ABSTRACT
Introduction: Abnormalities affecting breasts have catastrophic repercussions on psychological, emotional aspects and the woman well-being. Breast reconstruction forms have particular characteristics with different morbidity degrees that directly influence the outcome, including complications type and frequency. The present study aims to identify complications found in a group of patients submitted to breast reconstruction after total breast cancer mastectomy and relate them to reconstruction, reconstruction moment, surgical time and use of radiotherapy.
Method: Cross-sectional, retrospective cohort study with analysis performed by reviewing medical records of patients who underwent breast reconstruction after total mastectomy at the Department of Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery at University Hospital Walter Cantídio (HUWC) between 1/1/2015 to 12/31/2017.
Result: The most frequent complication was capsular contracture that occurred in 9 (15.5%) patients. Other complications identified were: high prosthesis in 5 (8.6%) patients; seroma in 4 (6.9%) patients; flap partial necrosis in 2 (3.4%) patients; extrusion in 2 (3.4%) patients and hematoma in 1 (1.8%) patient.
Conclusion: The greatest number of complications was directly related to reconstruction technique, represented by the use of alloplastic material, mainly the use of direct prosthesis; with the immediate reconstruction moment and with patients who underwent radiotherapy and did not have relation with surgical time of breast reconstruction.
Keywords: Breast neoplasms; Reconstructive surgical procedures; Mammaplasty; Postoperative complications