Reconstrucción mamaria inmediata en el Instituto Nacional de Oncología y Radiobiología de Cuba / Immediate Breast Reconstruction at the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology of Cuba

RESUMEN Introducción: La reconstrucción mamaria inmediata disminuye el impacto psicológico del cáncer de mama y mejora la calidad de vida de las pacientes. Objetivo: Evaluar la simetría en la reconstrucción mamaria inmediata en el Instituto Nacional de Oncología y Radiobiología de Cuba. Método: Se realizó un estudio analítico y prospectivo, de cohorte incidente, en el Servicio de Cirugía Reconstructiva del Instituto Nacional de Oncología y Radiobiología de 2014 al 2017. Se incluyeron 41 pacientes que consintieron participar en el estudio. Se recogieron variables demográficas y onco-reconstructivas. Se utilizó un software creado en la institución para evaluar la simetría mamaria. Los datos se recogieron de la historia clínica. Se aplicaron el test de Chi-cuadrado corregido y la razón de momios para el análisis estadístico. Resultados: El 30,2 por ciento de mujeres reconstruidas pertenecieron al grupo de 30 a 39 años; el 46,3 por ciento tenían sobrepeso. La mejor simetría se encontró con las técnicas oncoplásticas (31,7 por ciento), seguida de la mastectomía ahorradora de piel. La técnica de expansión tisular con la mastectomía presentó mayores complicaciones (63,6 por ciento) y menor simetría. La necrosis parcial de piel fue la mayor complicación en 7,3 por ciento y estuvo relacionadas con las técnicas ahorradoras de piel. Conclusiones: Evaluar de forma objetiva la simetría mamaria permitió conocer la efectividad de las técnicas quirúrgicas reconstructivas. Con las técnicas de cirugía oncoplástica y mastectomía ahorradora de piel se obtuvieron los mejores resultados estéticos y pocas complicaciones. La expansión mamaria inmediata con una mastectomía radical modificada no ofrece ninguna ventaja(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Immediate breast reconstruction reduces the psychological impact of breast cancer and improves the quality of life of patients. Objective: To assess symmetry in immediate breast reconstruction at the of Cuba. Method: An analytical and prospective study of incident cohort was carried out in the reconstructive surgery service at the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology (INOR), from 2014 to 2017. Forty-one patients who consented to participate in the study were included. Demographic and oncoreconstructive variables were collected. A software created in the institution was used to assess breast symmetry. The data were collected from the medical histories. The corrected chi-square test and odds ratio were applied for statistical analysis. Results: 30.2 percent of women who received reconstruction belonged to the age group 30-39 years; 46.3 percent were overweight. The best symmetry was found with oncoplastic techniques (31.7 percent), followed by skin-sparing mastectomy. The tissue expansion technique with mastectomy presented greater complications (63.6 percent) and less symmetry. Partial skin necrosis was the major complication, accounting for 7.3 percent of the cases, and was related to skin-sparing techniques. Conclusions: Objectively evaluating breast symmetry allowed us to know the effectiveness of reconstructive surgical techniques. With oncoplastic surgery and skin-sparing mastectomy techniques, the best aesthetic outcomes and few complications were obtained. Immediate breast expansion with a modified radical mastectomy offers no benefit(AU)

Pectoralis majoris fascia combined with serratus anterior fatty fascia flap in immediate breast reconstruction / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective To study the application of pectoralis majoris fascia combined with serratus anterior fatty fascia flap in immediate breast reconstruction (IBR).Methods 40 patients with early breast cancer were divided into three groups according to indications and their own requirements.11 cases got implants combined with the pectoralis majoris fascia and the serratus anterior fatty fascia flap as a biological membrance,5 patients got latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap reconstruction,and 24 cases underwent simple mastectomy.The three groups underwent routine sentinel lymph node biopsy.The operation time,subcutaneous drainage volume,drainage time,discharge time,postoperative pain score,infection of incision and patients' satisfaction were compared between the three groups.Results The reconstruction that used implants with pectoralis majoris fascia and serratus anterior fatty fascia flap as a biological membrance had the shortest recovery time,and the least subcutaneous fluid,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).The difference of incision infection had no statistical significance (P＞0.05).The difference of postoperative pain score and satisfaction had no statistical significance between fascia group and altissimo doris group (P＞0.05).Conclusion The technique of the prosthetic reconstruction of the pectoralis majoris fascia combined with the serratus anterior fatty fascia flap as a biological membrance is simple and safe,with small trauma,quick recovery and high patients' satisfaction,and can be widely used in clinical practice.

