Autologous fat grafting in onco-plastic breast reconstruction: A systematic review on oncological and radiological safety, complications, volume retention and patient/surgeon satisfaction. Issue 6 (June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Groen, J.W.; Negenborn, V.L.; Twisk, D.J.W.R.; Rizopoulos, D.; Ket, J.C.F.; Smit, J.M.; Mullender, M.G.
• Is Part Of: Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery. Volume 69:Issue 6(2016:Jun.)
• Page Start: 742
• Page End: 764
• Publication Date: 2016-06
• Subjects: Autologous fat grafting -- Breast -- Reconstruction -- Efficacy -- Safety; Surgery, Plastic -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures -- Periodicals; Surgery, Plastic -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 617.9505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2016.03.019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-6815

Abstract

Summary: Objective: This study presents an up-to-date overview of the literature on autologous fat grafting (AFG) in onco-plastic breast reconstruction, with respect to complications, oncological and radiological safety, volume retention and patient/surgeon satisfaction. Background: Although AFG is increasingly being applied in onco-plastic breast reconstruction, a comprehensive overview of the available evidence for this procedure is still lacking. Methods: A systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement was conducted. Case series, cohort studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting on relevant outcomes of breast reconstruction with supplemental AFG were included. Results: In total, 43 studies were included reporting on 6260 patients with a follow-up period ranging from 12 to 136 months. The average locoregional and distant oncological recurrence rates after breast reconstruction with AFG were 2.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7–3.7) and 2.0% (95% CI 1.1–3.5), respectively. Fewer cysts and calcifications were seen on radiological images for this procedure than for other types of breast surgery. However, more biopsies were performed based on radiological findings (3.7% vs. 1.6%), and more cases of fat necrosis (9.0% vs 4.7%) were seen after treatment with AFG. The total complication rate of 8.4% (95% CI 7.6–9.1) is lower than those reported following other reconstructive breast procedures. The mean volume retention was 76.8% (range 44.7–82.6%) with a satisfaction rate of 93.4% for patients and 90.1% for surgeons. Conclusions: AFG in breast reconstruction is a promising technique. Safety is not compromised as cancer recurrence and complications are not observed. Whether AFG interferes with radiological follow-up remains to be elucidated. Randomized trials with sound methodology are needed to confirm these conclusions.