Effectiveness of the Asteame Nipple GuardTM in Maintaining Projection Following Nipple Reconstruction: A Prospective Randomised Controlled Trial☆
Received 14 May 2009; received in revised form 31 August 2009; accepted 9 October 2009. published online 09 November 2009. Corrected Proof
Summary
As the final step in breast reconstruction, nipple reconstruction is considered a minor surgical procedure. However, despite the multitude of techniques and postoperative dressings proposed, none have proven to resist the tendency of the reconstructed nipple to gradually flatten over time.
A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted assessing the value of using the Asteame Nipple Guard™ compared to standard gauze dressing in maintaining nipple projection postoperatively. A total of 30 nipple reconstructions in 22 patients were included in the study with randomisation of 15 nipples to each study arm. Nipple projection was measured at various time points postoperatively with calculation of the percent changes in nipple projection. The mean decrease in long-term nipple projection at 6 months in the experimental group was 46.6% vs. 71.8% in the control group (p<0.05). In conclusion, the Nipple Guard™ helps in maintaining nipple projection postoperatively.
Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Stanford University Hospital and Clinics, Stanford, CA
Corresponding Author. Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Stanford University Medical Centre, 770 Welch Road, Suite 400, Palo Alto, California 94304-5715. Tel.: +1 650 723 5824; fax: +1 650 725 6605.
☆ Presented at 2009 California Society of Plastic Surgeons Conference, Squaw Valley, CA.
ABSTRACT
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