Open Access
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Arch Plast Surg 2023; 50(01): 003-009
DOI: 10.1055/a-1964-8181
Breast/Trunk
Original Article

Comparing Complications of Biologic and Synthetic Mesh in Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Young-Soo Choi 
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Republic of Korea
,
Hi-Jin You 
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Republic of Korea
,
Tae-Yul Lee 
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Republic of Korea
,
Deok-Woo Kim 
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Republic of Korea
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Abstract

Background In breast reconstruction, synthetic meshes are frequently used to replace acellular dermal matrix (ADM), since ADM is expensive and often leads to complications. However, there is limited evidence that compares the types of substitutes. This study aimed to compare complications between materials via a network meta-analysis.

Methods We systematically reviewed studies reporting any type of complication from 2010 to 2021. The primary outcomes were the proportion of infection, seroma, major complications, or contracture. We classified the intervention into four categories: ADM, absorbable mesh, nonabsorbable mesh, and nothing used. We then performed a network meta-analysis between these categories and estimated the odds ratio with random-effect models.

Results Of 603 searched studies through the PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases, following their review by two independent reviewers, 61 studies were included for full-text reading, of which 17 studies were finally included. There was a low risk of bias in the included studies, but only an indirect comparison between absorbable and non-absorbable mesh was possible. Infection was more frequent in ADM but not in the two synthetic mesh groups, namely the absorbable or nonabsorbable types, compared with the nonmesh group. The proportion of seroma in the synthetic mesh group was lower (odds ratio was 0.2 for the absorbable and 0.1 for the nonabsorbable mesh group) than in the ADM group. Proportions of major complications and contractures did not significantly differ between groups.

Conclusion Compared with ADM, synthetic meshes have low infection and seroma rates. However, more studies concerning aesthetic outcomes and direct comparisons are needed.

Keywords

mammaplasty - surgical mesh - network meta-analysis

Authors' Contributions

Y.S.C. and T.Y.L. conceptualized the study. Y.S.C. and H.J.Y. contributed to data curation and formal analysis. Y.S.C. and D.W.K. contributed to methodology, project administration, and visualization. YS Choi helped in writing—original draft. Y.S.C. and T.Y.L. contributed to writing—review and editing.




Publication History

Received: 04 May 2022

Accepted: 13 October 2022

Accepted Manuscript online:
20 October 2022

Article published online:
06 February 2023

© 2023. The Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

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