Therapeutic nipple-sparing mastectomy combined with endoscopic immediate prosthetic breast reconstruction via axillary incision: a further step towards evidence-based and personalized surgery
Gianluca Franceschini 1, Giuseppe Visconti 2, Giorgia Garganese 1, Liliana Barone Adesi 2, Alba Di Leone 1, Martin Aleandro Sanchez 1, Lucia Ionta 1, Marzia Salgarello 2, Riccardo Masetti 1
Affiliations
Article Info
1 Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Woman, Child and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli - IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
2 Division Plastic Surgery, Department of Woman, Child and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli - IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Nipple-sparing mastectomy is an oncologically validated technique for selected breast cancer patients and allows to improve aesthetic results and patients quality of life. Conventional skin incisions are often a suboptimal solution due to the visibility of the scars. Aim of this work is to show our innovative technique, which allows to perform nipple‐sparing mastectomy, lymph-node surgery, and endoscopic immediate prosthetic breast reconstruction using a single cosmetic axillary incision. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2016 and October 2019, 14 consecutive patients underwent therapeutic nipple‐sparing mastectomy with endoscopic immediate reconstruction via axillary incision; inclusion criteria were cup A or B breasts and tumors less than 3 cm in diameter. Data were recorded in order to evaluate reproducibility, feasibility, safety, aesthetic outcomes and patients quality of life. RESULTS: Mean age was 46 years old (range: 34‐54 years); median tumor size was 1.7 cm; average follow‐up time was 11 months (range 3-42); median operation time was 340 minutes; mean hospital stay was 4,1 days. Tumor‐free margins were obtained in all 14 cases. No local-regional recurrence occurred during follow‐up. No major complications were experienced. No systemic complications were observed. All patients were satisfied with their aesthetic results, especially the absence of visible scars. CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic nipple‐sparing mastectomy with endoscopic immediate prosthetic reconstruction via axillary incision is a safe and appropriate procedure in cup A and B breasts, alternative to conventional techniques. It allows to improve aesthetic outcomes and patients quality of life thanks to a single well-hidden axillary scar.
Keywords
- Axillary Incision
- Breast Cancer
- Endoscopic Breast Reconstruction
- Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy
- Oncological and Aesthetic Outcomes
- Quality of Life
