Diagnostic accuracy of interstitial glucose levels at the surgical wound edges to predict full thickness necrosis in mastectomy skin flaps.

Mastectomy skin flap (MSF) necrosis is a challenging complication after immediate breast reconstruction for cancer treatment. It increases the risk of surgical site and implant infection, has a negative impact on the aesthetical outcome of the reconstructed breast and can lead to reconstruction failure. Viability assessment of the MSF is performed intraoperatively and remains highly subjective. Recently, the use of laser assisted angiography with intravascular injection of indocyanine green has been advocated as a new tool to predict MSF necrosis. However, the technology is expensive and not available in most settings where breast reconstruction is performed.