Surgical management of nipple areola complex in central breast cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To explore the surgical strategy of nipple areola complex (NAC) management in central breast cancer. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 164 cases of central breast cancer who underwent surgery treatment from December 2017 to December 2020 in the Breast Center of Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University. Prior to the surgery, the tumor-nipple distance (TND) and the maximum diameter of the tumor were measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The presence of nipple invagination, nipple discharge, and nipple ulceration (including nipple Paget's disease) were recorded accordingly. NAC was preserved in patients with TND≥0.5 cm, no signs of NAC invasion (nipple invagination, nipple ulceration) and negative intraoperative frozen pathological margin. All patients with signs of NAC involvement, TND<0.5 cm or positive NAC basal resection margin confirmed by intraoperative frozen pathology underwent NAC removal. χ(2) test or Fisher exact test was used to analyze the influencing factors. Results: Of the 164 cases of central breast cancer, 73 cases underwent breast-conserving surgery, 43 cases underwent nipple-areola complex sparing mastectomy (NSM), 34 cases underwent total mastectomy, and the remaining 14 cases underwent skin sparing mastectomy (SSM). Among the 58 cases of NAC resection (including 34 cases of total mastectomy, 14 cases of SSM, and 10 cases of breast-conserving surgery), 25 cases were confirmed tumor involving NAC (total mastectomy in 12 cases, SSM in 9 cases, and breast-conserving surgery in 4 cases). The related factors of NAC involvement included TND (P=0.040) and nipple invagination (P=0.031). There were no correlations between tumor size (P=0.519), lymph node metastasis (P=0.847), bloody nipple discharge (P=0.742) and NAC involvement. During the follow-up period of 12 to 48 months, there was 1 case of local recurrence and 3 cases of distant metastasis. Conclusions: For central breast cancer, data suggest that patients with TND≥0.5cm, no signs of NAC invasion (nipple invagination, nipple ulceration) and negative NAC margin in intraoperative frozen pathology should be treated with NAC preservation surgery, whereas for those with TND<0.5 cm or accompanied by signs of NAC invasion, NAC should be removed. In addition, nipple reconstruction can be selected to further improve the postoperative appearance of patients with central breast cancer.

A Novel Nipple Reconstruction Technique for Maintaining Nipple Projection: The Boomerang Flap

Nipple-areolar complex (NAC) reconstruction is the final step in the long journey of breast reconstruction for mastectomy patients. Successful NAC reconstruction depends on the use of appropriate surgical techniques that are simple and reliable. To date, numerous techniques have been used for nipple reconstruction, including contralateral nipple sharing and various local flaps. Recently, it has been common to utilize local flaps. However, the most common nipple reconstruction problem encountered with local flaps is the loss of nipple projection; there can be approximately 50% projection loss in reconstructed nipples over long-term follow-up. Several factors might contribute to nipple projection loss, and we tried to overcome these factors by performing nipple reconstructions using a boomerang flap technique, which is a modified C–V flap that utilizes the previous mastectomy scar to maintain long-term nipple projection.

Reconstrução do complexo areolomamilar da mama queimada com retalho trilobado autonomizado / Reconstruction of a burned nipple-areola complex using an autonomized star flap

Introdução: A reconstrução do complexo areolomamilar é a fase final da reconstrução mamária. As técnicas de reconstrução do mamilo mais utilizadas são com retalhos locais ou enxertos. A utilização destas técnicas em mamas que sofreram queimaduras apresenta resultados indesejados, em decorrência da menor vascularização da pele lesada. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a utilização do retalho trilobado autonomizado na reconstrução do mamilo em mamas queimadas. Métodos: Oito pacientes do sexo feminino tiveram seus mamilos reconstruídas em dois tempos cirúrgicos. Resultados: Não ocorreram complicações, como necrose, deiscência, perda completa da projeção do novo mamilo ou infecção. A projeção média ao término da cirurgia foi de 15,25 mm e, após seis meses de reconstrução, foi de 3 mm, permanecendo estável. Todas as pacientes ficaram satisfeitas com os resultados. Conclusão: Concluímos que a autonomização deu segurança à reconstrução do mamilo em mamas queimadas e manteve projeção mínima satisfatória do mamilo reconstruído.

