Author: Rodrigo Arrangoiz MS, MD, FACS, FSSO

My name is Rodrigo Arrangoiz I am a breast surgeon/ thyroid surgeon / parathyroid surgeon / head and neck surgeon / surgical oncologist that works at Center for Advanced Surgical Oncology in Miami, Florida. I was trained as a surgeon at Michigan State University from (2005 to 2010) where I was a chief resident in 2010. My surgical oncology and head and neck training was performed at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia from 2010 to 2012. At the same time I underwent a masters in science (Clinical research for health professionals) at the University of Drexel. Through the International Federation of Head and Neck Societies / Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center I performed a two year head and neck surgery and oncology / endocrine fellowship that ended in 2016. Mi nombre es Rodrigo Arrangoiz, soy cirujano oncólogo / cirujano de tumores de cabeza y cuello / cirujano endocrino que trabaja Center for Advanced Surgical Oncology en Miami, Florida. Fui entrenado como cirujano en Michigan State University (2005 a 2010 ) donde fui jefe de residentes en 2010. Mi formación en oncología quirúrgica y e n tumores de cabeza y cuello se realizó en el Fox Chase Cancer Center en Filadelfia de 2010 a 2012. Al mismo tiempo, me sometí a una maestría en ciencias (investigación clínica para profesionales de la salud) en la Universidad de Drexel. A través de la Federación Internacional de Sociedades de Cabeza y Cuello / Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center realicé una sub especialidad en cirugía de cabeza y cuello / cirugia endocrina de dos años que terminó en 2016.

Smoking and Obesity have been shown to significantly increase risk of complications in patients undergoing autologous tissue breast reconstruction?

Rodrigo Arrangoiz MS, MD, FACS, FSSO
  • Smoking and obesity:
    • Increase the risk of complications for all types of breast reconstruction:
      • Whether with implant or flap
  • Smoking and obesity:
    • Are therefore considered a relative contraindication to breast reconstruction:
      • Patients should be made aware of increased rates of wound healing complications and partial or complete flap failure:
        • Among smokers and obese patients
  • Alcohol intake:
    • Has not been shown to be a significant risk factor for complication with breast reconstruction
  • While age greater than 70 alone has not been shown to increase risk of complication in patients undergoing autologous tissue breast reconstruction:
    • Patients over 70 years may be more likely to have other comorbidities
  • Patients undergoing immediate autologous breast reconstruction following neoadjuvant chemotherapy have a similar complication and reoperation rates to patients not receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy
  • References
    • National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Breast Cancer (Version 3.2019). https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/breast.pdf. Accessed January 13, 2020.
    • Angarita FA, Dossa F, Zuckerman J, McCready DR, Cil TD. Is immediate breast reconstruction safe in women over 70? An analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2019;177(1):215-224. 
    • Beugels J, Meijvogel JLW, Tuinder SMH, Tjan-Heijnen VCG, Heuts EM, Piatkowski A, et al. The influence of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on complications of immediate DIEP flap breast reconstructions. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2019;176(2):367-375.
    • Schaverien MV, Munnoch DA. Effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on outcomes of immediate free autologous breast reconstruction. Eur J Surg Oncol. 2013;39(5):430-436.
    • Hu YY, Weeks CM, In H, Dodgion CM, Golshan M, Chun YS, et al. Impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on breast reconstruction. Cancer. 2011;117(13):2833-2841.

Expander / Implant Breast Reconstruction Complication Rate

Rodrigo Arrangoiz MS, MD, FACS, FSSO
  • Expander / implant breast reconstruction:
    • Has been shown to have a lower risk of overall complication compared to autologous reconstruction techniques:
      • According Bennet et al:
        • The overall complication rate for breast reconstruction was 33%
  • Expander / implant reconstruction:
    • Had the lowest risk at 26.6% compared to autologous flap techniques:
      • Which were reported to have complication rates of 36% to 74%
  • When the autologous techniques are compared:
    • The fTRAM flap had the lowest risk of complication:
      • At 35.8%
  • Latissimus dorsi flap was found to have complication rate of 39.4%:
    • Followed by pTRAM at 41.2%
  • The technique with the highest risk of complications were deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap at 47.4%, and the superficial inferior epigastric artery perforator flap at 74%
  • References
    • Santosa KB, Qi J, Kim HM, Hamill JB, Wilkins EG, Pusic AL. Long-term patient-reported outcomes in postmastectomy breast reconstruction. JAMA Surg. 2018;153(10):891-899.
    • Bennett KG, Qi J, Kim HM, Hamill JB, Pusic AL, Wilkins EG. Comparison of 2-year complication rates among common techniques for postmastectomy breast reconstruction. JAMA Surg. 2018;153(10):901-908.
    • Wilkins EG, Hamill JB, Kim HM, Kim JY, Greco RJ, Qi J, et al. Complications in postmastectomy breast reconstruction: one-year outcomes of the Mastectomy Reconstruction Outcomes Consortium (MROC) study. Ann Surg. 2018;267(1):164-170.
    • Alderman AK, Wilkins EG, Kim HM, Lowery JC. Complications in postmastectomy breast reconstruction: two-year results of the Michigan Breast Reconstruction Outcome Study. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2002;109(7):2265-2274.

