Pain-relieving Effects of Autologous Fat Grafting in Breast Cancer Surgery: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: Chronic pain is relatively common after breast cancer surgery, including breast reconstruction. Autologous fat grafting (AFG) has gained attention as a novel method for breast reconstruction, and recent clinical studies have also shown effects of AFG on alleviation of chronic pain after breast cancer surgery. Our objective was to conduct a scoping review of studies that have examined these effects with clearly defined clinical outcomes. Methods: A literature search was conducted using three databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar, following PRISMA guidelines and the Arkesy and O’Malley framework. The search focused on clinical studies of the effects of AFG on chronic pain after breast cancer surgery. All studies reporting functional outcomes, return to work, and secondary surgery in a repeat operation were identified. Results: Of the 148 studies identified in the search, 11 studies with a total of 684 patients were included in the review. The average volume of fat grafted was approximately 128 mL over an average of 1.6 sessions. The most common time point for assessment was 1 year post-AFG. In all studies with an evidence level of 3 or lower, AFG showed positive results in alleviating pain after breast cancer surgery. However, one of the three randomized controlled trials did not show clinically significant effects. Conclusions: Most of the studies examined in this review suggested pain-relieving effects of AFG. However, there was one randomized controlled trial in which these effects were not confirmed, indicating a need for further accumulation of cases and performance of new, well-designed randomized controlled trials.