the Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous (TRAM) flap and Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap are essential tools in the reconstructive armamentarium post mastectomy. These reconstructions are often prolonged, complex and associated with complications. This study aims to compare the complication rate, particularly focusing on perioperative transfusions, between TRAM and DIEP flaps performed by the senior author in our tertiary referral centre. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of one hundred and seven consecutive TRAM and DIEP flaps from 2000 to 2014. The two groups were analysed for demographics, preoperative risk factors and post-operative complications including blood transfusions, haematomas, flap losses, redo-anastomoses, flap infections, abdominal wound sequelae and non-surgical complications. Results: Sixty-three patients underwent 67 free/muscle sparing TRAM flaps and 35 patients underwent 40 DIEP flaps. There were no statistically significant differences in patient demographics or preoperative risk factors between the two groups. Five TRAM flap cases (7.9%) required transfusion whilst no DIEP flap cases required transfusion. This difference was not found to be statistically significant (p = 0.16). However, free/muscle-sparing TRAM flaps were found to have a significantly higher overall complication rate compared to DIEP flaps (23.8% vs. 5.7%, p = 0.02). Conclusion: The current study demonstrated no difference in perioperative transfusion requirement between TRAM and DIEP cases. There was however a significantly higher rate of overall complications associated with TRAM flaps warranting the authors to conclude that care be taken when opting for this reconstructive method.

Breast reconstruction:Review of current autologous and implantbased techniques and long-term oncologic outcome

Implant-based reconstruction is the most common method of breast reconstruction.Autologous breast reconstruction is an indispensable option for breast reconstruction demanding keen microsurgical skills and robust anatomical understanding.The reconstructive choice is made by the patient after a discussion with the plastic surgeon covering all the available options.Advantages and disadvantages of each technique along with long-term oncologic outcome are reviewed.

Adjuvant therapy for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer: Perspective from a survey on breast cancer physicians' acceptance of practice-changing data

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted.A high proportion of the Chinese breast cancer(BC)physician respondents(n=77)would prescribe extended adjuvant endocrine therapy(AET)with aromatase inhibitors(AI)beyond 5 years for postmenopausal females with BC,especially those with higher risk.Respondents with≥15 years of clinical experience were more likely to prescribe a longer duration of AET for low-risk patients.Half of the respondents considered intermittent letrozole as an acceptable option.Most respondents would prescribe adjuvant chemotherapy to genomic high-intermediate risk[Oncotype DX recurrence score(RS)21-25]females aged≤50 years regardless of the clinical risk classification.

Granular cell tumor of the breast:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Granular cell tumor(GCT)of the breast(GCTB)is a rare neoplasm that can exhibit malignant characteristics both clinically and radiologically.This tumor can also coexist and colocalize with breast carcinoma.CASE SUMMARY We present a patient with this uncommon tumor and discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in order to further the knowledge of GCTB and prevent misdiagnosis and overtreatment.The characteristics of the tumor,methods of diagnosis,therapy and postoperative pathological outcomes were analyzed,and relevant literatures of GCTs were reviewed.The patient underwent surgery after core needle biopsy,and the excised neoplasm was sent for pathological examination.Histological analysis revealed nests of cells with abundant pink granular cytoplasm,confirming the diagnosis of GCTB.CONCLUSION As manifestations of GCT and malignancy can mimic each other,a careful histological examination is essential before major surgery.Treatment consisting of complete excision with close clinical follow-up is recommended.

Devastating complication of negative pressure wound therapy after deep inferior epigastric perforator free flap surgery:A case report

BACKGROUND Thermal injuries on free transferred or replanted tissues resulting from loss of sensibility are an infrequent occurrence.They require immediate and appropriate management before they progress to an irreversible condition.Although negative pressure wound therapy(NPWT)can prevent wound progression by increasing microcirculation,the inappropriate application of NPWT on complicationthreatened transferred and replanted tissues can induce an adverse effect.CASE SUMMARY A 48-year-old woman who underwent immediate breast reconstruction with a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator free flap.While applying a heating pad directly to the flap site,she sustained a deep second to third-degree contact burn over 30%of the transferred flap on postoperative 7 d.As the necrotic changes had progressed,we applied an NPWT dressing over the burned area after en-bloc debridement of the transferred tissues on postoperative 21 d.After 4 d of NPWT application,the exposed fatty tissues of the flap changed to dry and browncolored necrotic tissues.Upon further debridement,we noted that the wound gradually reached total necrosis with a collapsed vascular pedicle of deep inferior epigastric artery.CONCLUSION Although NPWT has been shown to be successful for treating various wound types,the significant risk of NPWT application in short-lasting reconstructed flap wounds after thermal injury should be reminded.

三阴型乳腺癌基于组织学、免疫组化分型的分析

目的探讨基于组织学、免疫组化的三阴型乳腺癌(triple-negative breast cancer,TNBC)分型标准,为完善TNBC分型治疗提供理论依据。方法根据组织学特点和免疫组化标志物AR、CD8、FOXC1的表达对TNBC进行分型,比较TNBC亚型的临床病理特征、预后差异。结果93例TNBC中腔面雄激素受体型23例(24.7%),免疫调节型24例(25.8%),基底样免疫抑制型39例(42.0%),间充质型7例(7.5%)。TNBC亚型的临床病理特征:pT分期(P=0.030)、组织学分级(P<0.001)、肿瘤间质淋巴细胞浸润模式(P<0.001)、PD-L1(P<0.001)、HER2低表达(P=0.024)差异均有统计学意义;各亚型间的无瘤生存率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。单因素分层生存分析:亚型间pT1分期的无瘤生存率差异有统计学意义(P=0.011),其余临床病理特征均为非独立预后因素。结论TNBC基于组织学、免疫组化分型的临床病理特征有差异,有望替代复杂基因表达谱分型,为TNBC分型和靶向治疗提供理论依据。