Prepectoral breast reconstruction using the Braxon® porcine acellular dermal matrix: a retrospective study

Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of death attributable to cancer among women worldwide. Breast reconstruction has become an integrated part of breast cancer treatment due to long-term psychosexual health factors and its importance to breast cancer survivors. Muscle-sparing techniques using an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) (Braxon; DECO med s.r.l., Venice, Italy) can be considered a possible alternative to immediate reconstruction or two-step reconstruction for patients with medium breasts who want to preserve their natural breast shape. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of reconstructions using a Braxon porcine-derived ADM at the Breast Unit of the University Hospital of Parma and the Breast Unit of Piacenza Hospital from January 2015 to September 2017. The objective was to evaluate the benefits and complications resulting from this technique. Results: We treated 42 patients and performed a total of 51 muscle-sparing reconstructions using the Braxon porcine-derived ADM. The incidence of cutaneous necrosis was 4% (n = 2); the incidence of seroma was 4% (n = 2). We had to remove the implants in two cases. Natural and symmetrical breasts with good form, ptosis, and softness were achieved for most patients. Conclusions: Good results were obtained with a high degree of esthetic and functional satisfaction for the majority of patients. A low rate of early complications compared to that reported in the international literature data was observed. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.