Successful breast reconstruction using acellular dermal matrix can be recommended in healthy non-smoking patients.

INTRODUCTION: We present Scandinavia's first series of immediate alloplastic breast reconstructions with an acellular dermal matrix. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively in 76 cases of immediate breast reconstruction using an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) and an implant. RESULTS: A total of 59 women were reconstructed between June 2011 and January 2013. Cases included 42 unilateral and 17 bilateral reconstructions. A large number of patients had adjuvant therapy, hormone therapy (34), radiation therapy (27) or chemotherapy (38). The median age was 51 years (30-70 years) and the median follow-up period was 326 days (68-624 days). The co-morbidity factors included hypertension (n = 11), diabetes (n = 2) and 19 patients were smokers. Unsuccessful reconstructions counted ten cases (13%), eight of these due to necrosis and/or wound dehiscence (10%) and two due to infection (3%). The failure rate in non-smokers was 2/52 (4%) compared with 8/24 (33%) in smokers, p = 0.001. In hypertensive patients, the failure rate was 6/12 (50%) compared with 4/64 (6%)in normotensive patients, p = 0.001. 70% of the failed reconstructions occurred in patients older than 65 years of age. CONCLUSION: Immediate alloplastic breast reconstruction using an ADM can be recommended to healthy non-smoking patients. FUNDING: not relevant. TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.