Mesh-pocket supported prepectoral direct-to-implant breast reconstruction: preliminary results of a prospective analysis

Aim Besides the safety and breast aesthetics of direct-to-implant techniques the study is aiming to show that the next generation of titanized mesh-pockets adds a new dimension to pre-pectoral techniques in terms of satisfactory outcome.

Material After TiLOOP®​ Bra Pocket supported prepectoral breast reconstruction it is important to obtain data regarding patient reported outcome, cosmetic outcome and complications.

Method A prospective international, multicentre observational investigation (PRO-Pocket-Trial CLINICALTRIALS.GOV NCT03868514 and DRKS00016673) is performed in 12 centres in Germany and Austria up to the 24 months Follow-Up.

Results From 06/2019 until 02/2021, 313 patients (age 23-80; mean of the BMI 24.5 ± 4.5 kg/m²) with TiLOOP®​ Bra Pocket supported breast reconstructions were included. Unilateral surgery was performed in about 40 %. The most frequent incision technique was an inframammary incision followed by inverted T-technique and hockey stick incision. About 70 % of the breast implants were of anatomical shape; textured surface was also reported in about 75 % of the reconstructions. None of the reported complications was unexpected; currently, 5.9% seroma-rate, 1.8% wound healing disorders, 2.7% infections and 2.5% bleedings (revision) are documented.

Conclusion Use of TiLOOP®​ Bra Pocket enables a new standard of pre-pectoral reconstructive techniques preserving the natural anatomy, thereby avoiding adverse effects associated with submuscular reconstruction, minimizing postoperative pain, risk of bleeding and the lack of animation deformity like “jumping breast phenomenon”. Pocket-supported reconstructive techniques become more valuable in times of changing to implants with smooth surface due to the excellent stabilization of implant position.

Publication History

Article published online:
21 June 2022