Introduction: Reconstruction of the nipple-areola complex is the final stage of breast reconstruction. The most common nipple reconstruction techniques use local flaps or grafts. However, these techniques in cases of burns produce undesirable outcomes due to the decreased vascularization of damaged skin. The objective of this work was to evaluate the use of the autonomized star flap in the nipple reconstruction of burned breasts. Methods: Nipples were reconstructed in eight female patients in two surgeries each. Results: There were no complications such as necrosis, dehiscence, complete loss of projection of the new nipple, or infection. The mean projection at the end of surgery was 15.25 mm; 6 months after reconstruction, it was 3 mm, showing stability. All patients were satisfied with their results. Conclusion: We conclude that autonomization leads to safe reconstruction of the nipple on burned breasts and maintains a satisfactory minimal projection of the reconstructed nipple.

Avaliação de quatro técnicas de confecção de papila / Evaluation of four techniques of nipple reconstruction

INTRODUÇÃO: A confecção do complexo areolopapilar representa o estágio final nas reconstruções de mama, e talvez seja o mais difícil deles. Diversas técnicas são descritas, entretanto, a maioria delas não parece atingir a projeção adequada e sofre com a perda dessas com o passar do tempo, levando a um resultado final estético inadequado. O objetivo do trabalho é comparar e avaliar os resultados e eficácia de quatro técnicas cirúrgicas diferentes de confecção de papila, em cirurgias de reconstrução de mama nos últimos 3 anos. MÉTODO: Foram avaliados 64 papilas reconstruídas, utilizando as técnicas de skate flap (n=17), double opposing flap (n=15), "4 pétalas" (n=22) e enxerto de papila contralateral (n=10). Os resultados foram avaliados, a longo prazo, por um examinador cego que classificou os resultados como totalmente satisfatório, satisfatório, parcialmente satisfatório e insatisfatório. RESULTADOS: O enxerto de papila apresentou resultados significativamente melhores que dos outros grupos (p= 0,012). Não houve diferença estatística quando, somente, avaliados os retalhos (excluindo o enxerto de papila)(p=0,102). Já avaliando o resultado da papila confeccionada em função do tipo de reconstrução primária feita, não houve diferença entre os grupos (p=0,563). CONCLUSÃO: O enxerto de papila contralateral se mostrou uma técnica mais efetiva e com melhores resultados. Na impossibilidade do seu uso, não há diferença entre as outras técnicas avaliadas, ficando a sua indicação àquela que se sinta mais familiarizado e capacitado a realizar.

NTRODUCTION: Reconstruction of the nipple-areola complex represents the final and perhaps most difficult stage in breast reconstruction. Several techniques have been described; however, most of the methods do not seem to achieve adequate projection and are associated with the loss of projection over time, leading to an inadequate final aesthetic result. The objective of this study is to compare and evaluate the results and effectiveness of four different surgical nipple reconstruction techniques in the last 3 years. METHOD: Sixty-four reconstructed nipples were evaluated using the skate flap (n = 17), double-opposing-tab flap (n = 15), four petals (n = 22), and contralateral nipple graft (n = 10) techniques. The results were evaluated in the long term by a blinded examiner who classified the results as fully satisfactory, satisfactory, partially satisfactory, or unsatisfactory. RESULTS: The nipple graft showed significantly better results than the other groups (p = 0.012). There was no statistical difference when only the flaps (excluding the contralateral nipple graft) were evaluated (p = 0.102). However, when evaluating the outcome of nipple reconstruction according to primary reconstruction type, no difference was observed among the groups (p = 0.563). CONCLUSION: The contralateral nipple graft technique proved to be the most efficient method that yielded better results; however, no difference was seen among the other evaluated techniques. Hence, when the contralateral nipple graft technique is not possible, surgeons should select the one with which they are most familiar.

Protection of the Reconstructed Nipple by Using a Breathing Bag Connection Tube

As the newly reconstructed nipple tends to be flattened, especially if submitted to pressure, prudent dressings using various protective devices as a physical support against pressure on a new nipple is important. We used a breathing bag connecting tube as a protective device in nipple reconstruction. A breathing bag connecting tube recycled was cut and trimmed at 1cm above the height of the reconstructed nipple. Before stitch out, the newly reconstructed nipple with a local flap was dressed and protected in this way for 10 days after surgery. After stitch out, patients learnt how to manage the new nipple at home. The sole means of nipple dressing was affixing the breathing bag connecting tube with adhesive tape. Two patients had worn the tube for two months with the best compliance. Owing to the soft composition of the tube material, it is possible for a surgeon to have an easy cutting and trimming of the tube at appropriate heights as well as for a patient to show better compliance yielding better results. The cost factor is another advantage.