Oncoplastic Breast Surgery

Rodrigo Arrangoiz MS, MD, FACS, FSSO
  • Performing a partial mastectomy using an oncoplastic approach:
    • Has been shown to be safe with the additional benefit of larger tissue volume resection, lower re-excision rates, and low rates of disease recurrence while minimizing cosmetic deformity of the breast
  • Proximity of tumor to the nipple areolar complex:
    • Is not an absolute indication for mastectomy
  • Neoadjuvant chemotherapy:
    • Has not been shown to improve overall breast cancer survival
  • Obesity and diabetes:
    • Have not been shown to be independent risk factors for complication in patients undergoing oncoplastic surgery:
      • Therefore should not be contraindications for consideration of oncoplastic surgery
  • References
    • Chakravorty A, Shrestha AK, Sanmugalingam N, Rapisarda F, Roche N, Querci Della Rovere G, et al. How safe is oncoplastic breast conservation? Comparative analysis with standard breast conserving surgery. Eur J Surg Oncol. 2012 May;38(5):395-8.
    • Piper M, Peled A, Sbitany H. Oncoplastic breast surgery: current strategies. Gland Surg. 2015;4(2):154-163.
    • Early Breast Cancer Trialists’ Collaborative Group (EBCTCG). Long-term outcomes for neoadjuvant versus adjuvant chemotherapy in early breast cancer: meta-analysis of individual patient data from ten randomised trials. Lancet Oncol. 2018;19(1):27-39.
    • Tong WM, Baumann DP, Villa MT, Mittendorf EA, Liu J, Robb GL, et al. Obese women experience fewer complications after oncoplastic breast repair following partial mastectomy than after immediate total breast reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016;137(3):777-791.
    • Crown A, Scovel LG, Rocha FG, Scott EJ, Wechter DG, Grumley JW. Oncoplastic breast conserving surgery is associated with a lower rate of surgical site complications compared to standard breast conserving surgery. Am J Surg. 2019;217(1):138-141.

Oncoplastic Breast Surgery (OBS)

Rodrigo Arrangoiz MS, MD, FACS, FSSO
  • Oncoplastic breast surgery (OBS):
    • Combines principles of oncology and plastic surgery:
      • Toward achieving sound oncological and aesthetically pleasant results for breast tumors amenable to segmental mastectomies in patients with a favorable tumor to breast volume
  • OBS expands the indications for breast conservation:
    • Allowing the resection of much larger tumors, and is now an option for the surgical treatment of tumors larger than 4 cm and locally advanced cancers especially in large-breasted patients
    • When compared to conventional breast-conserving surgery (BCS):
      • OBS commonly results in higher specimen resection volumes and lower re-excision rates 
    • OBS does not eliminate or change the need for adjuvant therapies; most, if not all, patients undergoing segmental mastectomy for invasive breast cancers will benefit from adjuvant radiation therapy
    • OBS training is widely accepted as a prerequisite for performing these surgeries and should be represented in any multidisciplinary team, treating breast cancer and offering OBS: 
      • While no definitive test exists to assess aesthetic results and compare these between OBS and BCS for matched defects, most studies report favorable aesthetic results following OPS, in the majority of patients
  • References
    • Behluli I, Le Renard PE, Rozwag K, Oppelt P, Kaufmann A, Schneider A. Oncoplastic breast surgery versus conventional breast-conserving surgery: a comparative retrospective study. ANZ J Surg. 2019;89(10):1236-1241.
    • Strach MC, Prasanna T, Kirova YM, Alran S, O’Toole S, Beith JM, et al. Optimise not compromise: the importance of a multidisciplinary breast cancer patient pathway in the era of oncoplastic and reconstructive surgery. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol.2019;134:10-21.
    • Papanikolaou IG, Dimitrakakis C, Zagouri F, Marinopoulos S, Giannos A, Zografos E, et al. Paving the way for changing perceptions in breast surgery: a systematic literature review focused on oncological and aesthetic outcomes of oncoplastic surgery for breast cancer. Breast Cancer. 2019;26(4):416-427.

