Nipple-sparing Mastectomy Cases Research Articles

Abstract PO3-08-12: Oncologic Safety and Preventive Impact of Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy in BRCA1/2 Mutation Carriers: A Multicenter Retrospective Study of the Korea Robot-Endoscopy Minimal Access Breast Surgery Study Group (KoREa-BSG)

Abstract Purpose: Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is known for its excellent cosmetic results and acceptable oncologic safety. However, evidence supporting NSM in breast cancer (BC) patients carrying pathogenic variant (PV) or likely pathogenic variant (LPV) in BRCA1/2 genes is still limited. This study aims to evaluate the oncologic safety of NSM in BC patients and examine its preventive effect in unaffected individuals with BRCA1/2 PV/LPV. Methods: In this multicenter, retrospective study was conducted by the Korea Robot-Endoscopic minimal access Breast Surgery study Group (KoREa-BSG). We evaluated data from women who underwent NSM and BRCA1/2 genetic testing across 19 South Korean institutions. This study included BC patients aged between 20 and 80 years who had NSM and BRCA1/2 genetic testing between January 2008 and December 2018. Patients with distant metastasis at the initial diagnosis were excluded. Results: A total of 786 women, encompassing 906 NSM cases, were included. This population comprised 120 patients who underwent bilateral NSM, 666 with unilateral NSM for unilateral BC. Among them, 214 who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The median follow-up period was 62 months, with an age range of 26-74 years (median 44). Sentinel lymph node biopsy was carried out in 74.7% of cases. In the bilateral NSM cohort (n=120), 36 were bilateral BC patients, 41 were unaffected carriers of BRCA1/2 PV/LPV who underwent bilateral risk-reducing NSM (RRNSM), and 33 presented with unilateral BC with BRCA1/2 PV/LPV. In the subset of 33 patients who underwent contralateral RRNSM for unilateral BC, incidental ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) was discovered in two cases. In comparing NSM outcomes according to BRCA status, we found no significant difference in local recurrence (LR) between BC patients with BRCA1/2 PV/LPV (n=172) and those without BRCA1/2 PV/LPV (n=592) (LR rates: 11 in BRCA1/2 PV/LPV vs. 45 in non-carriers; p = 0.7965). Of the 172 BRCA1/2 PV/LPV carriers who did not undergo RRNSM, contralateral BC occurred in 11 patients (6.4%), while no recurrence was recorded in the RRNSM group. Conclusions: NSM appears to be a feasible option in BC patients with BRCA1/2 PV/LPV. While the long-term impact of NSM on breast cancer prevention in BRCA1/2 PV/LPV carriers requires further investigation, current evidence suggests that NSM could serve as an effective risk-reducing strategy. Citation Format: Hong-Kyu Kim, Sung Yoon Jang, Soong June Bae, Eun Young Kim, Chihwan Cha, Hyung Seok Park, Jeeyeon Lee, Jun-Hee Lee, Eun-Shin Lee, Jung Eun Choi, Soo Youn Bae, Hee-Chul Shin, Dongwon Kim, Moo Hyun Lee, Yong-Yeup Kim, Sang-Ah Han, Janghee Lee, Youngwoo Chang, Junwon Min, Sanghwa Kim, Hee Jun Choi, Young-Joon Kang, Sae Byul Lee, Jai Min Ryu. Oncologic Safety and Preventive Impact of Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy in BRCA1/2 Mutation Carriers: A Multicenter Retrospective Study of the Korea Robot-Endoscopy Minimal Access Breast Surgery Study Group (KoREa-BSG) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO3-08-12.

Effects of Prostaglandin E1 on Mastectomy Flap Necrosis in Immediate Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction.