Long-term Result of Nipple Reconstruction Using Skate Flap after Breast Reconstruction

PURPOSE: A number of flap for nipple reconstruction have been well described in the literature. However, most of these techniques do not permit the reconstruction of a projecting nipple and all are hampered to some extent by long-term loss of nipple projection. The objective of this study is to evaluate the long-term result and clinical efficacy of nipple reconstruction using skate flap technique after breast reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was carried out on 23 patients who underwent 25 nipple reconstructions. In those patients with greater than 10 mm nipple projection, reconstruction with skate flap and full-thickness skin graft and/or tattooing was performed. Maintenance of nipple projection was then carefully assessed over one-year follow-up. The following factors were analyzed: type of breast reconstruction, type of areola reconstruction, follow-up period, decrease in nipple projection, complication, and whether secondary nipple reconstruction was necessary and/or performed. RESULTS: Breast reconstructions were performed in 17 patients with free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap, 3 patients with extended latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap, and 3 patients with expander and implant. The mean follow-up after nipple reconstruction was 17 months. Mean loss of projection were 17.0 +/- 13.99%, 25.0 +/- 12.70%, 30.0 +/- 12.57% and 30.8 +/- 12.49% at 3, 6, 9 months and over one year, respectively. The greatest decrease in projection was noted in the first 3 months following surgery. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that nipple reconstruction with skate flap showed about 70 percent of the projection achieved over one year postoperation. Therefore, the skate flap may be a reliable method of nipple reconstruction in those patients with greater than 10 mm nipple projection.

Nipple Reconstruction using the C-V Flap Technique after Breast Reconstruction with the Only Breast Expander

PURPOSE: Breast cancer is second most common cancer in women. Most of the patients with breast cancer treated with mastectomy take breast reconstruction. Nipple reconstruction is an important step in breast reconstruction. Many surgeons have investigated of nipple reconstruction using the flap technique after breast reconstruction with the autologous tissue. The objective of this study is to evaluate the results of nipple reconstruction using the C-V flap technique after breast reconstruction only with the breast expander. METHODS: From April 2006 to May 2008, the authors treated 17 patients of nipple reconstruction using C-V flap technique, who received breast reconstruction only with the breast expander. As we have predicted decrease in the size of reconstructed nipple, we designed flap a little larger than wanted nipple size. Nipple splint was applied for 4-6 months for minimizing decrease of the size of reconstructed nipple. The diameter and height of the reconstructed nipple were measured and patient's satisfaction score was assessed. RESULTS: Mean follow-up duration was 12.5 months. Among the 17 patients, the average absorption rate by height of nipple was 47.0%. Partial necrosis was noted in 1 case, and treated well with conservative management. There were no other significant complications noted. Patient's satisfactory score was assessed by the height, design and location of the nipple. The average of satisfaction score was 85%, 68%, 62% and total average was 83%. CONCLUSION: The authors experienced 17 patients of nipple reconstruction using the C-V flap technique after breast reconstruction only with the breast expander. The absorption rate of the size of the nipple, complications and patient's satisfactory score of this study were similar to those of nipple reconstruction after breast reconstruction with the autologous tissue. It is expected that nipple reconstruction after breast reconstruction only with the breast expander is safe and reliable. It is considered that a long-term study is necessary.

Nipple Reconstruction with Modified C-V Flap: C-U Flap

For ideal breast reconstruction, final nipple reconstruction with good projection, symmetrical position, shape, and texture is very important. Nowadays, C-V flap is popularly used because of its simple procedure and less donor site morbidity. But, it also has problems of maintaining good perpendicular nipple projection. Furthermore, the flap could be injured by ischemia from the overloaded tension, when it contains too much subcutaneous fat. We modified the traditional C-V flap to overcome these drawbacks and obtained satisfactory results. From April 2006 to February 2007, we applied modified C-V flap to 46 patients who underwent NAC(Nipple-Areola Complex) reconstruction for breast reconstruction. First, we modified the flap design. The tip of horizontal V-flap was changed to rectangular shape as U-flap. Secondly, we discarded the subcutaneous fat in U-flap except the base to minimize the tension after flap insetting. Thirdly, following the flap elevation, we performed donor site closure of the C-flap. Thus the donor site of U-flap could be repaired without dog ear. Finally, de-epithelization was done on the base of nipple according to the diameter of new nipple. Then a small triangular flap was made, and insetted between the junction of bilateral U-flap to minimize the contracture and inversion of new nipple. The result were followed up for an average of 8 months. There was no complication such as flap loss or infection in all 46 patients. During the follow-up periods(3-13 months), new nipple maintained symmetry and perpendicular projection to be compared with traditional C-V flap. This modification of C-U flap could overcome some drawback of traditional C-V flap and improved results were obtained.

