Background: An acellular dermal matrix will typically incorporate, in time, with the overlying mastectomy skin flap. This remodeling process may be adversely impacted in patients who require chemotherapy and radiation, which influence neovascularization and cellular proliferation. Methods: Multiple biopsy specimens were procured from 86 women (n = 94 breasts) undergoing exchange of a tissue expander for a breast implant. These were divided by biopsy location: submuscular capsule (control) as well as superiorly, centrally, and inferiorly along the paramedian acellular dermis. Specimens were assessed for cellular infiltration, cell type, fibrous encapsulation, scaffold degradation, extracellular matrix deposition, neovascularization, mean composite remodeling score, and type I and III collagen. Patients were compared based on five oncologic treatment groups: no adjuvant therapy (untreated), neoadjuvant chemotherapy with or without radiation, and chemotherapy with or without radiation. Results: Biopsy specimens were procured 45 to 1805 days after implantation and demonstrated a significant reduction in type I collagen over time. Chemotherapy adversely impacted fibrous encapsulation (p = 0.03). Chemotherapy with or without radiation adversely impacted type I collagen (p = 0.02), cellular infiltration (p < 0.01), extracellular matrix deposition (p < 0.04), and neovascularization (p < 0.01). Radiation exacerbated the adverse impact of chemotherapy for several remodeling parameters. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy also caused a reduction in type I (p = 0.01) and III collagen (p = 0.05), extracellular matrix deposition (p = 0.03), and scaffold degradation (p = 0.02). Conclusion: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy limit acellular dermal matrix remodeling. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.
Background: Robotic pelvic surgery is being increasingly utilized for reconstruction proximal to the genitourinary diaphragm. We describe a combined robotic, transabdominal, and open transperineal approach for complex anastomotic posterior urethroplasty. Materials and Methods: We performed a multi-institutional retrospective study of patients who underwent anastomotic posterior urethroplasty by a combined robotic, transabdominal, and open transperineal approach between January 2012 and December 2018. Patient demographics; preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative clinical data; and complications were reviewed. Urethroplasty success, de novo stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and de novo erectile dysfunction (ED) were evaluated. Results: Twelve patients were identified with a mean follow-up of 596 (range 73-1618) days. Mean patient age was 65.9 (range 53.4-76.8). Reconstruction required corporal splitting, prostatectomy, and gracilis muscle flap use in one (8.3%), eight (66.7%), and four (33.3%) patients, respectively. Postoperative urinary leak, thromboembolic event, and wound abscess occurred in one (8.3%), one (8.3%), and two (16.7%) patients, respectively. Stenosis recurrence occurred in two patients (16.7%) at a mean 187.5 (20-355) postoperative days. De novo ED and de novo SUI were reported in two (16.7%) and four (33.3%) patients, respectively. Nine patients (75.0%) underwent placement of an artificial urinary sphincter at a mean interval of 359.2 (111-1456) days after the index procedure, with no subsequent erosion. Conclusions: Complex posterior urethroplasty by a combined robotic, transabdominal and open transperineal approach is associated with success and complications rates that are comparable to open techniques and may allow for adjunctive procedures such as prostatectomy. This technique allows for the reconstruction of posterior urethral stenoses that would otherwise have been managed conservatively or with urinary diversion.