Necrosis of a cutaneous flap including the nipple-areola complex is a common complication in immediate implant-based breast reconstruction following nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM)/skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) in reducing such complications. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was conducted at two centers, and the cohort consisted of patients undergoing NSM/SSM followed by immediate reconstruction with a prosthesis. Patients who were randomly allocated to the treatment group were administered daily intravenous PGE1 (10 μg/2 mL) beginning intraoperatively through postoperative day 6. Skin flap complications including nipple/skin necrosis, delayed wound healing, and postoperative wound revision were recorded. Complication rates were compared between the PGE1 and control groups. A total of 276 breasts in 259 patients were included for analysis (139 breasts in the treatment group and 137 breasts in the control group). There was no difference in patient demographics between the control and treatment groups. Reconstructed breasts receiving PGE1 had significantly lower rates of overall skin complications (21.6% versus 34.3%; P = 0.022) and wound revision (2.9% versus 9.5%; P = 0.025). Among NSM cases, the PGE1 group showed a significantly lower rate of nipple necrosis (15.5% versus 29.4%; P = 0.027). In the multivariate analysis, the use of PGE1 significantly reduced the risk of overall skin flap complications (OR, 0.491; P = 0.018) and wound revision (OR, 0.213; P = 0.018) in NSM/SSM cases, and nipple necrosis (OR, 0.357; P = 0.008) in NSM cases. PGE1 can be effective in reducing risk of mastectomy flap complications in immediate implant-based breast reconstructions. Therapeutic, III.

Improving the Breast Surgeon's Ergonomic Workload for Nipple-Sparing Mastectomies Using Exercise and Operating Room Positioning Protocol.

The objective of this study was to examine whether an exercise program and standardized operating room positioning protocol (EOPP) would improve surgeon muscle workload and/or surgeon perception of mental/physical workload for nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM). This prospective study analyzed muscle workload by EMG of four surgeons performing NSM before and after an EOPP. Surveys were administered assessing surgeon perception of mental/physical workload. EMG data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA, controlling for surgeon, first assistant, duration and difficulty of procedure, left or right side, and sequence of the procedure. A total of 56 NSM cases performed by 3 surgeons were analyzed. One surgeon was excluded because of muscle injury and undergoing active physical therapy during the study period. After implementation of the EOPP, the left (P = 0.005) and right (P = 0.020) upper trapezii muscles had a significant decrease in overall ergonomic workload but there was no significant change in overall ergonomic workload for the bilateral cervical erector spinae, anterior deltoid, and lumbar erector spinae muscle groups. When analyzing muscle group exertion by surgeon, there was significant variability in all muscles except the left cervical erector spinae. Following the EOPP, surgeons reported that the procedures were more physically (P = 0.01) and mentally (P = 0.002) demanding and visualization (P = 0.04) was worse. The breast laterality and sequence did not affect muscle exertion. An EOPP decreased the overall ergonomic workload of one muscle group for surgeons performing NSM but did not impact surgeon perception of mental/physical workload. Further investigation is needed to improve surgeon ergonomics.

Funnel usefulness in direct-to-implant breast reconstruction using periareolar incision with prepectoral implant placement and complete coverage with acellular dermal matrix

The funnel has been used in esthetic breast surgery that requires a small incision. Recent advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques have led to more cases of nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) through periareolar incision. However, prepectoral implant placement and complete coverage with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is almost impossible with the periareolar approach. Funnels can also be useful for direct-to-implant breast reconstruction. NSM with periareolar incision and direct-to-implant breast reconstruction were performed with prepectoral implant placement between January 2017 and July 2019. The ADM full-wrapped anatomic textured implant was inserted using a funnel without additional incisions during surgery. A total of 21 patients were enrolled, including 2 who received bilateral breast reconstruction. All operations were successfully performed using funnels with minimal periareolar incisions. Anatomic textured implants (mean: 251.7 cc, range: 90-450 cc) wrapped in ADM can be effectively inserted in the prepectoral plane using a funnel. Two patients experienced delayed wound healing of the areola that was treated by conservative wound management. Patients also experienced less pain overall, and the cosmetic result was very good. Patient satisfaction scores were also very high. While the periareolar incision is esthetically pleasing, additional resection is often necessary. However, the use of funnels ensured that no additional incision was needed even in large implants. This subsequently led to better results in terms of pain and scarring. Prepectoral breast reconstruction involving complete implant coverage with ADM using a funnel through the periareolar approach represents a good alternative to the traditional dual plane subpectoral method. This method provides good patient satisfaction without adverse outcomes.

