Clinical outcomes of video-assisted skin-sparing partial mastectomy for breast cancer and immediate reconstruction with latissimus dorsi muscle flap as breast-conserving therapy

Use of tumour bed boost radiotherapy in volume replacement oncoplastic breast surgery: A systematic review

Tumour bed boost radiotherapy (RT) following breast conserving surgery reduces local recurrence in high-risk disease. There is recent debate over challenges to accurately localise tumour bed for RT boost delivery following volume replacement oncoplastic breast surgery (VR-OBS). This review evaluates the reporting of RT boost following VR-OBS in the literature published between January 2010 and December 2021. This review was in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Metaanalysis statement.Nine studies met the inclusion criteria (n=670 patients), and RT boost was used in eight studies. Boost was administered in total to 384 patients (62.5% of irradiated patients). Only two studies reported boost planned target volumes and only one compared these against surgical specimen volumes.RT boost was not reported in most published studies on VR-OBS. Future prospective research are strongly needed to evaluate long-term outcomes of VR-OBS following RT boost, especially on breast cosmesis and patients' satisfaction. DATA AVAILABILITY: Data will be made available upon request.

17-Year Follow-up of Comparing Mastoscopic and Conventional Axillary Dissection in Breast Cancer: A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

Longer follow-up was necessary to determine the exact value of mastoscopic axillary lymph node dissection (MALND).

METHODS

From January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2005, 1027 patients with breast cancer were randomly assigned to two groups: MALND and CALND (conventional axillary lymph node dissection); 996 eligible patients were enrolled.

RESULTS

The final cohort of 996 patients was followed for an average of 198 months. Events other than death differed significantly between the two cohorts (p = 0.0311; 46.3% in MALND and 53.2% in CALND, respectively). The sum of events other than death and deaths from other causes was much higher in the CALND (59.6%) than MALND (53.4%) group (p = 0.0494). The 17-year disease-free survival DFS rates were 36.7% for the MALND and 33.6% for the CALND group, respectively. There was a significant difference between the groups (p = 0.0306). Overall survival (OS) rates were 53.2% after MALND and 46.0% after CALND (p = 0.0119). MALND patients had much less axillary pain (p = 0.0000), numbness or paresthesia (p = 0.0000), arm mobility (p = 0.0000) and arm swelling on the operated side (p = 0.0000). Aesthetic appearance of the axilla was much better in the MALND than CALND group (p = 0.0000) at an average follow-up of 17 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of MALND in breast cancer surgery not only decreases the relapse and arm complications but also improves long-term survival of patients. Therefore, MALND should be one of the preferred approaches for breast cancer surgery when ALND is needed.

TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION

The comparison of long-term outcomes of mastoscopic and conventional axillary lymph node dissection in breast cancer: a multicenter randomized control trial. ChiCTR-TRC-11001477, CHiCTR. First registration 08/14/2011.

Robotic-assisted skin sparing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction using latissimus dorsi flap a new effective and safe technique: A comparative study

INTRODUCTION

Breast reconstruction is an essential part of breast cancer treatment. After skin sparing mastectomy, Immediate Breast Reconstruction (IBR) can be achieved using breast implants, autologous flaps (i.e. latissimus dorsi-myo-cutaneous flap (LDF)) or an association of both. Robotic assistance has gained popularity in many surgical fields including breast surgery. This study aims to compare the post-operative results of Robotic Assisted Latissimus Dorsi Flap (RALDF) to Traditional Latissimus Dorsi Flap (TLDF) for IBR after Skin Sparing Mastectomy (SSM) without nipple conservation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between March 2016 and June 2019, all patients who underwent a SSM and a concurrent IBR with a TLDF were retrospectively compared to patients who underwent SSM and a concurrent IBR with a RALDF. Outcomes compared included operative time, length of hospital stay and complications rate.