Immediate Implant Reconstruction using Silicone Prosthesis in Breast Cancer Patients after Skin Sparing Mastectomy

PURPOSE: Since skin sparing mastectomy removes the mammary gland and the nipple-areolar complex preserving all mammary skin, it makes the widespread use of implants in immediate reconstruction. This article reports our experience in immediate breast reconstruction after skin sparing mastectomy by using the silicone implants in patients especially who have small to moderate sized and minimal ptotic breast. METHODS: From September of 2007 to July of 2009, we performed breast reconstruction for 44 breasts of 40 women with silicone implant after mastectomy. Tumors were divided into 5 malignant types (21 IDC, 18 DCIS, 2 ILC, 2 phylloides tumor, 1 mucinous carcinoma). The implant is placed in a submuscular pocket or in a submuscular-subfascial pocket depending upon the condition of the muscles and skin flaps after mastectomy. RESULTS: The mean age was 47 years and the average follow-up period was 11 months. Cosmetic outcome was assessed by evaluation of photographs and assessment of breast volume and shape, breast symmetry, and overall outcome. About 80% of each of these parameters was scored as good or excellent. Breast complication was developed in a total of 6 cases including 2 capsular contracture, 2 partial skin necrosis due to blue dye injection and 2 implant infection. CONCLUSION: The use of definitive implants in a skin sparing mastectomy is a one-stage immediate breast reconstruction with low morbidity and acceptable result. This method is considered reliable with favorable aesthetic result.

Breast Reconstruction Make Use of Contralateral Breast Tissue after Mastectomy

PURPOSE: Unilateral breast reconstruction after mastectomy confront the challenges of recreating a natural appearing breast mound and achieving symmetricalness of the breasts. If the patient's remaining breast is large compared to reconstructed breast, the most common procedure is reduction mammoplasty of the large breast side. The authors experienced a new method of breast reconstruction using the excess breast tissue from the contralateral breast after breast reduction. METHODS: The excess tissue from the contralateral breast after vertical reduction mammoplasty with superior pedicle and remaining lower breast tissue were transferred to the mastectomy site breast through the subcutaneous tunnel on the chest wall. The main blood supplies of the flap are perforator branches of the 4th, 5th and 6th anterior intercostal artery. After elevating and detaching the flap on the lower lateral area of the breast, the turned over flap is fixed on the upper portion of the chest wall of the mastectomy site. RESULTS: On two cases of the breast reconstructions, remaining excess breast tissue from reduction mammoplasty was transferred to the contralateral breast side as pedicles. Both patient and operator were satisfied with the outcome of the reconstruction as the breasts were symmetrical and in natural shape. CONCLUSION: We have performed unilateral breast reconstruction using the excess breast tissue after reduction mammoplasty of the contralateral breast. As Oriental women's breasts are relatively smaller than those of Caucasian women, delayed breast reconstruction cases of Oriental women with large breasts(macromastia) seem to be ideal for this procedure.

Predictive Factors for Nipple-areola Invasion in Patients with Breast Cancer

PURPOSE: After the first subcutaneous mastectomy with nipple preservation in 1974 at the Nottingham Breast Clinic in United Kingdom, many studies have shown that skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) with the preservation of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) is an oncologically safe procedure with good cosmetic outcomes in selected mastectomy patients. However, the clinical indications for NAC preservation have not yet been precisely defined. This study was performed to investigate the predictive factors for NAC-based neoplastic involvement to determine the indications for NAC preservation. METHODS: A retrospective study of 198 patients with invasive breast cancer who underwent modified radical mastectomy (MRM) at the Department of Surgery at Chonnam University Hospital from April of 2004 to April of 2006 was performed. Patients with bilateral breast cancer were excluded from the study. The predictive factors analyzed for NAC involvement were the hormone receptor status, tumor size, tumor localization, multiplicity, axillary lymph node status, nuclear grade, tumor-nipple distance (TND), and lymphovascular invasion (LVI). RESULTS: The overall frequency of malignant NAC involvement was 19 out of the 198 patients (9.5%) as determined by definitive histology. Significant differences were found for tumor size (P=0.015), axillary lymph node status (P=0.008), TND (P=0.044), and LVI (P=0.014). There were no significant differences for the hormone receptor status, multiplicity, nuclear grade, and localization. CONCLUSION: Although the sample size in this study was small, the findings suggest that the clinical contraindications for NAC preservation should include tumors >2.4 cm, a positive axillary lymph node status, TND <4 cm, and positive LVI. NAC preservation can be offered in selected patients after preoperative or intraoperative evaluation of the tumor size, axillary node status, TND, and LVI.

