Immediate Unilateral Subpectoral Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction does not Impair Pulmonary Functions: A Preliminary Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND

Implant-based breast reconstruction is one of the most common procedures among women with breast cancer undergoing mastectomy. Prosthetic devices may be positioned either beneath or above the pectoralis major muscle, which is considered an accessory muscle of ventilation. This preliminary prospective study aimed to investigate whether subpectoral unilateral implant-based breast reconstruction has any effect on patients' pulmonary functions.

METHODS

A prospective study of fourteen women who underwent immediate unilateral implant-based subpectoral breast reconstruction by a single surgeon over 10 months was conducted. Spirometry and maximal voluntary ventilation tests were conducted 1 day prior to surgery, and 1- and 3 months following breast reconstruction. ANOVA or Friedman test were used to compare pulmonary function tests before and after surgery.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients completed the study protocol. No statistically significant differences were found when comparing spirometry parameters in the three time points.

CONCLUSIONS

Pectoralis muscle release does not impair pulmonary function among patients undergoing immediate unilateral implant-based breast reconstruction following mastectomy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

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