Oncologic safety of nipple-sparing mastectomy in patients with short tumor-nipple distance.

There is a tendency to avoid nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) when a tumor-nipple distance (TND) is <2cm due to the risk of occult nipple involvement. The purpose of the study was to determine whether the patients who undergo NSM with immediate reconstruction are oncologically safe when TND is <2cm. Patients who underwent NSM followed by immediate reconstruction for breast cancer were retrospectively analyzed. Patients who are negative for nipple-base in either frozen-section or paraffin histopathology were included. MRI was used to obtain TNDs to compare local-recurrence-free and disease-free survival in group I (TND <2cm) and group II (TND ≥2cm). Disease-free survival rates were determined to assess the outcome. Of the 214 cases with malignancy on MRI, 21 cases diagnosed with pure ductal carcinoma in situ were excluded. Among the 193 NSM cases diagnosed with invasive cancer, TND was <2.0cm in 59 (30.56%) cases and ≥2.0cm in 134 (69.43%) cases. No significant differences were found between groups in regards to ER, PR, HER2-neu status, and nodal involvement (P=0.34, P=0.41, P=0.54, and P=0.12 respectively). In a median follow-up time of 62months (range; 13-114), patients in group I had four local recurrences, whereas group II was found to have five local and three distant metastases. No significant differences were observed between groups concerning disease-free survival (10-year DFS 93.2% vs 96.3%; P=0.368 respectively). Patients who have invasive cancer diagnosis with a TND <2cm are eligible to undergo therapeutic NSM with immediate reconstruction.

Ischemic Complications after Nipple-sparing Mastectomy: Predictors of Reconstructive Failure in Implant-based Reconstruction and Implications for Decision-making.

Background:Mastectomy flap and nipple–areola complex (NAC) ischemia can be devastating complications after nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM). Predictors of reconstructive failure with major skin envelope ischemia and implications for decision-making remain to be fully elucidated.Methods:All cases of implant-based reconstruction after NSM from 2006 to June 2018 with mastectomy flap necrosis or NAC necrosis requiring debridement were reviewed. Data on patient demographics, operative characteristics, additional complications, and the nature and management of ischemic complications were collected and analyzed.Results:Out of 1045 NSMs, 70 cases (6.7%) had major ischemic complications. Fifty-two cases (74.3% of major ischemic complications) had isolated major mastectomy flap necrosis, 7 (10%) had full NAC necrosis and 11 (15.7%) had both. Five cases (7.1%) underwent implant exchange at the time of debridement and 15 cases (21.4%) required explantation. Explanted cases had significantly lower body mass index (22.3 versus 24.7, P = 0.013) and larger debridement size (49.5 cm2 versus 17.6 cm2, P = 0.0168). Additionally, explanted cases had a higher rate of acellular dermal matrix/mesh (100% versus 45.5%, P < 0.0001), prior radiation (20.0% versus 0%, P = 0.0083), immediate implants (46.7% versus 20.0%, P = 0.0491), major infection (30.0% versus 1.8%, P = 0.028), and both major mastectomy flap/NAC necrosis (33.3% versus 10.9%, P = 0.0494).Conclusions:NSM cases with major ischemia requiring explantation had a lower body mass index and significantly higher rate of preoperative radiation, immediate implant placement, use of acellular dermal matrix/mesh, and concomitant major infection. These variables should be taken into account when discussing risks with patients preoperatively and assessing the quality of mastectomy flaps and subsequent reconstructive choices intraoperatively.

Risk Factors for Skin Flap Necrosis in Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Mastectomy Followed by Immediate Breast Reconstruction.

Skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) and nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) are the standard techniques for achieving a cosmetic outcome, but necrosis of a cutaneous flap including the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) is a serious complication. To analyze the risk factors for skin flap necrosis, we retrospectively evaluated a clinical database of breast cancer patients treated with mastectomy followed by immediate breast reconstruction. Four hundred and twelve cases were consecutively recorded between 2006 and 2016. Body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), distance from NAC to referent tumor, distance from overlying skin to the tumor and weight of breast resection (WBR) as measured in the operating theater were included in the statistical analysis. NSM, SSM and total mastectomy were performed in 123 (30%), 96 (23%) and 193 cases (47%), respectively. A tissue expander was used in 379 cases (92%), a silicone implant in 8 (2%) and autologous breast reconstruction in 25 (6%). Skin flap necrosis was found in 7% of all cases and NAC necrosis in 13% of NSM cases. In a univariate analysis, BW, NSM and WBR were risk factors for skin flap necrosis, and BW, BMI and WBR were risk factors for NAC necrosis. In a multivariate analysis, NSM and WBR remained significant risk factors for skin flap necrosis, and WBR was a significant risk factor for NAC necrosis. WBR is an important risk factor for skin flap necrosis. Especially, NAC necrosis should be considered for patients with large-volume breasts who undergo NSM and immediate breast reconstruction.

Surgical and oncological safety of nipple-sparing mastectomy in an Asian population.

Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) allows for excellent postmastectomy reconstruction aesthetics and is used for both therapeutic and risk-reducing purposes. Reservations regarding the potential for locoregional recurrence and concerns about nipple-areolar complex (NAC) necrosis remain amongst many surgeons. We review the surgical and oncological outcomes after NSM in our institution. All NSM cases at the National Cancer Centre Singapore and Singapore General Hospital between 2005 and 2015 were reviewed. Tumour characteristics, reconstruction methods, surgical and oncological outcomes are described. A total of 139 NSMs were performed for 130 patients. The median age was 46years (range 21-66). The use of NSM increased from 2% of all breast reconstructions in 2005 to 37% in 2015. The majority (n = 119; 86%) were for cancer treatment and 20 (14%) for risk-reducing purposes. Among those performed for cancer, patients mainly had early stage breast cancer (n = 106, 89%). Autologous reconstruction (n = 111, 80%) was most common. Early complications requiring surgical intervention occurred in 24 (17%) NSMs, including 9 partial/complete flap loss and 2 complete NAC loss. Smoking, previous breast radiation and periareolar incision were all not associated with a higher re-intervention rate (p = 0.93, 0.41 and 0.91, respectively). Median follow-up was 43months (range 5-145). Five patients (4%) developed local recurrence, including 2 NAC recurrences. The 2- and 5-year overall survival rate is 97 and 90%, respectively. NSM is an oncologically safe procedure in selected patients with acceptable low complication rates.

Deepithelialized Skin Reduction Preserves Skin and Nipple Perfusion in Immediate Reconstruction of Large and Ptotic Breasts.

