Breast reconstruction using contour fenestrated AlloDerm: Does improvement in design translate to improved outcomes?

Jordan D. Frey, Michael Alperovich, Katie E. Weichman, Stelios C. Wilson, Alexes Hazen, Pierre B. Saadeh, Jamie P. Levine, Mihye Choi, Nolan S. Karp

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Acellular dermal matrices are used in implant-based breast reconstruction. The introduction of contour fenestrated AlloDerm (LifeCell, Branchburg, N.J.) offers sterile processing, a crescent shape, and prefabricated fenestrations. However, any evidence comparing reconstructive outcomes between this newer generation acellular dermal matrices and earlier versions is lacking. Methods: Patients undergoing implant-based breast reconstruction from 2010 to 2014 were identified. Reconstructive outcomes were stratified by 4 types of implant coverage: aseptic AlloDerm, sterile “ready-to-use” AlloDerm, contour fenestrated AlloDerm, or total submuscular coverage. Outcomes were compared with significance set at P < 0.05. Results: A total of 620 patients (1019 reconstructions) underwent immediate, implant-based breast reconstruction; patients with contour fenestrated AlloDerm were more likely to have nipple-sparing mastectomy (P = 0.0001, 0.0004, and 0.0001) and immediate permanent implant reconstructions (P = 0.0001). Those with contour fenestrated AlloDerm coverage had lower infection rates requiring oral (P = 0.0016) and intravenous antibiotics (P = 0.0012) compared with aseptic AlloDerm coverage. Compared with sterile “ready-to-use” AlloDerm coverage, those with contour fenestrated AlloDerm had similar infection outcomes but significantly more minor mastectomy flap necrosis (P = 0.0023). Compared with total submuscular coverage, those with contour fenestrated AlloDerm coverage had similar infection outcomes but significantly more explantations (P = 0.0001), major (P = 0.0130) and minor mastectomy flap necrosis (P = 0.0001). Significant independent risk factors for increased infection were also identified. Conclusions: Contour fenestrated AlloDerm reduces infections compared with aseptic AlloDerm, but infection rates are similar to those of sterile, ready-to-use AlloDerm and total submuscular coverage.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere505
JournalPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Global Open
Volume3
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Breast reconstruction using contour fenestrated AlloDerm: Does improvement in design translate to improved outcomes?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this