Poland Syndrome: Experience in Cuba

Abstract

Introduction: Breast malformations are a frequent cause of consultation in Plastic Surgery. Rarely, they are due to Poland Syndrome and are accompanied by other abnormalities that affect body self-image. Objective: To characterize patients with Poland Syndrome in Cuba. Method: A descriptive, longitudinal and prospective study was carried out with 9 patients treated at the Plastic Surgery and Caumatology Service of the Ameijeiras Hospital with a diagnosis of Poland Syndrome in the period from November 2017 to November 2020 who consented to participate. Results: 9 patients with a mean age of 27 ± 7.9 years were included. Of them, 8 were women (88.9%). According to Foulcras’ classification, 44.4% corresponded to Stage II. 55.5% had involvement of the left breast and all presented deformity of the pectoral muscle, 55.5% of them associated with deformity of the upper limb. 44.4% underwent augmentation mastoplasty and 44.4% reconstruction with tissue expansion. Only one patient did not have surgery. 33.3% underwent submuscular bilateral augmentation mastoplasty and 22.2% contralateral reduction mastoplasty. 33.3% required tissue expansion without modifying the contralateral breast, while in 11.1% it was combined with contralateral breast reduction. There were no complications. Conclusions: Poland’s Syndrome is infrequent, but it is occasionally a reason for consultation in Plastic Surgery. Surgical treatment options offer good results as long as breast reconstruction protocols are followed for deficit of the chest wall, pectoral muscles, or breast tissue.