Global Practices in Autologous Free Flap Breast Reconstruction
Author Information
Author(s): Bonafastia Sanderley J., Steenbeek Lennart M., Ulrich Dietmar J.O., Hummelink Stefan
Primary Institution: Radboud University Medical Centre Nijmegen
Hypothesis
The study aims to evaluate current practices in autologous free flap breast reconstruction worldwide.
Conclusion
The study provides insights into the current practices and postoperative care in autologous breast reconstruction, which may help standardize procedures and improve patient outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
- 85% of respondents preferred the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap for breast reconstruction.
- 75% of surgeons used preoperative imaging routinely, primarily computed tomography angiography.
- Flap monitoring was mainly performed by nursing staff, with the handheld Doppler being the most common modality.
Takeaway
Doctors around the world use different methods to help women get breast reconstructions after cancer, and this study shows what those methods are.
Methodology
A global survey was conducted among 280 plastic surgeons and 39 plastic and reconstructive surgery societies, collecting data through a questionnaire.
Potential Biases
Self-assessments by respondents may introduce recall bias regarding confidence in performing ABR or incidence of flap failure.
Limitations
The study faced variability in sample sizes across subsections and potential geographical biases due to uneven distribution of respondents.
Participant Demographics
59% practiced in academic settings, 25% in nonacademic settings, 10% in private clinics, and 4% in both academic and private settings.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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