The Impact of Acellular Dermal Matrix on Tissue Expander/Implant Loss in Breast Reconstruction: An Analysis of the Tracking Outcomes and Operations in Plastic Surgery Database

Background: Use of acellular dermal matrix in breast reconstruction has been associated with increased complications. However, existing studies are generally small, from single centers, and underpowered to control for confounding using regression techniques. Here, the Tracking Outcomes and Operations in Plastic Surgery database was used to examine the effect of acellular dermal matrix on expander/implant loss when controlling for other confounders. Methods: Analysis was limited to patients having tissue expander or implant-based breast reconstruction. Surgeon-reported data, International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition codes, and Current Procedural Terminology codes were used to identify independent variables. The dependent variable of interest was 30-day rates of tissue expander or implant loss. Bivariate statistics were performed. Multivariable logistic regression identified independent predictors of expander/implant loss when controlling for other confounders. Results: Data were available for 14,249 patients. The overall rate of expander/implant loss was 2.05 percent. Bivariate analysis demonstrated acellular dermal matrix was associated with an absolute increase in expander/implant loss of 0.7 percent (1.88 percent versus 2.58 percent, p = 0.012). The regression model demonstrated that rising body mass index, current smoking, and presence of diabetes were each independent predictors of expander/implant loss. When controlling for all other identified confounders, use of acellular dermal matrix was associated with a significant increase in expander/implant loss (odds ratio, 1.42; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.04 to 1.94; p = 0.026). Conclusions: Thirty-day risk for expander/implant loss after tissue expander or implant-based breast reconstruction was 2.05 percent. Use of acellular dermal matrix was associated with a 0.7 percent absolute risk increase for expander/implant loss.