RESULTS

105 cases of SSM with a LDF based IBR were included in the study. 46 patients underwent RALDF and 59 patients underwent TLDF. Mean operative time was longer in the RALDF group (290.5min versus 259.7min). In binary regression, the concomitant placement of breast implant was the only factor associated with an operative time exceeding 290 min (p = 0.032). Univariate analysis showed no significant difference concerning the rate of complications (p = 0.061). After logistic regression, RALDF was associated with a decreased rate of complications (p = 0.042; OR 0.37; IC 95% (0.142-0.966)).

DISCUSSION

SSM with IBR using RALDF is an effective and safe technique. This technique is actually associated with a lower complication rate at the expense of a longer operative time.

Robotic Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy and Immediate Breast Reconstruction With Robotic Latissimus Dorsi Flap Harvest: Technique and Results

Introduction. Only few cases of robotic latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction (RLDFR) have been reported in indication of reconstruction for breast cancer (BC). We report our experience of combined robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy (R-NSM) and RLDFR, and analyze technique, indications, and reproducibility. Methods. All patients with R-NSM and RLDFR from November 2016 to August 2, 2018, were analyzed, and technics have been described. Complication rate with Clavien-Dindo grading and postoperative hospitalization length (days) are reported. Results. Thirty-five R-NSM with RLDFR were performed in 22 cases for primitive BC and 13 for local recurrence. In 12 patients, another surgical procedure was performed during the same time (axillary lymph node dissection or contralateral breast surgery). R-NSM was realized through a short axillar incision, with inside-only installation for 12 patients (34.3%): 18 nonautologous and 17 autologous RLDFR associated with implant in 9 patients. In logistic regression, mastectomy weight >330 g was significantly associated with the use of implant (odds ratio [OR] = 17, P = .015), and significant factor of the time of anesthesia ≥380 minutes was 2 installations (OR = 10.4, P = .049). The median duration of hospitalization stay was 4 days. Complications rates were 51.4% (18/35; 9 grade-1, 2 grade-2, and 7 grade-3). In logistic regression, associated other surgical procedure was predictive of grade-3 complications (OR = 6.87, P = .053). Conclusion. We confirmed the reproducibility and safety of R-NSM and RLDFR with a decreased complication rate. NSM was performed in 42.8% of our patients after previous radiotherapy. We observed an increase of grade-3 complications when R-NSM and RLDFR was combined to another surgical procedure.

Skin sparing mastectomy and robotic latissimus dorsi-flap reconstruction through a single incision

Background

Robotic latissimus dorsi-flap reconstruction (RLDFR) after skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) for breast cancer (BC) has been performed through a single nipple incision. We report results of SSM with RLDFR, mainly with analysis of feasibility, morbidity, indications, and technique standardization.

Methods

We determined characteristics of patients, previous treatment of BC, and type of reconstruction. Surgical technique, duration of surgery, and complication rate were reported according to three successive periods: P1–3.

Results

Forty RLDFR, with breast implant for 16 patients, with previous breast radiotherapy in 30% had been performed. In logistic regression, factors significantly associated with duration of surgery ≥ 300 min were P2 (OR 0.024, p = 0.004) and P3 (OR 0.012, p = 0.004) versus P1. The median mastectomy weight was 330 g and 460 g for BMI < and ≥ 23.5 (p = 0.025). Length of hospitalization was 4 days. Total complication rate was 20% (8/40): seven breast complications (four re-operations) and one RLDF complication with re-operation. Periods were significantly predictive of complications (p = 0.045).

Conclusion

SSM with RLDFR is feasible, safe, and reproducible. We reported a decrease of duration of surgery, length of post-operative hospitalization, and complication rate.

The Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap Is a Safe and Effective Method of Partial Breast Reconstruction in the Setting of Breast-Conserving Therapy

BACKGROUND

Reconstruction of partial breast defects in low-volume, nonptotic breasts can be challenging. The authors hypothesized that use of the latissimus dorsi flap in partial breast reconstruction is safe and associated with low complication and high patient satisfaction rates.

METHODS

All patients who underwent breast-conserving therapy and latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2016, were identified in a prospectively maintained database. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and complications were recorded. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed with the BREAST-Q breast-conserving therapy module. A group of plastic surgeons and laypersons used a five-point Likert scale to evaluate aesthetic outcomes in representative patients.

