Poland's syndrome: different clinical presentations and surgical reconstructions in 18 cases

Abstract

Background: The literature reports many variations of Poland's syndrome. This article describes 18 cases of Poland's syndrome in different stages of treatment, with variable clinical presentations and reconstructive techniques.

Methods: This study evaluated 15 females and 3 males, ages 2 to 43 years, for breast deformity, nipple-areolar complex position, pectoralis muscle malformation, thoracic deformities, and the presence of brachysyndactyly. Surgical treatment was performed for 14 patients, individualized for each case.

Results: For the women, the hypoplastic breast was treated with a latissimus dorsi muscular flap associated with silicone gel implant in five cases. Two other patients still are receiving tissue expansion for a future muscular and prosthetic reconstruction. Prosthetic implants alone were used on the affected side in four cases. The nipple-areolar complex was reconstructed for two patients. Seven women underwent contralateral breast surgery: reduction mammoplasty in three cases, mastopexy in two cases, and prosthetic implants in two cases. The only man who underwent surgery was treated with endoscopic rotation of the latissimus dorsi muscle flap.

Conclusions: This study demonstrated several breast reconstruction options for patients with Poland's syndrome, reinforcing the importance of an individualized treatment to achieve complete and adequate rehabilitation.