Vandeweyer E, Deraemaecker R, et al.
Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Date of publication 2000 Jul 1;volume 106(1):56-8; discussion 59-60.
1. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2000 Jul;106(1):56-8; discussion 59-60.
Radiation therapy after immediate breast reconstruction with implants.
Vandeweyer E(1), Deraemaecker R.
Author information:
(1)Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Bordet Institute, Tumor
Center of the Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
vandeweyere@skynet.be
The use of implants in immediate breast reconstruction is presently a common
option. However, the practice should be evaluated in consideration of possible
adjuvant therapies needed to control disease and to rule out negative
interactions. This article discusses the effects of radiotherapy on breast
implants with regard to the final cosmetic result. Six out of 124 cases of
immediate breast reconstruction with implants were followed and evaluated in
terms of capsular contracture and final aesthetic result after adjuvant
radiotherapy and compared with the results of 118 patients who did not require
irradiation. All of the patients who received irradiation demonstrated poor to
fair results, with grade III to IV capsular contracture. Two patients received
radiation therapy for local recurrences, which worsened their capsular
contracture, emphasizing the deleterious effect of irradiation on breast
implants. Statistical analysis of the results demonstrated a significant
difference between the two groups in terms of capsular contracture and breast
symmetry. In the selection of patient candidates for immediate breast
reconstruction with implants, adjuvant radiation therapy must be considered as a
contraindication, at least from an aesthetic point of view.
PMID: 10883611 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
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