Background: Mastectomy flap necrosis (MFN) is a common complication that affects recovery, reconstructive success and aesthetic outcome. Nitroglycerin (NTG) ointment is a potent topical vasodilator that increases local blood flow by dilating arteries and veins without altering the ratio of pre- to post-capillary resistance. There are no studies that evaluate whether the application of NTG ointment in patients undergoing Skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) or nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) and immediate reconstruction decreases the rate of mastectomy flap necrosis. Objective: To evaluate if the post-operative application of NTG ointment improve rates of MFN in patients undergoing SSM or NSM with immediate breast reconstruction compared to patients receiving placebo. Hypothesis: In patients undergoing SSM and immediate breast reconstruction there will be a decrease in the rate of MFN in those who receive NTG ointment compared to those who receive placebo.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
154
Nitroglycerin ointment will be applied to mastectomy skin flaps at the end of surgery. A maximum of 7.5cm strip of 2% Nitroglycerin ointment will be applied (equivalent to a maximal dose of 45mg)
Polysporin ointment will be applied as the control ointment on the mastectomy flap skin at the end of surgery. A maximum of 7.5cm strip of ointment will be applied to the skin.
Mount Saint Joseph Hospital
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver General Hospital
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
University of British Columbia Hospital
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Mastectomy Flap Necrosis
Time frame: 1 month post operative
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