Abstract
In the United States, 2-stage expander-to-implant-based breast reconstruction accounts for more than half of all breast reconstruction procedures. Tissue expansion technology has undergone significant advancements in the past few decades. Previous reports suggest that the most common perioperative complications associated with breast tissue expanders are infection and skin flap necrosis. However, little clinical data are available for CPX4 Breast Tissue Expanders. The aim of the study was to measure real-world outcomes related to safety and effectiveness of the tissue expansion process, in patients who underwent primary breast reconstruction following the use of CPX4 Breast Tissue Expanders. METHODS: This was a single-arm retrospective cohort design looking at patients who underwent 2-stage, expander-to-implant-based primary breast reconstruction at a single site between April 2013 and December 2016 and who had a minimum of 2 years follow-up. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize baseline characteristics and safety outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 123 patients were followed for an average of 3.73 ± 0.94 years. At least 1 complication during the time of tissue expansion, before the permanent implant, was reported in 39/123 (31.7%) patients [51/220 implants (23.2%)]. The most frequently reported complications were delayed wound healing (13.8%) and cellulitis/infection (9.7%). CONCLUSION: Analyses of real-world data from a single site provide further support for the safety and effectiveness of the CPX4 Breast Tissue Expander for women undergoing 2-stage expander-to-implant primary breast reconstruction.