Women with large and/or ptotic breasts are often not considered candidates for nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) and/or immediate breast reconstruction given difficulties avoiding ischemic complications and achieving a favorable aesthetic result. We report a novel technique involving deepithelialized skin reduction to simultaneously reduce the skin envelope and preserve perfusion to the skin and nipple in immediate breast reconstruction for women that fit this high-risk anatomic profile. We reviewed cases of NSM and skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) with immediate implant-based and free autologous reconstruction by a single plastic surgeon from 2013 to 2017. All patients had at least size C cup breasts (>500 g) and/or grade 3 ptosis. Select patients undergoing NSM had devascularization of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) 1 to 2 months before surgery to promote adaptive circulatory change. After mastectomy, skin reductions were performed via Wise, periareolar, or circumareolar reduction patterns, with infolding of a deepithelialized inferior and periareolar skin flap over a tissue expander or free flap. In NSM, the nipple was advanced superiorly and redirected through a keyhole of deepithelialized skin flap. Patients had an average age of 43.6 years and body mass index of 27.7. A total of 33 breasts in 19 patients (14 bilateral, 5 unilateral) underwent deepithelialized skin reduction. There were 14 NSM and 19 SSM. Reconstructions consisted of 13 tissue expanders exchanged to implants and 20 abdominally-based free flaps. Four patients underwent devascularization of the NAC before NSM. Six (18%) breasts had partial thickness flap loss that healed by delayed primary (n = 1) or secondary (n = 5) intention. Four nipples, all in patients without prior NAC devascularization, had ischemic complications (2 epidermolysis, 12.5%; 2 partial necrosis, 12.5%), which all healed by secondary intention with the exception of 1 case of NAC removal. Skin reduction with deepithelialization and tissue infolding preserves dermal plexus perfusion and promotes nipple and skin flap survival in immediate implant-based and autologous breast reconstruction after SSM and NSM. This technique can be combined with NAC devascularization to further promote nipple perfusion. Overall, this method offers an acceptable complication rate and the potential to expand the reconstructive options available to women with large and/or ptotic breasts.

Analysis of Skin Flap Thickness and Residual Breast Tissue After Mastectomy

Residual breast tissue (RBT) after mastectomy represents an unknown risk for local recurrence or development of a new cancer and affects decisions regarding adjuvant radiation therapy. This study used breast magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate the frequency of RBT and provide average thickness skin flap measurements in patients with total mastectomy, skin-sparing mastectomy, and nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) followed by breast reconstruction. We carried out a retrospective analysis of 7432 consecutive postoperative breast magnetic resonance imaging examinations performed between August 2008 and July 2013, selecting 367 women (mean ± standard deviation age, 46.7 ± 8.7 years) who had undergone therapeutic or prophylactic mastectomy with reconstruction, for a total of 501 cases. The variables analyzed included fibroglandular tissue presence, skin flap thickness at 11 pre-established points, age, weight, height, body mass index, laterality, surgical indication, surgery type, reconstruction type, adjuvant therapy, and cancer treatment history. Statistical analyses were descriptive and comparative and included logistic regression models (P < .05). At 9 of the 11 points of measure, the median thickness of the flap exceeded 5.5 mm. Excluding the areolar region, RBT was identified in 29.9% of the cases: 21.3% of the therapeutic mastectomy cases and 51% of the NSM cases. The variables independently associated with the presence of RBT were flap thickness (P < .001), patient height (P < .03), mastectomy indication (P < .001), mastectomy type (P < .012 for skin-sparing mastectomy and P < .001 for NSM and total mastectomy), and breast reconstruction with flap (P < .019). All forms of mastectomy leave RBT. Our study has demonstrated that the RBT amount can be variable and quite prevalent. Because of the low quality of the evidence to ensure the oncological safety of sparing mastectomies, we suggest that knowledge of the extent of the remaining breast tissue is important for guiding additional surveillance and therapeutic interventions, including radiation therapy.

