Comparison of long-term results of endoscopic video-assisted breast surgery (VABS) between transaxillary retromammary approach (TARM) and periareolar approach.

Abstract

1112 Background: The breast conserving surgery (BCS) and the sentinel node (SN) biopsy became to be recognized as the standard treatment for early breast cancers. We have reported about cosmetic effectiveness and lower infestation of the video-assisted breast surgery (VABS) for the breast diseases. We devised the trans-axillary retro-mammary (TRAM) approach of VABS. It needs only one skin incision in the axilla and can treat any tumor of the breast without making any injuries on the breast skin. We evaluated the aesthetic results and the curability of this surgical method. Methods: We have performed VABS on 300 patients since December, 2001. The newly devised TARM was performed on 120 patients of early breast cancer, stage I and II. After endoscopic SN biopsy, we elongated the axillary skin incision to 2.5 cm. We dissected major pectoral muscle fascia to detach retromammary tissue behind the tumor. We cut the mammary gland with clear surgical margin, and removed it through the axillary port. The breast reconstruction was made by filling absorbable oxydized cellulose. The postoperative aesthetic results were evaluated by ABNSW. Results: BCS was performed on 286 patients (26 after preoperative chemotherapy) and skin-sparing mastectomy on 14. There was no serious complication after surgery. Surgical margin was minimally positive in 2. The original shapes of the breast were preserved well. The follow-up is 126 months at maximum and 74 months on average. There is 3 locoregional recurrences and 14 distant metastases. 5-year survival rate is 97.3%. With regard to TARM, The skin incision only in the axilla made better looks and shapes of the breast. It could be applied for tumors in any area of the breast without tumor nipple extension. The reconstruction with oxidized cellulose needs no excessive detachment of the skin beyond the surgical margin. The postoperative esthetic results were excellent and better. The sensory disturbance was minimal. All patients expressed great satisfaction. Conclusions: VABS can be considered as a good surgical procedure concerning locoregional control and esthetics. TARM is better on the patients without tumor nipple extension.