Postmastectomy Mammary Reconstruction with the Use of Tissue Expanders Plus Endoprotesis

Abstract

Introduction: The reconstruction of the breast after mastectomy is included in the treatment of breast cancer and one of the most used techniques is tissue expansion. Objective: To evaluate the use of tissue expansion in postmastectomy breast reconstruction. Material and methods: A descriptive and retrospective study was carried out in the plastic surgery service of Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital. We included 25 patients from the consultation of oncological deformities of the breast, from January 2016 to August 2018. Tissue expansion consists of expanding the skin and placing a silicone prosthesis. A temporary prosthesis is introduced with a valve, under the muscular plane in a deferred form. In the postoperative period, it will be filled until it reaches the necessary size that allows to place a definitive implant. Results: 96% of women were over 30 years of age, 68% were white and histologically diagnosed with infiltrating ductal carcinoma 60%. 64% were reconstructed before the 2 years after the radical mastectomy and in the healthy breast; reductive mastoplasty was performed to achieve symmetry. Complications were present in 20% of the patients and the results obtained were good in 82.6% of the patients. Conclusions: The use of tissue expanders with endoprotesis in postmastectomy breast reconstruction is a safe and effective technique with a high degree of satisfaction for the majority of patients.