Work-up of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cel Lymphoma

Rodrigo Arrangoiz MS, MD, FACS, FSSO
  • Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL):
    • Is an uncommon lymphoma that has only been reported in patients with a history of a textured breast implant device
  • Suggested theories of the cause of BIA-ALCL include:
    • Textured implant particulate
    • Chronic allergic inflammation, and / or response to a biofilm
  • Following National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines:
    • A swollen breast can be evaluated with ultrasound for either a:
      • Fluid collection
      • Capsular mass
      • Lymph node swelling
    • Fluid collections should be aspirated percutaneously:
      • A minimum of 20 ml but ideally as much fluid available should be sent for:
        • CD30 immunohistochemistry
        • Cell block cytology and flow cytometry evaluation and labeled to “rule out BIA-ALCL
      • CD30 testing is critical to direct pathologists
      • Efforts should be made to establish a diagnosis:
        • Prior to any surgical intervention
  • References
  • Brody GS, Deapen D, Taylor CR, Pinter-Brown L, House-Lightner SR, Andersen JS, et al. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma occurring in women with breast implants: analysis of 173 cases. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015;135(3);695-705.

Fat Grafting in After Breast Cancer Surgery

Rodrigo Arrangoiz MS, MD, FACS, FSSO
  • Autologous fat grafting:
    • Is a procedure to transfer fat from one part of the patient’s body to another without requiring microvascular anastomosis
    • The graft initially takes similar to a skin graft, depending on the surrounding tissue bed before new blood vessels form
    • The grafted tissue is at risk for ischemia or fat necrosis:
      • As a result, there may be both palpable changes (e.g., cyst) or radiographic changes (e.g., calcifications) following fat grafting:
        • These have benign appearance on mammogram and are generally distinguishable from malignancy but may prompt additional imaging
  • Retrospective data suggest fat grafting does not interfere with cancer screening or detection
  • Fat grafting can be performed for all types of reconstruction, including primary defects as in lumpectomy, asymmetry, contour changes after radiation, or contour irregularity over an implant or tissue flap:
    • To date, there have been no clinical studies that demonstrate an increase in local regional recurrence in patients who have undergone fat grafting after breast cancer treatment
  • There is debate as to whether there is an ideal time to perform fat grafting:
    • But it is not routinely performed at the same time as lumpectomy or mastectomy:
      • Especially if radiation is indicated, as the tissue grafts will be susceptible to radiation injury
  • Finally, graft resorption is possible following the procedure, and therefore patients should be counseled that more than one operation may be necessary to achieve the desired result
  • References
    • Khouri RK Jr, Khouri RK. Current clinical applications of fat grafting. Plast Reconstr Surg 2017;140(3):466e-486e.
    • Agha RA, Fowler AJ, Herlin C, Goodacre TE, Orgill DP. Use of autologous fat grafting for breast reconstruction: a systematic review with meta-analysis of oncological outcomes. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2015;68(2):143-161.

Innervation of the Nipple Areolar Complex (NAC):

Rodrigo Arrangoiz MS, MD, FACS, FSSO
  • The innervation of the nipple areolar complex (NAC):
    • Is from the anterior and lateral branches of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th intercostal nerves:
      • Of which the lateral cutaneous branch of the 4th intercostal is dominant
  • This nerve has the greatest risk of injury during a resection of the central lower pole of the breast:
    • A superior pedicle, with resection of the lower pole:
      • Has the highest incidence of NAC sensory compromise
    • All patients should be advised that there is a risk of permanent loss of sensation
  • References
    • Riccio CA, Zeiderman MR, Chowdhry S, Brooks RM, Kelishadi SS, Tutela JP, et al. Plastic surgery of the breast: keeping the nipple sensitive. Eplasty. 2015;15:e28.
    • Chiummariello S, Angelisanti M, Arleo S, Alfano C. Evaluation of the sensitivity after reduction mammoplasty. Our experience and review of the literature. Ann Ital Chir.2013;84(4):385-388.
    • Schlenz I1, Rigel S, Schemper M, Kuzbari R. Alteration of nipple and areola sensitivity by reduction mammaplasty: a prospective comparison of five techniques. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2005;115(3):743-751.