The Efficacy of Enoxaparin for the Prevention of a Pulmonary Thromboembolism in a Skin-sparing Mastectomy with Immediate Reconstruction in Breast Cancer / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: Performance of a skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction provides psychological satisfaction and good cosmetic outcome for patients with breast cancer. However, this is a lengthy procedure to perform, and there is increased risk of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the use of low molecular weight heparins (enoxaparin) for prophylaxis against a pulmomary thromboembolism followed by mastectomy with an immediate transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (TRAM) in breast cancer. METHODS: A total of 123 patients underwent a skin-sparing mastectomy with an immediate TRAM. The "non-enoxaparin group" wore compression stockings for PTE prophylaxis and the "enoxaparin group" received enoxaparin (40 mg SC injection, once daily starting 2 hr before surgery and continuing for 6 days postoperatively) in conjunction with the use of compression stockings. Lung perfusion, inhalation scans, and serum D-dimer assays were performed on postoperative day 3. If findings were clinically suspicious or intermediate to high probability of a PTE in a lungs scan, embolism computed tomography was performed. Patients were prospectively investigated according to the clinicopathological data. We compared the incidence of PTE and hemorrhagic complications between the two groups. RESULTS: There were no significant clinicopathological differences between the two groups. Eleven patients developed a PTE (nine patients in the non-enoxaparin group and two patients in the enoxaparin group). The prevalence rate of a PTE was 17.3% and 3.2% for each group, respectively (p=0.01). One patient in the non-enoxaparin group required a second operation for bleeding control and three patients in the enoxaparin group needed transfusions. There were minor hemorrhagic complications in the enoxaparin group that improved after supportive management. CONCLUSION: Although there were minor hemorrhagic complications, enoxaparin is safe and effective in a preventing PTE in patients that undergo immediate reconstruction after a skin-sparing mastectomy.

Clinicopathologic Characteristics and Local Recurrence after Skin-sparing Mastectomy with Immediate Reconstruction

PURPOSE: For those women with breast cancer who require mastectomy for surgical treatment, consideration should be given to optimize the cosmetic outcome. Skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) is being used more frequently to treat many of these patients. Skin-sparing mastectomy can maximize breast skin preservation and facilitate immediate reconstruction, and so result in an excellent cosmetic appearance. The aim of this study was to access the local recurrence rate of breast cancer after SSM. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of 53 patients who underwent skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction between January 1996 and February 2006. Immediate reconstruction was achieved via the TRAM flap or latissimus dorsi flap or artificial bag. The mean follow-up time was 34.6 months (range: 7~142 months). RESULTS: Local recurrence occurred in 1 (2.1%) of 53 patients. The time to local recurrence was 44 months. The patient with local recurrence was well controlled by wide excision and postoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The patient with local recurrence is still free of disease. Distant metastasis occurred in 7 (14.9%) of 53 patients. Of the 7 patients with distant metastasis, 1 patient was died from brain involvement. CONCLUSION: The risk of local recurrence after skin-sparing mastrectomy was not different from that of conventional mastectomy. Local recurrence was effectively managed with surgical excision of the involved tissues and then administering chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Symptomatic Pulmonary Thromboembolism following Skin-sparing Mastectomy with Immediate TRAM Reconstruction in Breast Cancer Patients

