Analysis of immediate breast reconstruction with the use of titanized polypropylene mesh (TiLOOP®Bra)

Background:

Breast cancer surgery has taken a turn over the past decades. New surgical strategies have generated advanced methods concerning oncologic safety combined with improved cosmetic results. A number of publications outlined that the application of tissue-supporting materials result in improved cosmetic outcome.

Material and Methods:

The authors prospectively studied the feasibility and rate of complications of 87 performed combined skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate prosthetic breast reconstruction with the usage of TiloopBra mesh.

Data such as body mass index, nicotine abuses, diabetes mellitus and others were taken into account. Also rate of postoperative infection, hematoma, seroma, time of drainage and antibiotic therapy were assessed.

Results:

87 patients with a median age of 45,6 years (26 to 76) were evaluated. 82,8% of the patient collective had a oncologic operative indication.

The average prophylactic antibiotic therapy was applied 3,6 days and median drainage duration were 4,7 days.

Mastectomy weight averaged 307,8g (181–820g); implant volumes ranged between 125 and 680 cm3 (median 327cm³).

We recorded an infection rate of 10,3% (only light superficial skin infections), postoperative hematoma rate of 17,2% and 9,2% of postoperative seroma.

Conclusions:

This analysis showed that the application of titanized polypropylene mesh in immediate reconstructive surgery results in greater flexibility in rebuilding the former breast shape. It is a safe procedure with a low rate of complications.

Additional follow-up data are now required to assess further data on the cosmetic outcome, patients satisfaction and oncologic safety.