The increasing use of commercially available acellular dermis matrices for postmastectomy breast reconstruction seems to have\nsimplified the surgical procedure and enhanced the outcome.These materials, generally considered to be highly safe or with only\nminor contraindications due to the necessary manipulation in preparatory phases, allow an easier one-phase surgical procedure,\nin comparison with autologous flaps, offering a high patient satisfaction. Unfortunately, the claimfor a higher rate of complications\nassociated with irradiation at the implant site, especially when the radiation therapy was given before the reconstructive surgery,\nsuggested a careful behaviour when this technique is preferred. However, this hypothesis was never submitted to a crucial test,\nand data supporting it are often discordant or incomplete. To provide a comprehensive analysis of the field, we searched and\nsystematically reviewed papers published after year 2005 and registered clinical trials. On the basis of a meta-analysis of data, we\nconclude that the negative effect of the radiotherapy on the breast reconstruction seems to be evident even in the case of acellular\ndermis matrices aided surgery. However, more trials are needed to make solid conclusions and clarify the poor comprehension of\nall the factors negatively influencing outcome.
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