PURPOSE: A skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) with immediate reconstruction can give psychological and cosmetic benefits to patients requiring a mastectomy, but a risk of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) also exists due to longer operative time. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics of symptomatic PTE following a SSM with immediate reconstruction. METHODS: Of 216 breast cancer patients underwent a SSM with immediate reconstruction at the Asan Medical Center, between December 2003 and July 2005, 7 in whom postoperative symptomatic PTE developed were included in this study. The ventilation/perfusion scan, embolism CT and serum D-dimer level were checked for those suspected of PTE. RESULTS: The prevalence of symptomatic PTE was 3.2% (7/216). Mean patient age and BMI were 41 years and 24.9 kg/m2, respectively. All patients had undergone TRAM reconstruction, with mean operative time of 562.1 minutes. Postoperative bleeding developed in 4 cases. The pathological stages included 0, I and IIA, which were observed in 1, 4 and 2 cases, respectively. Most common symptom of PTE was dyspnea, which developed in all patients on the second or third postoperative day; followed by chest discomfort and tachypnea. The ventilation/perfusion scans showed 6 with high probabilities. All seven patients were diagnosed as PTE on embolism CT. One patient had DVT on the lower extremities. The most common site of PTE was the superior lobar artery and the segmental branches of the right pulmonary artery. All patients recovered, or were recovering, after the LMWH and warfarin treatment. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that SSM with immediate reconstruction possesses a considerable risk of postoperative PTE. Further study on preoperative prophylaxis and the risk factors is warranted to prevent PTE.

Pulmonary Thromboembolism following Mastectomy with Immediate TRAM in the Patients with Breast Cancer : a Prospective Study / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: : Skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction provides psychological satisfaction and a good cosmetic effect for patients with breast cancer. However, this procedure takes longer operation time than mastectomy, and the risk of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and deep vein thrombosis may be increased. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of PTE. METHODS: Between January and May in 2005, 54 breast cancer patients who underwent skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate transverse rectus abdominalis myocutaneous flap (TRAM) at Asan Medical Center were prospectively investigated according to the clinicopathologic data. Patients were placed in compression stockings on the day of operation, and lung perfusion, inhalation scans,and serum D-dimer assays were performed on the first three postoperative days. If findings were suspicious, we performed embolism computed tomography. We compared patient age, body mass index (BMI), clinical risk factors, operative findings, pathologic results, and the clinical course between PTE patients and non-PTE patients. RESULTS: There were 9 cases of intermediate probability and 6 cases of high probability for PTE according to lung perfusion and inhalation scans, and they underwent embolism CT. Eleven patients (20.4%) were diagnosed with embolism CT or with lung perfusion and inhalation scans;2 patients were symptomatic and 9 patients were asymptomatic. There was significant difference between PTE and non-PTE patients for age, but none for BMI, clinical risk factors, operation time, serum D-dimer, or stage. CONCLUSION: The incidence of PTE after mastectomy with immediate TRAM is relatively high, and a strategy for the prevention and treatment of PTE is required. Although age is a risk factor for PTE on this study, future studies are needed to determine the risk factors for and to confirm proper treatment and prevention of PTE.

Immediate Breast Reconstruction with TRAM Flap after Nipple-Areolar Sparing Mastectomy

PURPOSE: Skin-sparing mastectomy(SSM) with immediate breast reconstruction is becoming a proved option for early-stage breast cancer patients. Recently, skin-sparing mastectomy with preserving the nipple- areolar complex is becoming popular procedure. METHODS: During a 13-month period, from April 2004 to January 2005, 101 cases of immediate breast reconstructions with pedicled TRAM flap were performed after 40 cases of nipple-areolar sparing mastectomies, 57 cases of skin-sparing mastectomies and 4 cases of modified radical mastectomies. RESULTS: During the 11 months follow up period, necrosis of mastectomy skin flap occurred in 17.5% (n=10) after skin-sparing mastectomy and necrosis of mastectomy skin flap and nipple-areolar necrosis occurred in 30%(n=12) after nipple-areolar sparing mastectomy. These complications were healed after simple dressing without any surgical procedure. CONCLUSION: Nipple-areolar sparing mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction with TRAM flap is good option for early breast cancer patients and some modifications are needed to reduce skin necrosis.

