Nipple-sparing mastectomy with different approaches: surgical incisions, complications and cosmetic results. Preliminary results of 100 consecutive patients at a single center

Publication date: Available online 3 August 2018

Source: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

Author(s): G. Corso, F. De Lorenzi, E. Vicini, G. Pagani, P. Veronesi, M. Sargenti, F. Magnoni, P. Naninato, P. Maisonneuve, C. Sangalli, M. Rietjens, Viviana Galimberti

Abstract

Nipple areola sparing mastectomy is a novel surgical approach that preserves the nipple areola complex. Patients with moderate and/or severe breast ptosis are usually not eligible for this surgical approach. In this study we are aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of non-conventional surgical approaches for nipple sparing mastectomy.

One hundred consecutive patients were enrolled for this study, with diagnosed primary breast cancer. Clinical and pathological data, such as body mass index, smoking status, breast ptosis, complications and aesthetic satisfaction (Breast-Q test) were considered. In accord with the different type of breast ptosis, surgical procedures were classified as a) hemi-periareolar, b) round block, c) vertical pattern, and d) wise pattern skin incisions. We considered statistical analysis to assess the correlation with complications, degree of ptosis, and breast-Q scores.

Among the 117 surgical procedures performed in 100 breast cancer patients, no significant associations are verified considering clinical and pathological data, complications, pre- and post-surgery satisfactions, such as other parameters.

Different surgical approaches represent the evolution of "classic" nipple sparing mastectomy, meeting the cosmetic and oncological results. These procedures are safety and indicated also in cases conventionally considered not eligible for nipple areola preservation.