Effect of Suture Material on Postoperative Nipple Areolar Complex Widening

Launched by LONDON HEALTH SCIENCES CENTRE RESEARCH INSTITUTE OR LAWSON RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF ST. JOSEPH'S · Oct 4, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how different types of sutures (the threads used to stitch up the skin) affect the width of the nipple-areolar complex (the area around the nipple) after breast surgery. The trial will include patients undergoing various types of breast surgeries, such as gender-affirming top surgery, breast reduction or augmentation, and gynecomastia surgery. The goal is to include 180 participants from the London Health Sciences Center and St. Joseph's Hospital, with each group having a mix of different types of surgeries.

To be eligible for this study, participants must be over 18 years old and scheduled for any type of breast surgery that uses a periareolar approach (around the nipple). They should also be willing to participate and provide consent. During the study, participants will not know which type of suture is used on them until a follow-up appointment two weeks after their surgery. The researchers will measure the width of the nipple-areolar complex at various times after surgery and will also track any complications, like infections or the need for additional procedures. This information will help doctors understand if the type of suture used impacts recovery and outcomes for patients.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Any individual undergoing breast surgery of any kind using a periareolar approach including breast reconstruction, mastopexy, mammoplasty gender affirming surgery, mastectomy, or gynecomastia surgery
• • Patients undergoing breast surgery at the London Health Sciences Center (LHSC) or St Joseph's Hospital (SJH)
• • Participants over the age of 18
• • Any BMI
• • Any gender
• • Patients who are willing to participate in the study and provide informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patient does not or cannot consent for enrollment in this study (includes inability to understand the provided information due to illiteracy or unproficiency in English)
• • Patient is under the age of 18
• • Patients with a known allergy to any type of suture material used in the study.
• • For cancer patients who received radiotherapy, the irradiated breast will not be included in the study (the non-irradiated breast remains eligible)