Initial experience with the use of foetal/neonatal bovine acellular dermal collagen matrix (SurgiMend™) for tissue-expander breast reconstruction

Background Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is commonly used in staged breast reconstruction using tissue expanders (TEs). The literature on human ADM has reported variable outcomes, and there is a paucity of data for xenogenic sources of ADM. The aim of this study is to evaluate the early complications, risk factors and outcomes using SurgiMend™ in staged breast reconstruction. Methods An Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved, retrospective analysis of a single surgeon's experience was performed. From August 2009 to May 2011, 65 patients underwent staged breast reconstruction using 95 sheets of SurgiMend™. The nominal TE fill volume was 383 ± 83 cc (range 250-550), mean intra-operative fill volume was 148 ± 86 cc (range 0-350) and mean final fill volume was 413 ± 176 cc (range 100-800). The mean clinic follow-up time was 16.9 ± 8.7 months; mean age was 50.9 ± 11.7 years; and average body mass index (BMI) was 26.0 ± 5.5 kg m ^-2. Correlation with risk factors and clinical outcomes were analysed. Results The incidences of postoperative complications were: haematoma 3.2%, seroma 7.5% and re-operation due to infection 2.1%. Age, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension had a significant correlation with an increased overall complication rate. With respect to early complications, such as infection requiring re-operation, diabetes demonstrated a trend with an odds ratio of 11.69. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the use of SurgiMend™ is associated with low early complication rates and is well tolerated in staged breast reconstruction.