Immediate Reconstruction of the Nipple-areola Complex Using Inferior Pedicle Skin for Central Tumors of the Breast.

Abstract

Summary:The nipple-areola complex (NAC) must be considered as an integral part of the breast with regard to morale and self-assurance. Achieving good aesthetic outcome is a challenge after excision of the NAC in retroareolar tumors. This article looks into immediate reconstruction of the NAC using inferior pedicle skin in patients after central excision of retroareolar tumors. Sixteen patients had breast conservation surgery for retroareolar tumors by a single surgeon between September 2016 and November 2021, and six of them had nipple-areola reconstruction with inferior pedicle skin. None of the patients having NAC reconstruction had any recorded complications and none needed reexcision of the margins. Five out of six patients undergoing NAC reconstruction had good to excellent aesthetic outcome as recorded in the patient questionnaire. There was no locoregional recurrence or distant metastasis in the whole group after a median follow-up of 17 months (2–62).