Abstract P5-22-19: Nipple sparing mastectomy in unselect patients: Experience of an academic center in the south of Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Nipple sparing mastectomy (NSM) consists in the complete excision of the breast gland, mantaining the subcutaneous tissue, skin and nipple-areola complex (NAC). Recently, the NSM was developed as a therapeutic option not just for the patients that need risk-reducing surgery, but also for patients that have tumors not involving the NAC. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the overall survival, disease-free survival and local recurrence of the patients that underwent NSM. The only exclusion criteria for NSM was lesion at the NAC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study that evaluate the number of cases of NSM performed between 2003 and 2015 in a private sector in the south of Brazil. RESULTS: A total of 224 patients underwent NSM during the period of 2003-2015. The mean age was 47 years. From the total, 43 patients underwent risk-reducing NSM and 181 therapeutic NSM (64 unilateral and 117 bilateral). In those cases of bilateral procedures all of them underwent risk-reducing surgery on the contralateral breast (there were no bilateral cancers). Of this 181 cases, 108 (59%) have familiar history of breast cancer, considering first, second and third-degree relatives. Twenty six patients (14%) have history of previous breast cancer diagnosed. In this group of 181 patients with therapeutic NSM, 29 (16%) developed any unfavorable outcomes, 13 (7%) local recurrence, 4 (2%) ipsilateral node recurrence, 3 (1,6%) contralateral recurrence and 9 (5%) distant metastasis. None of the local recurrences occurred at the NAC, neither the cited unfavorable outcomes occurred in the risk-reducing setting. In a median follow-up of 47,7 months, the overall survival was 95% (8 deaths related to breast cancer) and the disease-free survival was 83,7%. CONCLUSIONS: The overall survival rates of 95% at 47 months of follow-up is similar to the literature rates, that range from 93 to 97% in 5 years, depending on study's inclusion criterias. In our study, 14% of patients had previous breast cancer and 59% of patients treated for breast cancer by NSM had positive familiar history of breast cancer. This results in an unselected group of patients confirms the safety of this therapeutic method as an option for breast cancer patients. Citation Format: Frasson A, Zerwes F, Souza A, Rossato N, Miranda I, Trindade V, Vollbrecht B, Santos M, Viegas J. Nipple sparing mastectomy in unselect patients: Experience of an academic center in the south of Brazil [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-22-19.

Abstract P3-13-16: 200 experiences of oncoplastic surgery with the omental flap reconstruction

Abstract Background:There are several small case series about the omental flap for breast reconstructions. However, the long-term oncological safety and the clinical benefits remain uncertain, especially the flap is used as a part of oncoplastic breast surgery. We retrospectively studied 200 patients who underwent oncoplastic breast surgery using the laparoscopically harvested omental flap. Methods:A retrospective chart review of 200 patients who underwent oncoplastic surgery using the omental flap at our institution from April 2002 to March 2016 was performed. All the omental flaps were laparoscopically harvested, and mainly used as a partial reconstruction immediate after breast-conserving surgery (BCS). Short- and long-term laparoscopy-associated complications, local recurrences and cosmetic outcomes were evaluated. Results:Although 46 cases of nipple-sparing mastectomy or skin-sparing mastectomy were included, most of patients underwent partial breast reconstruction after BCS. The successful rate of laparoscopically harvesting of the omental flap was 99.5% (199 out of 200). The rate of complications was 12.0%. Laparoscopy-associated complications occurred in 4 cases (2.0%). The rate of positive margin was 6.5%. Local recurrence occurred in two cases (1.0%) during medial follow-up period of 78 months. In 24 patients (12.0%), the volume of the flap was insufficient. When applied to nipple-sparing mastectomy or skin-sparing mastectomy, volume luck occurred in 32.6% of patients. Cosmetic outcome was mostly satisfactory. Approximately 80% of patients scored good or excellent evaluated with 4 point scale by 3 health professions. The size of the reconstructed breast basically did not change even after radiation therapy. Donor-site scars were almost negligible just like those of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Conclusions:The laparoscopically harvested omental flap has minimal donor-site morbidity and deformity. The long-term oncological safety is also promising. Although there is a limit of adaptable volume, the omental flap is an attractive option in partial breast reconstruction after BCS. Citation Format: Abe N, Sagawa N, Unesoko M, Zaha H. 200 experiences of oncoplastic surgery with the omental flap reconstruction [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-13-16.