RESULTS

Forty-seven patients met the inclusion criteria. Median follow-up was 5.4 years. Most patients (93.6 percent) underwent immediate reconstruction. The mean resection volume was 219.5 cc (range, 70 to 877 cc). The overall complication rate was 8.5 percent. Grade 2 or 3 ptosis (OR, 1.21; 95 percent CI, 1.0 to 1.46; p = 0.03), smoking (OR, 13.1; 95 percent CI, 1.2 to 143.2; p = 0.03), and multicentric tumor (OR, 1.23; 95 percent CI, 1.04 to 1.64; p = 0.02) were associated with a higher complication rate. Ductal carcinoma in situ was associated with reoperation for positive margins (OR, 14.4; 95 percent CI, 2.1 to 100; p = 0.009). Of particular interest, patient-reported outcomes were favorable, with the highest rated domains being Satisfaction with Breasts (61; interquartile range, 37 to 77), Psychosocial Well-being (87; interquartile range, 63 to 100), and Physical Well-being (87; interquartile range, 81 to 100). The median aesthetic score was 4 (of 5).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to date using the BREAST-Q to assess patient-reported outcomes associated with the latissimus dorsi flap for partial breast reconstruction. The flap is safe and effective for reconstruction in the setting of breast-conserving therapy, providing aesthetically pleasing results with high patient satisfaction.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

Endoscopic-assisted surgery in the management of breast cancer: 20 years review of trend, techniques and outcomes

To review current literature on the outcomes, techniques and trend of endoscopic-assisted breast surgery (EABS) in the management of breast cancer over a 20 years period Materials and Methods: Literature search was performed using PubMed/Medline database from 1st January 1998 to 31st December 2018 using the terms "endoscopy", "endoscopy-assisted", "breast cancer", "mastectomy" and "breast conserving surgery". Additional studies were also identified by reviewing references of relevant articles. Only case series and cohort studies were included in this review. Oncological and surgical outcome measures as well as detailed technical aspects were discussed. Results: EABS was comparable in terms of oncological, surgical as well as aesthetic outcomes if compared to conventional techniques. Patient selection and important adjuncts are essential to ensure successful and safe conduct of EABS. Conclusions: Standardization of techniques, practice guidelines and objective outcome assessments methods might pave the way for better conduct of EABS and place EABS as one of the standards of care for breast cancer care.

Breast cancer robotic nipple sparing mastectomy: evaluation of several surgical procedures and learning curve

BACKGROUND

Few studies of robotic nipple sparing mastectomy (NSM) were reported. We report feasibility of robotic NSM and determine standard surgical procedure and learning curve threefold.

METHODS

A cohort of patients with robotic NSM for breast cancer was analyzed. Complications and post-operative hospitalization stay were reported. The same technic was used for all patients except for skin and nipple areolar complex (NAC) dissection. Differences between three surgical procedures of NAC dissection were analyzed: group 1, dissection with robotic scissors using coagulation; group 2, dissection with robotic scissors without coagulation; and group 3, dissection with non-robotic scissors and then robotic dissection. We explored possible effect of learning curve among patients from group 1 with the same surgical procedure.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven NSM with immediate breast reconstruction for breast cancers, 22 invasive and 5 in situ, were performed, with robotic latissimus dorsi-flap (RLDF) only in 17 cases, RLDF and breast implant in 6 cases, and implant alone in 4 cases. Repartition according to 3 surgical procedure groups was 16, 5, and 6 patients. Mean time of surgery and anesthesia decrease according to groups 1 to 3. Among 16 patients from group 1, time of surgery and anesthesia decreased with learning curve. Post-operative hospitalization decreased from group 1 to 3. We reported a total of 11 complications, with significant difference between groups (10 for group 1). Skin complications were higher for group 1 in comparison with groups 2-3 (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Robotic NSM can be performed with a brief learning. Standardized technique is proposed with non-robotic scissors superficial dissection and then dissection with robot.

