@article{HeineEigenbergerBrebantetal., author = {Heine, Norbert and Eigenberger, Andreas and Brebant, Vanessa and Kempa, Sally and Seitz, Stephan and Prantl, Lukas and Kuehlmann, Britta}, title = {The effect of radiotherapy on fat engraftment for complete breast reconstruction using lipofilling only}, series = {Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics}, journal = {Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics}, publisher = {Springer}, doi = {10.1007/s00404-022-06610-4}, pages = {7}, abstract = {Purpose Lipofilling has been established as a standard technique for contour enhancement following breast reconstruction. However, there is a paucity in current literature regarding the use of this technique for complete reconstruction of the female breast as an alternative to conventional techniques, such as expander or flap-based procedures. In particular, the influence of pre-operative irradiation for successful reconstruction has rarely been examined in published studies. Here, the authors describe their experience with successful fat injection in pre-radiated breasts in comparison with non-pre-radiated patients. Methods In this retrospective study, we examined a total of 95 lipofilling treatments on 26 patients (28 breasts). All of them experienced mastectomy following breast cancer; local breast defects after partial resection of the gland were not included in this study. In total, 47 lipofilling procedures in 12 non-irradiated patients (14 breasts) and 48 procedures in 14 irradiated women (also 14 breasts) were performed. Per session, approximately 297 +/- 112 cc of adipose tissue was grafted in group A (no radiotherapy) and approximately 259 +/- 93 cc was grafted in group B (radiotherapy). Results Among the group of women without pre-operative radiation, 71\% of breast reconstructions limited to lipofilling only showed constant engraftment of fat tissue with a successful reconstructive result, whereas only 21\% of the patients with pre-radiated breasts showed complete reconstruction of the breast with a permanent fat in-growth. Conclusion Preoperative radiotherapy significantly impedes successful completion of breast reconstructions planned only by autologous fat transfer. Patients should be selected individually and carefully for complete breast reconstruction using lipofilling only.}, language = {en} }