Autologous Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction using autologous tissue is an important option for women undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer. The profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap is a reliable alternative when abdominal tissue is unavailable or unsuitable for reconstruction. Although the PAP flap is increasingly used, limited data are available regarding long-term patient-reported quality of life, aesthetic outcomes, and donor-site morbidity. This monocentric observational study aims to evaluate long-term quality of life in women who underwent breast reconstruction with a PAP flap at the European Georges Pompidou Hospital between 2014 and 2024. Participants will complete validated patient-reported outcome questionnaires (BREAST-Q Reconstruction Module and PROMIS-29) and undergo a standardized clinical and photographic assessment. Aesthetic outcomes will be evaluated using objective photographic analysis and blinded expert review. The study will provide comprehensive information on patient satisfaction, functional outcomes, aesthetic results, and donor-site sequelae following PAP flap breast reconstruction.

The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate the potential benefits of nutrient supplementation on post-operative recovery for patients undergoing certain types of surgery, compared to those who do not receive such supplementation. The multi-center study will be conducted in Belgium and the Netherlands at UZ Brussel, Delta CHIREC, and Zuyderland Medical Center. The pilot study will serve as a precursor to a randomized controlled trial and will include 200 patients. Participants must be classified as ASA I or II, aged between 18 and 65, and undergoing abdominoplasty, breast reduction, breast reconstruction through a DIEP-flap, or extensive circumferential liposuction and body contouring surgery. Eligible patients who provide informed consent will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group, receiving R-Support supplementation, or the control group, without supplementation. Each group will consist of 100 patients. The study will span 8 weeks, with a 2-week preoperative period and a 6-week postoperative period. The treatment will involve a 28-day supplementation period, with R-Support Recover Prepare given 14 days preoperatively and R-Support Recover After given 14 days postoperatively. Postoperative recovery will be assessed using the PRP-Questionnaire and Functional Recovery Index, which together will measure physical and psychological recovery, as well as the speed of recovery in the early postoperative phase. The study hypothesizes that the intervention group will experience quicker recovery than the control group. Additionally, data on hospital stay duration and early postoperative complications will be collected, with the expectation that better-prepared bodies will recover faster, potentially leading to fewer hospitalized days and complications. The study aims to demonstrate enhanced postoperative recovery, reduced early complications (such as wound dehiscence and infection), and shorter hospital stays.