Vertical Mastectomy Incision in Implant Breast Reconstruction After Skin Sparing Mastectomy: Advantages and Outcomes

BACKGROUND

The type of since skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) incision directly impacts the final aesthetic and functional results of reconstruction. Different incisions are used for SSM depending on tumor location, previous biopsy scars, breast weight, and ptosis degree. A vertical scar is less visible to the patient, reminiscent of a mastopexy, and patients may not have the stigma of mastectomy.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates complication rates, patient demographics, patient reported outcomes, and plastic surgeon evaluations to compare vertical incision mastectomy to other incisions.

METHODS

After institutional review board approval, a retrospective chart review was performed. A total population of 167 patients that underwent mastectomy with tissue expander reconstruction was separated into vertical incision and nonvertical incision mastectomy groups consisting of 38 and 129 patients, respectively. Patient demographics, complications, tumor margins, staging, breast weight, and breast implant volume were compared. BREASTQ Survey analysis was conducted using patient reported outcomes from the patient's perspective. Aesthetic evaluations of postoperative photos were systematically scored by plastic surgeons to obtain data from the plastic surgeon's perspective.

RESULTS

Vertical incision orientation did not increase surgical complication rates or mastectomy skin necrosis (P = 0.142). Vertical incisions did not interfere with obtaining adequate tumor margins (P = 0.907). Vertical incisions did not have a significantly different breast weight or implant volume. There was no statistical difference for patient satisfaction or plastic surgeon aesthetic evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of vertical incision does not increase complication rates; does not interfere with tumor margins; and can be applied to all age, BMI, breast weight, and breast implant volume groups.

Oncologic safety of conservative mastectomy in the therapeutic setting

Conservative mastectomy is a form of nipple-sparing mastectomy which is emerging as a surgical option for selected breast cancer patients. This technique differs from subcutaneous mastectomy which is well established as a technique for risk reduction but leaves behind a finite remnant of retro-areolar breast tissue. Clinical trials have confirmed the efficacy and safety of breast conservation therapy for smaller localised breast tumors whereby a variable amount of surrounding normal tissue is excised with administration of breast radiotherapy post-operatively. Conservative mastectomy aims to remove all breast tissue with dissection continued into the core of the nipple. However, the indication for conservative mastectomy remains to be defined but generally includes tumors of modest size located at least 2 cm away from the nipple. Patients undergoing conservative mastectomy do not necessarily receive adjuvant radiotherapy and this may only be intra-operative irradiation of the nipple-areola complex (NAC). Preservation of the NAC as part of a skin-sparing mastectomy in patients who might otherwise require standard mastectomy is of unproven safety from an oncologic perspective but is associated with enhanced cosmetic outcomes and quality-of-life. The advent of conservative mastectomy has coincided with a trend for "maximal surgery" with bilateral extirpation of all breast tissue in conjunction with immediate breast reconstruction. It is essential there is no compromise of local recurrence and survival in terms of ipsilateral breast cancer treatment. Further studies are required to clarify the indications for conservative mastectomy and confirm oncologic equivalence to either wide local excision and breast irradiation or conventional/skin-sparing mastectomy with sacrifice of the nipple areola complex.

Conservative mastectomies: an overview

Conservative mastectomies provide removal of the entire breast parenchyma, saving the outer covering of the mammary gland with the possibility of performing an immediate reconstruction preserving women body image. We rationalised and systematically organized our reconstructive algorythms giving a new different light to mastectomies, the so-called "conservative mastectomies", an oxymoron indicating skin-sparing mastectomies (SSM), nipple-areola complex-sparing mastectomies (NSM) and skin-reducing mastectomies (SRM). Eventhough randomized controlled trials comparing conservative mastectomies with traditional mastectomy and breast conserving surgery would be auspicable in order to achieve higher levels of evidence, we could confidently conclude that conservative mastectomies offer the psychological advantages of good cosmesis and maintenance of woman body image without compromising the oncological safety of mastectomy.

