Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

INTRODUCTION: Abdominal-based microvascular breast reconstruction constitutes approximately one-fifth of reconstructions following mastectomy for breast cancer. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have been implemented to improve patient care. The aim of this project was to identify variation in the perioperative care of women undergoing microvascular breast reconstruction to inform development of an ERAS protocol. METHODS: Surveys were developed for plastic surgeons, anaesthetists and the lead clinician for breast reconstruction at each unit. These assessed most aspects of perioperative care. A team of medical student collaborators was identified. This team created a list of surgeons and anaesthetists in the United Kingdom by unit. REDCap was used to record their responses. RESULTS: Nineteen (19/39, 49%) lead clinicians, 83 (83/134, 62%) plastic surgeons and 71 (71/100, 71%) anaesthetists from units across the UK completed the surveys. Marked variation was identified in the clinician responses when compared with the national and international guidelines. This variation covered many aspects of patient care including antibiotic and fluid prescribing, surgical technique, post-operative care and recording of patient outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The optiFLAPP national practice survey has demonstrated variation in the perioperative care of women undergoing abdominal-based microvascular breast reconstruction. We propose a large prospective audit to assess current protocols and support development of randomised controlled trials.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.bjps.2018.08.007

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg

Publication Date

01/2019

Volume

72

Pages

35 - 42

Keywords

Breast reconstruction, Deep inferior epigastric perforator flap, Microsurgery, Perioperative, Analgesics, Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal, Bandages, Breast Neoplasms, Clinical Protocols, Female, Fluid Therapy, Graft Survival, Hemodynamics, Humans, Intraoperative Care, Mammaplasty, Microsurgery, Perforator Flap, Rectus Abdominis, United Kingdom, Wound Closure Techniques