Cagliari University Hospital (CUH) protocol for immediate alloplastic breast reconstruction and unplanned radiotherapy. A preliminary report.

[INTRODUCTION] Alloplastic breast reconstruction necessitating postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) is at increased risk for complications such as capsular contracture, infection, extrusion, and poor cosmetic results. However, often the indication for PMRT is not decided until a permanent histological examination with review of the permanent sections is carried out, and the expander has already been inserted. Techniques described to face this issue (delayed-immediate reconstruction and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center protocol) both have disadvantages.

[MATERIALS AND METHODS] The protocol we suggest is based on (1) reconstruction with tissue expander placement at the time of mastectomy; (2) complete tissue expansion during postoperative chemotherapy; (3) radiotherapy, as suggested by oncologists; (4) two or three fat grafting session, according to Coleman's technique, 4-6 months after RT; (5) exchange of the tissue expander for a permanent implant approximately 3 months after the completion of fat grafting. Ten patients were treated according to these guidelines.

[RESULTS] Results at 15 months have been encouraging, with no grade 3-4 Baker's capsular contracture.

[DISCUSSION] Although the group of patients treated according to our CUH Protocol for immediate implant-based breast reconstruction and radiotherapy is small, and follow-up is short; nevertheless, results are encouraging.