Factors such as anaemia and anticoagulants have more impact on hospitalisation time after breast reconstruction than “common” risk factors according to a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.
The study investigated the impact of different factors on postoperative blood loss and drainage fluid volume, two factors which can lengthen hospitalisation time of patients after breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery. The findings of the study allow for an improved risk assessment and planning of reconstructive breast surgery to offer patients personalised and improved treatment.
Partial or total mastectomy is often necessary in breast cancer surgery, and reconstructive breast surgery lessens the psychological stress on the patient. Fast wound healing after surgical breast reconstruction is crucial to not delay subsequent cancer treatments. Factors influencing the length of hospital stay (LOS) or wound healing are therefore particularly significant in cancer treatment. This study identified previously unrecognised risk factors.
Blood loss and drainage fluid volumes after breast reconstruction due to breast cancer were recorded, parameters which are closely linked to the healing process and LOS .Lower loss equals earlier patient discharge and early start of subsequent treatment. “We analysed factors that might affect blood loss and drainage fluid volumes after surgery – but can be identified before the surgery,” explained lead author Dr Tonatiuh Flores, plastic surgeon. “These factors included age, body mass index and smoking status – factors that are known to have a strong impact on the course of disease.” Additionally, haemoglobin levels and possible antithrombotic prophylaxis were reviewed – two parameters that are particularly significant in oncological treatment.
Surprising results emerged from the evaluation of a total of 257 breast reconstructions in 195 patients. Professor Konstantin Bergmeister, senior author of the study explained that “the classic risk factors did not significantly influence postoperative blood loss and drainage fluid output. Haemoglobin levels and anticoagulant concentration, however, did.” The analysis revealed a close relation between low haemoglobin values or anaemia and fluid loss after reconstructive breast surgery. Co-author Prof. Klaus Schroegendorfer, elaborated on this: “Especially breast cancer patients often show perioperative anaemia, caused by the frequently required neoadjuvant chemotherapy which can affect blood values, in particular haemoglobin.”
There were similar findings regarding low molecular heparin used in cancer patients as antithrombotic prophylaxis. Patients receiving heparin tended to have increased drainage fluid output after surgery, though the effect was not as strong as with perioperative anaemia.
The study authors recommend that, to cut LOS and continue the necessary cancer treatment after reconstructive breast surgery in cancer patients as early as possible, patients should preoperatively be screened for anaemia and administration of low molecular heparin should be adapted to the patients’ risk. In correlation to the results, follow-up treatment can be improved, patients can be discharged earlier and cancer treatment can be continued.