Recurrence and Survival Analysis in Skin-Sparing Mastectomy with Immediate Reconstruction Compared with Conventional Mastectomy / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: A skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM), followed by immediate reconstruction, which has aesthetic advantages, is being increasingly used to treat many early breast carcinomas; however, there are few data regarding the outcome and safety of this procedure. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety of utilizing a SSM with immediate reconstruction compared with the outcome of a conventional mastectomy. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on 169 patients who underwent a SSM with immediate reconstruction, and 2102 patients who received a conventional mastectomy between January 1996 and December 2002, at the Asan Medical Center. The patient and tumor characteristics, as well as the types of reconstruction, incidences of recurrence and survival rates were examined. RESULTS: The mean age of the SSM group was younger (39 vs. 47 years, p < 0.001), and the mean tumor size smaller than those of the mastectomy group (2.6 vs. 3.2cm, p = 0.002). Lymph node involvement was present in 39.6% and 48.4% of the SSM and mastectomy groups, respectively (p = 0.24). The proportion at early stages (0 and 1) in the SSM group was higher than those in the mastectomy group (50.9 vs. 30.7%, p < 0.001). In the high-risk patients, postoperative radiation was administered to 24.1 and 54.9% of the SSM and mastectomy group, respectively (p = 0.002). With a median follow-up of 41 months, the recurrence rates for the SSM and mastectomy groups were 11.8 (20 of 169 patients) and 14.4% (303 of 2102 patients), respectively (p = 0.22). There were no differences in the locoregional and distant recurrences between the two groups. The 5-year disease free survivals for the SSM and mastectomy groups were 81.9 and 81.7%, respectively (p = 0.71). The 5-year overall survivals for the SSM and mastectomy groups were 91.7 and 88,8%, respectively (p = 0.13). In a univariate analysis, the factors associated with a recurrence and the survival rates were the tumor stage and a lymph node positive state. CONCLUSION: No significant differences were found in the recurrence and survival rates of the SSM group, with immediate reconstruction, compared to those of the mastectomy only group. A skin-sparing mastectomy, with immediate reconstruction, which has greater aesthetic benefits, appeared to be an oncologically safe treatment option for breast carcinomas.

Increase of Fat Necrosis after Radiation Therapy Following Mastectomy and Immediate TRAM Flap Reconstruction in High-risk Breast Cancer Patients / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the benefit of radiation therapy in high-risk breast cancer patients who have received immediate transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap reconstruction. The evaluation involved examining the effect of radiation therapy on postmastectomy flap fat necrosis and tumor recurrence. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on 102 patients who underwent mastectomy and immediate TRAM flap reconstruction between 1996 and 2001 at the Asan Medical Center (Seoul, Korea). The mean patient age was 41 years, and the median follow-up time was 33 months. Skin-sparing mastectomy was con ducted in 82 patients (80.4%) and classical mastectomy in 20 patients (19.6%). Of the 21 high-risk patients needing postmastectomy radiation therapy, nine received it. RESULTS: Moderate or severe TRAM flap fat necrosis occurred more frequently in patients receiving radiation therapy than those not receiving radiation therapy (55.6% vs. 19.4%, P=0.026). In the group with high-risk patients, two tumor recurrences occurred (one-locoregional and one-systemic). Among the 102 patients, thirteen had recurrences, including only two high-risk patients, with almost of them being systemic recurrences except four locoregional recurrences. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that radiation therapy increased flap fat necrosis in high-risk patients underwent immediate TRAM flap reconstruction. Such necrosis can result in poor outcomes for reconstruction. We recommend careful consideration prior to using radiation therapy on high-risk breast cancer patients after immediate TRAM flap reconstruction, where clinicians need to balance the possible positive effects on recurrence with the possible negative effects on flap tissue.

Skin-sparing Mastectomy with Immediate Breast Reconstruction for the Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: This study was performed to show the several clinical variables before and after the surgery that need to be considered for patient selection and whether there is an increased possibility of recurrence after surgery and whether this possibility can be reduced when adjuvant treatment is applied. METHODS: The outcome of SSM with immediate breast reconstruction, using follow-up data of cases performed at Asan Medical Center between September, 1996 and December, 2002, were retrospectively assessed and pathologically advanced breast cancer patients (stage III) were analyzed separately. RESULTS: 191 patients had undergone SSM with immediate reconstruction during the study period. The percentage of cases stage III was 15.2% (29 cases). Among these patients, 6 (20.7%) were suspected of being in the early stages of breast cancer prior to the surgery. The mean age of the advanced breast cancer patients was 37 years. Immediate breast reconstruction consisted of a pedicled TRAM flap (n=24), a insertion of tissue expander (n=4) or direct implant (n=1). Radiotherapy was performed in 16 patients (53.3%) and chemotherapy was conducted without delay in all case. With a median length of follow-up of 36.1 months for 22 patients, who under went the operation until December, 2001, local recurrence was 4.5% (1/22) with successful local treatment, and distant metastasis was 13.7% (3/22). There was no difference in the disease free survival compared to that of the non-reconstruction group (P=0.093). CONCLUSION: SSM with immediate reconstruction seems safe and effective for patients with advanced breast cancer. However an accurate preoperative assessment of the extent of the disease and discussion for the planning of treatment between surgeon and patient is required.