Nipple Reconstruction with the Double Opposing Plow Flap: A Case Report

PURPOSE: Nipple reconstruction is an important step in breast reconstruction after mastectomy. There are considerable number of reconstructive methods developed over the past years. Each of these has not only its own special advantages, but also limitations. Therefore, no single method has become the overwhelming favorite. Sometimes it seems to be compromised when the nipple must be located directly over a linear scar. METHODS: A 48-year-old female patient received a central lumpectomy with circumareolar resection of the nipple areolar complex 4 months ago. The newly designed nipple must be positioned directly astride a scar. We drew two equal-sized rectangular flaps sharing a common limb on a transverse scar and the result was two opposing plow form. Each flap size was about 1.3 cm wide and 2.5 cm long. First we elevated the flap from the distal part at a deep dermal plane, then deepened the level of dissection to raise the dermal-fat flaps. The donor site could be closed directly without any dog-ear deformity. Then we folded down the elevated flaps and loosely sutured skin with nonabsorbable materials. Each flap inner side was approximated side by side. Finally we made new natural nipple with 6mm projection. We applied tattooing in the areola area with micropigmentation device after three months. RESULTS: After ten months of follow-up periods, the nipple projection was stable and symmetric. The nipple projection was 3.1mm, compared with 2.8mm for the opposite nipple. CONCLUSION: Our experiences shows that this double opposing plow flap is a particularly useful and simple technique when there is a traverse scar crossing the center of the proposed nipple area.

Nipple Reconstruction with Dermis(Scar Tissue) Graft and C-V Flap

Nipple reconstruction is an important step in breast reconstruction after mastectomy. The authors' preferred reconstructive technique is the local C-V flap in case that a small opposite nipple is not adequate for composite graft. This flap produces an excellent reconstruction, but it is not easy to produce an adequate projection and firmness of the nipple. This article describes the technique and experience in nine patients treated over two years with dermis(scar tissue) graft for nipple reconstruction. This is the first report of application of autologous dermis(scar tissue) grafting to reconstruct a nipple primarily after breast mound reconstruction, decreasing the absorption of the reconstructed nipple and increasing the hardness. The dermis(scar tissue) is taken from scar revision and/or dog-ear correction in the second stage operation after free TRAM flap breast reconstruction. And the dermis(scar tissue) graft is inserted vertically between the local flaps and horizontally under the reconstructed nipple base. Between September 2002 and February 2005, nine patients underwent C-V flap with dermis(scar tissue) graft as a part of their nipple reconstruction. The patient's ages ranged from 28 to 55 years old (mean, 41.1 years old). The follow-up period ranged from 5 to 35 months, with an average of 14.5 months. None of the nipples showed skin flap necrosis or local infection, and uneventful wound healing. Our result showed good nipple projection with less absorption and enough firmness. Our experiences shows that dermis(scar tissue) grafts in C-V flap is a very useful method for nipple reconstruction.

Noble Tip for Reduction of V-limb of C-V Flap for Nipple Reconstruction

A nipple can be reconstructed either by nipple sharing or local flap. But donor site scar is inevitable when nipple is reconstructed with local flap method. The scar which remains inside the nipple areolar complex can be hidden by medical tattooing, but elongated scar, which cross over the areolar border leads to poor esthetic result. So as to solve this problem, we used purse string suture method. We reconstructed nipple with C-V flap for 9 patients who previously reconstructed breast with extended latissimus dorsi flap. Purse string suture with 3-0 nylon was used for donor site closure. We minimize 10.7% of the scar length with this method. Enhancement of nipple projection due to the flattening of V limb was attained in addition. We expect the reduction of V-limb of C-V flap and amount of absorption of the reconstructed nipple with purse string suture method.

