Advocating for closer collaboration in breast surgery and breast reconstruction: a narrative review

Abstract

: In the surgical treatment for breast cancer patients, preference for breast conservation and oncoplastic breast reconstruction is increasing across the world. This current treatment modality demands a holistic understanding of breast cancer treatment and oncoplastic procedures and requires comprehensive surgical skills. China has the world’s largest population which has specific characteristics and relies on a medical care system that is different from most Western countries. Studies on this specific population can provide valuable information in guiding clinical practices for physicians. A MEDLINE (PubMed) search using a combination of keywords, “breast reconstruction”, “breast surgery”, “breast cancer”, and “China” or “Chinese”, from January 2001 to April 2020 yielded 40 clinical studies on the mainland Chinese population and a trend towards increased publication in the past 5 years. Due to the multifaceted nature of breast reconstruction post breast surgery and a paucity of clinical studies concerning the aspect of oncological resection in Chinese patients, the authors aimed to write this narrative review from an oncological perspective (including incision design, mastectomy flap perfusion, preservation of collateral vessels, timing of radiation and reconstruction, reconstruction plane). It is hoped this discussion can facilitate the collaboration between surgeons of different specialties and improve surgical outcomes. Establishment of oncoplastic teams is strongly advocated in Chinese medical centers to maximize the quality of multidisciplinary care to breast cancer patients.