What Researchers Did
Researchers retrospectively reviewed their institution's experience using hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for patients with signs of flap ischemia or necrosis after nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM).
What They Found
The study included 17 patients (25 breasts) who received HBOT for ischemia after NSM, with treatment initiated on average 9.47 ± 12.7 days post-surgery. Researchers found HBOT to be an adjunct for flap salvage, assessing outcomes like the need for revision procedures and treatment complications.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients undergoing nipple-sparing mastectomy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may offer a potential adjunctive treatment to help salvage threatened breast flaps and reduce the need for further surgery. This could lead to improved aesthetic outcomes and fewer complications following breast cancer surgery.
Canadian Relevance
This study was not conducted in Canada and therefore has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
As a retrospective review, this study is limited by its observational nature and potential for selection bias.