Prepectoral Two Stage Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction with Poly-4-Hydroxybutyrate (P4HB) for Pocket Control without the use of Acellular Dermal Matrix (ADM): A 4-Year Review

Abstract

Background: As an alternative to biologic materials, absorbable meshes have been utilized to mitigate the potential drawbacks of ADM based breast reconstruction. Poly-4-hydroxybutyrate has been demonstrated to be a lower cost, safe, and effective alternative to ADM in subpectoral breast reconstruction. The aim of this study is to present the largest long-term observational study to date using P4HB for pocket control and implant support in immediate two stage pre-pectoral breast reconstruction looking at non-integration, capsular contracture, and implant malposition, along with patient comorbidities and risk factors. Methods: A retrospective review of a single surgeon’s (KM) experience was performed over a 4year span for patients who had undergone immediate two-stage prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction with P4HB mesh. The review examined complications including implant loss, rippling, capsular contracture, malposition, and patient satisfaction throughout follow up. Results: From 2018 to 2022, 105 patients underwent breast reconstruction using P4HBmesh for a total of 194 breasts. P4HBmesh integration was 97%. Overall, 16 breasts (8.2%) experienced minor complications while 10.3% of devices required explantation which was significantly higher in the radiated group at 28.6% (P<0.01). Older patients, higher BMI, active smokers, or increased mastectomy specimen size were more likely to undergo explantation. The rate of capsular contracture was 1.0 %. The overall rate of lateral malposition was also 1.0%. Visible rippling was present in 15.6% of breasts. There was no significant difference between smile mastopexy and inferolateral incision with regards to capsular contracture, lateral malposition, or rippling. Overall, patients demonstrated a high level of satisfaction and there were no significant predictors of capsular contracture, lateral malposition, or visible rippling. Conclusions: We have shown the safety and efficacy of P4HB in 2-stage pre-pectoral breast reconstruction. There appears to be equal, if not reduced, capsular contracture rates when compared to the published data on the use of ADM. Lastly, this represents a large cost reduction to both the patient and health care system.