Initial Experience Using Closed Incision Negative Pressure Therapy after Immediate Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction

Abstract

Although immediate postmastectomy breast reconstruction is favored over delayed reconstruction, it remains associated with high complication rates. Potential complications include seroma formation, dehiscence, infection, and tissue necrosis along incision edges. Closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT; Prevena Incision Management System, KCI, an Acelity company, San Antonio, Tex.) has been reported to help hold incision edges together, protect incisions from external contamination, and remove fluid and infectious material. We investigated outcomes of applying ciNPT with a customizable dressing over closed incisions in 13 patients (25 breasts) who received immediate postmastectomy reconstruction as part of 2-stage expander/implant breast reconstruction. Nipple-sparing mastectomy was performed on 14 breasts, reduction-pattern mastectomy on 6 breasts, and skin-sparing mastectomy on 5 breasts. All breasts had ciNPT with a customizable dressing applied over the entire clean closed incision immediately after surgery at -125 mmHg for an average of 4.3 days. At 3-month follow-up, 24 of the 25 (96%) breasts had achieved healing. Delayed hematoma occurred on postoperative day 13 in 1 breast in the nipple-sparing mastectomy group and resolved. In the reduction-pattern mastectomy group, superficial dehiscence occurred on 3 breasts and resolved with local wound care. One breast in that group developed flap necrosis requiring surgical revision. Less drainage was observed in attached closed-suction drains, so time to drain removal was reduced from an estimated average of 12-14 days to 8.2 days. Based on the initial experience in this study, larger studies are warranted to evaluate the use of ciNPT with customizable or peel-and-place dressings after immediate postmastectomy breast reconstruction.

Fig. 1.

Postmastectomy use of ciNPT. A, Patient before surgery. B, Application of ciNPT with customizable dressing after reduction-pattern mastectomy. C, At follow-up of 12 months after breast reconstruction with silicone implants, fat injections, and nipple reconstruction.

Fig. 2.

Checklist of potential risk factors for surgical complications.