Present status of endoscopic mastectomy for breast cancer

Endoscopy is now being used for breast cancer surgery. Though it is used for mastectomy, lymph node dissection, and breast reconstruction, its prime use is for mastectomy. Because an incision can be placed inconspicuously in the axillary site, a relatively large incision can be created. A retractor with an endoscope, CO₂, and an abrasion device with the endoscope are used for operation space security. It is extremely rare that an endoscope is used for lymph node dissection. For breast reconstruction, it may be used for latissimus muscle flap making, but an endoscope is rarely used for other reconstructions. Endoscopic mastectomy is limited to certain institutions and practiced hands, and it has not been significantly developed in breast cancer surgery. On the other hand, endoscopic surgery may be used widely in breast reconstruction. With respect to the spread of robotic surgery, many factors remain uncertain.

[Minimally invasive breast surgery]

Due to the development in medical science and industrial technology, minimally invasive procedures have appeared in the surgery of benign and malignant breast diseases. In general , such interventions result in significantly reduced breast and chest wall scars, shorter hospitalization and less pain, but they require specific, expensive devices, longer surgical time compared to open surgery. Furthermore, indications or oncological safety have not been established yet. It is quite likely, that minimally invasive surgical procedures with high-tech devices - similar to other surgical subspecialties -, will gradually become popular and it may form part of routine breast surgery even. Vacuum-assisted core biopsy with a therapeutic indication is suitable for the removal of benign fibroadenomas leaving behind an almost invisible scar, while endoscopically assisted skin-sparing and nipple-sparing mastectomy, axillary staging and reconstruction with latissimus dorsi muscle flap are all feasible through the same short axillary incision. Endoscopic techniques are also suitable for the diagnostics and treatment of intracapsular complications of implant-based breast reconstructions (intracapsular fluid, implant rupture, capsular contracture) and for the biopsy of intracapsular lesions with uncertain pathology. Perception of the role of radiofrequency ablation of breast tumors requires further hands-on experience, but it is likely that it can serve as a replacement of surgical removal in a portion of primary tumors in the future due to the development in functional imaging and anticancer drugs. With the reduction of the price of ductoscopes routine examination of the ductal branch system, guided microdochectomy and targeted surgical removal of terminal ducto-lobular units or a "sick lobe" as an anatomical unit may become feasible. The paper presents the experience of the authors and provides a literature review, for the first time in Hungarian language on the subject. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(5), 162-169.

[Modern breast reconstruction with endoscopically assisted latissimus dorsi flap harvesting]

Skin- and nipple-sparing mastectomies made immediate breast reconstruction possible on a systemic level within breast cancer surgery. Mass reconstruction needs brought by the most common malignancy in women can only be met by the use of implant-based techniques, providing excellent cosmetic results and high patient satisfaction. For these postmastectomy reconstructions the replacement of the skin is no longer a challenge, but the well vascularized, good quality soft tissue coverage of the implant. Oncoplastic breast surgery today is able to conduct oncologically radical complete removal of the glandular tissue through an incision of 6-10 cm made in the armpit, with the nearly scarless retention of the natural skin envelope of the breast, and in the same time adequate axillary staging (sentinel node biopsy/axillary lymphadenectomy) is performed, then using the same incision, the implementation of one-step or multi-step breast reconstruction is possible. During these complex interventions, the latissimus dorsi flap formed by endoscopic technique (leaving no scar on the back), rotated to the anterior chest wall can be used for total autologous reconstruction of low-volume breasts as complete coverage of implants placed under the spared skin-envelope or for revitalization of thin or radiation damaged breast skin. This paper presents 4 cases of breast reconstruction with endoscopically assisted latissimus dorsi muscle flap, and the authors demonstrate the surgical technique in detail and conduct a literature review, for the first time in Hungarian.

Usefulness of endoscopic breast-conserving surgery for breast cancer

PURPOSE

We compared the safety, invasiveness and cosmetic outcomes between endoscopic breast-conserving surgery (endoscopic group) and surgery under direct vision (direct vision group) for treating breast cancer.

METHODS

We compared 100 cases of endoscopic surgery with 150 cases of direct vision surgery. The safety was evaluated in terms of the blood loss, length of the operation and presence or absence of complications, whereas the degree of invasiveness was assessed using preoperative and postoperative leukocyte counts, neutrophil counts, interleukin (IL-6) levels and fever. The cosmetic outcome was assessed on the basis of a breast evaluation by the medical staff and the patient's subjective satisfaction.

