Reinforcement of the abdominal wall with acellular dermal matrix or synthetic mesh after breast reconstruction with the pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap: A prospective double-blind randomized study

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Introduction: The pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap (p-TRAM) is a well-established option for autologous breast reconstruction (BR) but donor-site morbidity is still reported. The aim of the present study was to compare donor-site morbidity after reinforcement of the abdominal wall regarding development of bulging or hernia, abdominal muscle strength, complications, and abdominal pain hypothesizing, that reinforcement with acellular dermal matrix (Strattice™) is superior to reinforcement with synthetic mesh (Prolene®). Materials and methods: A randomized, prospective, double-blind study was conducted with 29 patients admitted for BR with the p-TRAM flap at Department of Plastic Surgery, AUH, Denmark, 2014–2016. Allocation rate 1:1. Follow-up at 4, 12, and 24 months. Results: 24 months postoperatively the computerized tomography verified bulging frequency was 35.7% in the ADM group and 6.7% in the synthetic mesh group (p = 0.11). Two patients (14.3%) in the ADM group and no patients in the synthetic mesh group developed hernia. No significant difference between baseline and 2-year measurement of abdominal muscle strength was observed. Conclusion: The present study did not demonstrate any statistically significant differences between treatment groups regarding risk of bulging or hernia, abdominal muscle strength, complications, pain or pain related QoL within two years of follow-up. Although the small sample size sets limitations for drawing wide conclusions the hypothesis that reinforcement with ADM is superior to synthetic mesh cannot be confirmed. Further research into methods for decreasing donor-side morbidity related to the TRAM flap or other rectus abdominis muscle-based flaps is needed.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftJournal of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery
Vol/bind55
Udgave nummer4
Sider (fra-til)202-209
Antal sider8
ISSN2000-656X
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 2021

Bibliografisk note

Funding Information:
Mette Eline Brunbjerg, MD. In accordance with Taylor & Francis policy and my ethical obligation as a researcher, I am reporting that I have received grants from The Danish Cancer Society [R130-A8304-15-S38], grants from Novo Nordisk foundation, grants from Foundation of Jacob and Olga Madsen, grants from The Danish Medical Association's Research Fund, grants from AP Møller foundation, grants and non-financial support from LifeCell Corporation (Branchburg, NJ), during the conduct of the study.

Funding Information:
This study was financially funded by the Faculty of Health Science, Aarhus University; the Danish Cancer Society (R130-A8304-15-S38); Novo Nordisk foundation; Foundation of Jacob and Olga Madsen; The Danish Medical Association's Research Fund; AP M?ller foundation and LifeCell Corporation (Branchburg, NJ). Furthermore, LifeCell Corporation (Branchburg, NJ) provided acellular dermal matrix (Strattice?) for use in the study. None of the contributors had any involvement in the study design, data analysis or interpretation of the results. The authors wish to express their gratitude to the participating patients.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 Acta Chirurgica Scandinavica Society.

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