Diagnosis of Breast Implant Associated Large Cell Lymphoma

Rodrigo Arrangoiz MS, MD, FACS, FSSO
  • Periprosthetic fluid collections:
    • Occurring more than 1 year after implantation:
      • Should be evaluated to rule out breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)
  • Diagnosis of BIA-ALCL:
    • Is made by aspiration of the periprosthetic fluid:
      • Usually performed by fine needle aspiration:
        • Under ultrasound guidance
      • A sample of 50 ml or greater is sufficient to establish a diagnosis by CD30 immunohistochemistry:
        • CD30 is a cell surface protein expressed by roughly 5% of normal circulating T-cells:
          • However, BIA-ALCL demonstrates confluent staining of CD30
  • Open biopsy:
    • Is more invasive, and the capsule may be negative even in the presence of disease
  • Therefore, effusion FNA is preferred for diagnosis
  • Plastic surgery evaluation:
    • Is not appropriate or necessary
  • Mammogram evaluation is non-specific for a disease process and is not indicated with an obvious fluid collection
  • References
    • Clemens MW, Horwitz S. NCCN Consensus Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Aesth Surg J. 2017;37(3):285-289.
    • Brody GS, Deapen D, Taylor CR. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma occurring in women with breast implants: analysis of 173 cases. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015;135(3):695-705.
    • Horwitz SM, Ansell SM, Ai WZ, Barnes J, Barta SK, Choi M, et al. NCCN guidelines insights: t-cell lymphomas, version 2.2018. J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 2018;16(2):123-135.

Can you have Nipple Sparing Mastectomy after Having Breast Reduction Surgery?

Rodrigo Arrangoiz MS, MD, FACS, FSSO
  • Several studies have concluded that a prior mammaplasty procedure (at least 3 months prior) has a negligible effect on the nipple necrosis rate following a nipple-sparing mastectomy
  • References
    • Alperovich M, Tanna N, Samra F, Blechman KM, Shapiro RL, Guth AA, et al. Nipple-sparing mastectomy in patients with a history of reduction mammaplasty or mastopexy: how safe is it? Plast Reconstr Surg. 2013;131(5):962-967.
    • Spear SL, Rottman SJ, Seiboth LA, Hannan CM. Breast reconstruction using a staged nipple-sparing mastectomy following mastopexy or reduction. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2012;129(3):572-581.
    • Frederick MJ, Lin AM, Neuman R, Smith BL, Austen WG Jr, Colwell AS. Nipple-sparing mastectomy in patients with previous breast surgery: comparative analysis of 775 immediate breast reconstructions. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015;135(6):954e-962e.

Breast Oncoplastic Incisions

Rodrigo Arrangoiz MS, MD, FACS, FSSO
  • Disease located in the inferior hemisphere of the breast:
    • Can be easily incorporated into a Wise pattern reduction mammoplasty
Schematic representation of Wise pattern incision and various choices of pedicles. (A) Wise pattern incision. (B) Superior pedicle. (C) Superior-medial pedicle. (D) Inferior pedicle. (E) Lateral pedicle
  • Split reduction techniques:
    • Are best used for disease located in the upper inner or upper outer quadrants requiring skin excision due to the proximity of the tumor to the skin
    • With a split reduction technique:
      • The lateral (for upper outer quadrant cancers) or medial (for upper inner quadrant cancers) triangle of the Wise pattern is not positioned at the base of the breast:
        • But instead advanced up onto the breast where the area of disease was removed
  • Donut mastopexy:
    • Is best used in patients with grade 1 ptosis with the area of disease is located close to the nipple areolar complex
  • The radial ellipse lumpectomy:
    • Is useful for lateral tumors
    • With this technique a radial ellipse of skin and breast parenchyma is excised full thickness
    • This technique however does not improve significant ptosis
Radial ellipse segmentectomy. (a) Shows location of radial ellipse segmentectomy skin incision in upper outer quadrant. (b) Shows multiple “stars” indicating possible tumor locations suitable for this approach. (c) Shows resection cavity following excision of malignancy with excised specimen (inset). (d) Shows breast following closure of the skin incision.
  • References
    • Savalia NB, Silverstein MJ. Oncoplastic breast reconstruction: patient selection and surgical techniques. J Surg Oncol. 2016;113(8):875-882.
    • Silverstein MJ, Mai T, Savalia N, Vaince F, Guerra L. Oncoplastic breast conservation surgery: the new paradigm. J Surg Oncol. 2014;110(1):82-89.
    • Anderson BO, Masetti R, Silverstein MJ. Oncoplastic approaches to partial mastectomy: an overview of volume-displacement techniques. Lancet Oncol.2005;6(3):145–57.
    • Clough KB, Ihrai T, Oden S, Kaufman G, Massey E, Nos C. Oncoplastic surgery for breast cancer based on tumour location and a quadrant-per-quadrant atlas. Br J Surg. 2012;99(1):1389-1395