Status and Controversy on Skin-Sparing Mastectomy for Breast Cancer / 中国普外基础与临床杂志

Objective To review the status and controversy on skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) for breast cancer. Methods The pertinent literatures about SSM published recently to comprehend its relevant techniques and improvements in comparison with non-skin-sparing mastectomy (NSSM) were analyzed and also the safety of SSM by analyzing the relationships between SSM and ductal carcinoma in situ, restrict nipple-areola complex reservation, and postmastectomy radiotherapy were discussed. Results Skin-sparing mastectomy combined with immediate breast reconstruction is a safe operative modality for T1/T2 tumor without skin adhesion, multicentric tumors, and ductal carcinoma in situ. What is more, it does not defer adjuvant therapy. However, it may be prudent to reserve the nipple-areola complex only for peripherally located T1/T2 tumors and some other less serious invasion degree. Since the effect of SSM and immediate breast reconstruction on postmastectomy radiotherapy is confusing, there are still controversies on whether the patients who have already been operated should take radiotherapy. Conclusion SSM is a safe operative modality for selected patients with breast cancer, and delayed reconstruction may be a good choice for patients who would take postmastectomy radiotherapy.

Immediate One-Stage Breast Reconstruction Including Nipple-Areolar Complex

As surgical trend for breast cancer changes, the method for breast reconstruction is also changing. Due to improved diagnostic techniques and public awareness, more and more patients with breast cancer are diagnosed at earlier stage and the number of patients who undergo skin sparing mastectomy is also increasing. Skin sparing mastectomy has several advantages for immediate breast reconstruction over modified radical mastectomy. Its preservation of breast skin envelope and inframammary fold made it possible to provide more natural breast mound shape without any evidence of increased local recurrence of malignancy. Furthermore, in case of immediate breast reconstruction after modified radical mastectomy, procedures for nipple-areolar reconstruction was deferred for fear of postoperative deformation and vascular problem of the flap. This interval made patients less satisfied with the result and postoperative adjuvant treatment had to be sometimes postponed. To avoid these limitations, "one-stage" breast reconstruction including nipple-areolar complex was performed after skin sparing mastectomy. From December 1998 to March 2000, a total of 12 patients with breast cancer underwent skin-sparing mastectomies, which were followed by immediate reconstruction using our new technique. After long-term follow-up, no major complication including flap necrosis or asymmetry was found and all patients were satisfied with the results. With careful patient selection and adequate intra-operative flap tailoring, this new technique could offer lots of advantages to both surgeons and patients.

Immediate One-Stage Breast Reconstruction Including Nipple-Areolar Complex

As surgical trend for breast cancer changes, the method for breast reconstruction is also changing. Due to improved diagnostic techniques and public awareness, more and more patients with breast cancer are diagnosed at earlier stage and the number of patients who undergo skin sparing mastectomy is also increasing. Skin sparing mastectomy has several advantages for immediate breast reconstruction over modified radical mastectomy. Its preservation of breast skin envelope and inframammary fold made it possible to provide more natural breast mound shape without any evidence of increased local recurrence of malignancy. Furthermore, in case of immediate breast reconstruction after modified radical mastectomy, procedures for nipple-areolar reconstruction was deferred for fear of postoperative deformation and vascular problem of the flap. This interval made patients less satisfied with the result and postoperative adjuvant treatment had to be sometimes postponed. To avoid these limitations, "one-stage" breast reconstruction including nipple-areolar complex was performed after skin sparing mastectomy. From December 1998 to March 2000, a total of 12 patients with breast cancer underwent skin-sparing mastectomies, which were followed by immediate reconstruction using our new technique. After long-term follow-up, no major complication including flap necrosis or asymmetry was found and all patients were satisfied with the results. With careful patient selection and adequate intra-operative flap tailoring, this new technique could offer lots of advantages to both surgeons and patients.