RESULTS

In both groups, serious postoperative complications were absent. No significant differences were observed in the leukocyte counts, neutrophil counts, IL-6 level or fever between the groups. An evaluation of the cosmetic outcomes by the staff showed a more favorable breast size, breast shape and scar condition in the endoscopic group. A significantly higher level of patient satisfaction was also observed in the endoscopic group. Postoperative local recurrence was absent.

CONCLUSIONS

The endoscopic approach showed comparable safety and invasiveness, and provided better postoperative cosmetic outcomes than direct vision surgery. Our results suggest that endoscopic breast-conserving surgery is a potentially useful surgical method for the treatment of breast cancer.

Endoscopic reconstruction of partial mastectomy defects using latissimus dorsi muscle flap without causing scars on the back

BACKGROUND

Results obtained with breast-conserving therapy are not always satisfactory. Reconstruction with a pure latissimus dorsi muscle flap is a useful option. The techniques described for endoscopic dissection of the flap create several scars on the back. As a result, they do not improve on the open approach, which causes a horizontal scar at the level of the bra strap. The authors' technique avoids all scars on the back using a single incision in the highest folds of the axilla, which also is used for the sentinel node biopsy or lymphadectomy and quadrantectomy.

METHODS

The study was performed with 23 patients. The tumor was extracted via a clockwise downward periareolar incision and via another incision in a fold of the axilla. Through this axillary incision, the sentinel lymph node biopsy or lymphadectomy was performed, and the external part of the latissimus dorsi muscle was harvested endoscopically for the reconstruction.

RESULTS

Both the medical team and the patients reported high satisfaction with the aesthetic and functional results due to the preservation of the breast shape and the absence of any scarring on the back.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopy-assisted techniques make either three small scars on the back or one long scar, with the muscle sectioned distally, or a vertical incision in the midaxillary line, which may form a hypertrophic or keloid scar. The authors' approach avoids the creation of these scars on the back because the endoscopy and the distal sectioning of the muscle flap are performed through the single axillary incision.

Endoscopic latissimus dorsi muscle flap for breast reconstruction after skin-sparing total mastectomy: report of 14 cases

BACKGROUND

Some authors have mentioned that the endoscopic harvesting of the latissimus dorsi muscle flap for breast reconstruction is an uncommon technique that has been abandoned due to its technical complexity. Therefore, its use for immediate breast reconstruction after skin-sparing total mastectomies is reported for only a few patients, without clinical images of the reconstructed breast or of the donor site. This report describes 14 breast reconstructions using the aforementioned approach, with the latissimus dorsi muscle flap harvested by endoscopy plus the insertion of a breast implant in a single surgical procedure. The objective is to show images of the long-range clinical aesthetic results, both in the reconstructed breast and at the donor site as well as the complications so the reader can evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the technique.

CLINICAL CASES

From 2008 to 2011, 12 women who experienced skin-sparing total mastectomy and 2 women who underwent modified radical mastectomy were reconstructed using the aforementioned technique. The average age was 42 years (range 30-58 years), and the average body mass index was 29 kg/m(2) (range 22-34 kg/m(2)). Three patients were heavy smokers: one had undergone a previous abdominoplasty; one had hepatitis C; and one had undergone massive weight loss. Immediate reconstructions were performed for 11 patients, and 3 reconstructions were delayed. The implant volume ranged from 355 to 640 ml. The average endoscopic harvesting time was 163.5 min (range 120-240 min), and the average bleeding was 300 ml. Four patients experienced seromas at the donor site. Acceptance of the reconstructed breast was good in six cases, moderate in seven cases, and poor in one case. Acceptance of the donor site was good in 13 cases and moderate for 1 case.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic harvesting of the latissimus dorsi muscle has technical difficulties that have limited its acceptance. However, this technique offers the same quality of breast reconstruction as the open harvesting technique, with the advantage of a smaller scar at the donor site. Based on the results, the authors consider the reported technique to be useful and valid.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

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