Autologous fat grafting in onco-plastic breast reconstruction: A systematic review on oncological and radiological safety, complications, volume retention and patient/surgeon satisfaction

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2016 Jun;69(6):742-764. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2016.03.019. Epub 2016 Mar 29.

Abstract

Objective: This study presents an up-to-date overview of the literature on autologous fat grafting (AFG) in onco-plastic breast reconstruction, with respect to complications, oncological and radiological safety, volume retention and patient/surgeon satisfaction.

Background: Although AFG is increasingly being applied in onco-plastic breast reconstruction, a comprehensive overview of the available evidence for this procedure is still lacking.

Methods: A systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement was conducted. Case series, cohort studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting on relevant outcomes of breast reconstruction with supplemental AFG were included.

Results: In total, 43 studies were included reporting on 6260 patients with a follow-up period ranging from 12 to 136 months. The average locoregional and distant oncological recurrence rates after breast reconstruction with AFG were 2.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7-3.7) and 2.0% (95% CI 1.1-3.5), respectively. Fewer cysts and calcifications were seen on radiological images for this procedure than for other types of breast surgery. However, more biopsies were performed based on radiological findings (3.7% vs. 1.6%), and more cases of fat necrosis (9.0% vs 4.7%) were seen after treatment with AFG. The total complication rate of 8.4% (95% CI 7.6-9.1) is lower than those reported following other reconstructive breast procedures. The mean volume retention was 76.8% (range 44.7-82.6%) with a satisfaction rate of 93.4% for patients and 90.1% for surgeons.

Conclusions: AFG in breast reconstruction is a promising technique. Safety is not compromised as cancer recurrence and complications are not observed. Whether AFG interferes with radiological follow-up remains to be elucidated. Randomized trials with sound methodology are needed to confirm these conclusions.

Keywords: Autologous fat grafting; Breast; Efficacy; Reconstruction; Safety.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / transplantation*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mammaplasty* / adverse effects
  • Mammaplasty* / methods
  • Mastectomy / adverse effects*
  • Mastectomy / methods
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology*
  • Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care
  • Patient Satisfaction / statistics & numerical data
  • Postoperative Complications* / diagnosis
  • Postoperative Complications* / epidemiology
  • Radiation Monitoring / statistics & numerical data
  • Tissue Transplantation* / adverse effects
  • Tissue Transplantation* / methods
  • Transplantation, Autologous* / adverse effects
  • Transplantation, Autologous* / methods