Immediate Breast Reconstruction with Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Free Flap after Skin Sparing Mastectomy

The free TRAM flap has been accepted as an excellent method of autogenous tissue breast reconstruction. In addition, oncologic surgeons and plastic surgeons are trying to perform skin preserved mastectomy to get more esthetically better result in breast reconstruction. Breast tissue and mass would be removed through circumareolar incision, and axillary lymph node dissection could be carried through separate incision on axilla. This paper represents our experiences and results of immediate breast reconstruction with transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous free flap after skin-sparing mastectomy. From 1999 to 2001, the flaps were utilized in 15 patients to reconstruct the new breast by free TRAM flap after skin sparing mastectomy. The mean age of the patients were a 42-years-old. Location of cancer was on the right breast in 12 cases, left breast in 2 cases and bilateral breasts in 1 case. We chose the thoracodorsal artery and its venae commitantes as recipient vessels, and deep inferior epigastric vessels as donor vessels.All flaps survived completely. There has been no flap necrosis, hematoma, and seroma. The results have been functionally and esthetically satisfactory. There are several advantages in this technique comparing with similar breast reconstruction of routine modified radical mastectomy. This technique leaves less scar and allows better preservation of sensation, aesthetically more natural shape, and better symmetry in reconstructed breast with free TRAM flap afterskin sparing-mastectomy.

Immediate Breast Reconstruction with Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Free Flap after Skin Sparing Mastectomy

The free TRAM flap has been accepted as an excellent method of autogenous tissue breast reconstruction. In addition, oncologic surgeons and plastic surgeons are trying to perform skin preserved mastectomy to get more esthetically better result in breast reconstruction. Breast tissue and mass would be removed through circumareolar incision, and axillary lymph node dissection could be carried through separate incision on axilla. This paper represents our experiences and results of immediate breast reconstruction with transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous free flap after skin-sparing mastectomy. From 1999 to 2001, the flaps were utilized in 15 patients to reconstruct the new breast by free TRAM flap after skin sparing mastectomy. The mean age of the patients were a 42-years-old. Location of cancer was on the right breast in 12 cases, left breast in 2 cases and bilateral breasts in 1 case. We chose the thoracodorsal artery and its venae commitantes as recipient vessels, and deep inferior epigastric vessels as donor vessels.All flaps survived completely. There has been no flap necrosis, hematoma, and seroma. The results have been functionally and esthetically satisfactory. There are several advantages in this technique comparing with similar breast reconstruction of routine modified radical mastectomy. This technique leaves less scar and allows better preservation of sensation, aesthetically more natural shape, and better symmetry in reconstructed breast with free TRAM flap afterskin sparing-mastectomy.

Skin Sparing Mastectomy with Circumareolar Incision and Immediate TRAM and One-Stage Star Flap Nipple-Areolar Complex Reconstruction / 한국유방암학회지

BACKGROUND: Breast reconstruction after a mastectomy is being performed in many cases by using a tissue expander or a TRAM flap. However, a conventional mastectomy leaves long linear scar formation on the breast skin after reconstruction. A skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) with one-stage star flap nipple-areolar complex immediate reconstruction makes minimal scar tissue, and with a circumferential incision is made around the nipple, becoming virtually imperceptible. The purpose of this study is to identify the clinical indications, to evaluate the clinical results, and to encourage the application of thins method for the indicated patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the recent 3 years, 1996 through 1999, there were 1027 breast-cancer surgeries. Among them, there were 61 reconstruction cases, a skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) with immediate reconstruction was performed on 29 cases. Of these patients, 15 patients were taken SSM and TRAM flap reconstruction. Our patients selection criteria of SSM was as follows, diffuse DCIS that not candidates for breast conserving surgery, Paget's disease of the nipple, clinically early breast cancer without skin involvement, and the centrally located cancer that would require removal of the nipple-areolar complex. RESULTS: All the surgeries performed under these procedures were considered to be successful. All of the TRAM flap and star flap were alive. The main rawback was bleeding, which occurred in 6 patients but was managed by transfusion. The wound seroma occurred in 3 patients and was managed easily by repeated aspiration. CONCLUSIONS: Skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate TRAM and star flap reconstruction gives markedly improved results by reducing the scars on the reconstructed breast, providing a supple breast with a natural ptotic shape, and aesthetically satisfied. We propose more frequent application of this method for the indicated patients, but we need further follow-up of the local recurrence rate and the detection rate in these patients.