Low incidence of complications using polyglactin 910 (Vicryl) mesh in breast reconstruction: A systematic review

Background: Mastectomy and breast reconstruction are essential parts of the treatment of breast cancer. Acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) have been used for the reconstruction of the lower pole due to many advantages; however, its cost is seen as a major drawback in this era of concern for the allocation of health-care funds. Recently, polyglactin 910 (Vicryl; Ethicon, Somerville, NJ, USA) mesh has been published as an alternative. We assessed the published literature, in particular investigating for studies that compare Vicryl mesh with ADM.

Methods: We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. Searched databases included Medline/PubMed, Cochrane Reviews, Embase, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials, and SCOPUS. Search criteria were as follows: (1) reporting of clinical data using Vicryl mesh in breast reconstruction, (2) reporting of original data, and (3) outcome of interest reported.

Results: We retrieved 290 de-duplicated articles. After title and abstract screening, we dismissed 258 articles, and thus full text was reviewed for 32 articles; only three retrospective articles met inclusion criteria. The total population included 112 patients and 156 breasts. The reported incidence of complications was as follows: infection 2.6% (confidence interval (CI): 0.7-6.6%), reconstruction failure 3.2% (CI: 1.0-7%), and seroma 1.3% (CI: 0.2-4.6%). A seven- to 12-fold cost difference was reported. Follow-up length ranged from 1.2 to 3.6 years. No studies directly compared Vicryl mesh with ADM.

Conclusions: Although the evidence is limited, polyglactin 910 (Vicryl) mesh for immediate breast reconstruction appears to be a potentially safe, effective, and less expensive alternative to ADM. Prospective studies are needed to further compare mesh with ADM.