Immediate Nipple Reconstruction in Breast Reconstruction with TRAM Free Flap

Immediate breast reconstruction in breast cancer patients is universalized and now with a wide variety of methods to choose from, we can select a breast reconstruction method according to the patient's condition. Among these methods, immediate breast reconstruction with TRAM free flap is the most commonly used. Nipple reconstruction is usually performed as a secondary procedure, reconstructed. Nipple is reconstructed with contralateral nipple composite graft or with local flap. Areola is reconstructed with skin graft and tattooing. Therefore, to reconstruct complete breast, two or more staged operations are needed and are troublesome to both the surgeon and the patient. If we could reconstruct breast mound and nipple at same time, we would reduce the operative stages and heighten the patient's satisfaction. The author performed delayed or immediate breast reconstruction with TRAM free flap and nipple reconstruction at the same time. If the TRAM flap was to situate in the whole of the breast or at the center of the breast mound, nipple was reconstructed with a local flap from the TRAM flap. If the TRAM flap was not situated in center of breast mound, nipple was reconstructed with a local flap from remnant breast skin. Immediate nipple reconstructions in breast reconstruction consisted total of 22 cases. Among these, delayed breast reconstruction were 5 cases and immediate breast reconstruction were 17 cases. According to patient's condition and mastectomy method, nipple reconstruction method was selected; nipple reconstruction with contralateral nipple composite graft(3 cases); nipple reconstruction with remnant breast skin(6 cases); nipple reconstruction from flap margin(10 cases); nipple reconstruction with prefabricated nipple on flap(3 cases). Malposition of the reconstructed nipple was the most common and serious complication(6 cases). The other complications were atrophy of the nipple(1 case), and necrosis(1 case). Reconstruction of the breast and nipple at the same time can reduce the need of a secondary operation and use remnant skin or redundant flap tissue maximally. On the other hand, it must be considered that position and shape of nipple could be deformed, because the nipple reconstruction is performed before the shape of reconstructed breast settles completely. Prudent attention is needed, because the danger of complication is higher than delayed nipple reconstruction.

Nipple Reconstruction Using Various Local Flaps

The existence of numerous methods of nipple reconstruction in the literature is indicative of the difficulties encountered while duplicating a normal nipple. We have performed breast reconstruction with free TRAM flap for last 10 years, and after the breast mound reconstruction we have performed nipple reconstruction with three different methods -star flap, double opposing tab flap, and C-V flap. We compared the final outcomes of these three reconstruction methods. From March 1992 to February 2001, we experienced the 82 cases of the breast reconstruction with free TRAM and the nipples were reconstructed in 54 cases by the same surgeon. 9 cases were reconstructed with star flaps, 19 cases were reconstructed with double opposing tab flaps and 26 cases were reconstructed with C-V flaps. We compared the results of the difference of the nipple projection and the patients' satisfaction in 2 weeks and 12 months after the operation. In 12 months after the operation, the average projection of the nipple was 4.2 mm in star flap, 4.5 mm in double opposing tab flap and 6.5 mm in C-V flap. The average reduction rate of the nipple projection was 46.6%, 57.4% and 32.5% respectively in 1 year after the operation. We considered that the star flap often showed the partial necrosis on the sharp tip of the flap and the contracture of the scar tissue. We assumed that double opposing tab flap showed the good projection initially. However, as time goes, it showed a widening shape on the base of nipple and disfiguring mound of breast because of high tension in the closure. The C - V flap showed round tip and less disfiguring mound of breast because of less tension and less spreading, so it shows the least reduction rate of nipple projection. We concluded that the reconstructed nipple with C-V flap showed the least reduction of nipple projection and the most satisfactory result among these 3 methods. We recommend that the nipple should be reconstructed initially much larger than the opposite nipple considering about one-third reduction rate 1 year after the surgery.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF NIPPLE PROJECTION ACCORDING TO THE RECONSTRUCTIVE METHOD BETWEEN LOCAL CHEST FLAP AND NIPPLE SHARING

The nipple-areola is the integral part of the breast. The purpose of nipple reconstruction is the creation of similar nipple like the opposite one in aspects of diameter, projection, colon and texture. To achieve these goals there have been many methods in the nipple reconstruction. Among these methods local chest flap is the popular one in nipple reconstruction. And the second method is nipple sharing and composite grafting of the opposite nipple. We compared the late result of the difference of nipple projection between two methods in 31 nipple reconstruction cases. The height of the nipple reconstructed by local flap was 8.3mm at the postoperative 2 weeks. But late result of it was 2.2mm, so 73.5% loss of nipple height was observed at that time. It was significantly lowered than one by nipple sharing method. Then most of them needed secondary surgery such as tattooing, additional augmented graft. However the height of the nipple reconstructed by nipple sharing was 6.9mm at the postoperative 2 weeks. Late result of it was 6.3mm, then only 8.7% loss of nipple projection showed. There was a significant loss of nipple protruding in local flap method comparing with nipple sharing method. The color matching and texture were more natural and similar to the opposite nipple in nipple sharing method than local chest flap ones. However nipple sharing method has many limitations in small or flat nipples. But these limitations can be gotten over by selecting the proper sharing method and including surround areolar tissue. We concluded that the projection of the nipple reconstructed by sharing method was significantly well maintained and more effective than one reconstructed by local chest flap. And the late result of local chest flap method was poor in the projection of nipple.