European journal of surgical oncology : the journal of the European Society of Surgical Oncology and the British Association of Surgical Oncology
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This study evaluates the incidence of local complications after immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) following mastectomy with a subpectorally placed silicone prosthesis, with emphasis on the effect of radiation treatment on IBR. ⋯ Complications after IBR with a silicone prosthesis were more common in women who were treated with radiotherapy prior to or after IBR following mastectomy than in women who were not irradiated. In particular, capsular contracture around a prosthesis placed in a previously irradiated area was significantly increased. The use of musculocutaneous flaps, such as the transverse rectus abdominis muscle or latissimus dorsi flap, is preferable for reconstruction of previously irradiated breasts. There is no indication to remove the prosthesis before radiation therapy of the chest wall.