Outcomes of Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: Role of Anatomic Measurements

Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) offers improved cosmesis for women undergoing mastectomy; however, there is increased risk for complications with this technique. We sought to determine if standard anatomic measurements could be used to predict complications of NSM. We performed a retrospective review of NSM for which anthropometric measurements of sternal notch to nipple distance, base width, and inframammary fold to nipple distance were available, and compared outcomes by anatomic measurements. We identified 102 cases of NSM with measurements available for study performed in 55 patients. Areola necrosis was associated with base width of greater than 15 cm (42.9% vs 10.9%, P = 0.02), infections were more likely with inframammary fold to nipple distance of more than 10 cm (29.2% vs 10.3%, P = 0.02), hematomas were more likely with sternal notch to nipple distance more than 30 cm (22.2% vs 4.3%, P = 0.03), and delayed wound healing was more likely with sternal notch to nipple distance of more than 25 cm (10.3% vs 1.6%, P = 0.03). There were no significant differences in nipple necrosis, skin flap necrosis, wound care requirements, or operative intervention based on anatomic measurement. Standard anatomic measurements are inconsistent predictors of outcome from NSM and should not be used alone to exclude attempts at NSM.

Oncologic Outcomes After Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy.

Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is increasingly used as an alternative to traditional mastectomy because it provides improved aesthetic results. The data on its oncologic safety are limited. The authors' institution has performed NSM during the past 10years for both oncologic and prophylactic indications. This study aimed to examine oncologic outcomes after NSM for breast cancer. The study retrospectively examined all NSM cases managed between July 2007 and July 2013. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the study cohort. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to estimate recurrence-free survival, specifically the 36-month recurrence-free survival proportion. A total of 721 nipple-sparing mastectomies were performed for 413 patients: 45 (10.9 %) to reduce risk and 368 (89.1 %) for breast cancer. In the breast cancer group, 29.8 % of the patients had ductal carcinoma in situ, and 70.2 % had invasive cancer. The mean follow-up time was 32months (range 0.01-90.2months). In the breast cancer group, the Kaplan-Meier 3-year recurrence-free survival rate was 93.6 % (95 % confidence interval, 89.9-96.0 %). Eight patients (2.2 %) had locoregional recurrences, including one in the nipple. Nine patients (2.4 %) had distant recurrence, and six patients (1.6 %) had a diagnosis of both local and distant recurrences. The findings showed a locoregional recurrence rate of 2.2 %, with an overall recurrence rate of 6.3 % for patients undergoing NSM for the treatment of breast cancer. The majority of these recurrences were distant, with one recurrence at the nipple. These results are promising, but a longer follow-up evaluation of this cohort is necessary.

Cost Analysis of Intraoperative Subareolar Frozen Section During Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy.

Permanent paraffin subareolar biopsy during nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) tests for occult cancer at the nipple-areolar complex. Intraoperative subareolar frozen section can provide earlier detection intraoperatively. Cost analysis for intraoperative subareolar frozen section has never been performed. NSM cases from 2006-2013 were reviewed. Patient records including financial charges were analyzed. Of 480 subareolar biopsies for NSM from 2006-2013, 21 were abnormal (4.4 %). A total of 307 of the subareolar biopsies included intraoperative frozen section. Of the 307, 12 (3.9 %) were abnormal with 7 of 12 detected on intraoperative frozen section. The median baseline charge for an intraoperative subareolar frozen section was $309 for an estimated total cost of $94,863 in 307 breasts. The median baseline charge for interval operative resection of a nipple-areolar complex following an abnormal subareolar pathology result was $11,021. Intraoperative subareolar biopsy avoided an estimated six return trips to the operating room for savings of $66,126. At our institution, routine use of intraoperative frozen section resulted in an additional $28,737 in healthcare charges or $95 per breast. We present the first cost analysis to evaluate intraoperative subareolar frozen section in NSM. This practice obviated an estimated six return trips to the operating room. With our institutional frequency of abnormal subareolar pathology, intraoperative frozen sections resulted in a marginal increased charge per mastectomy.

Nipple sparing mastectomy: does breast morphological factor related to necrotic complications?

Background:Nipple sparing mastectomy (NSM) can be performed for prophylactic mastectomy and the treatment of selected breast cancer with oncologic safety. The risk of skin and nipple necrosis is a frequent complication of NSM procedure, and it is usually related to surgical technique. However, the role of the breast morphology should be also investigated.Method:We prospectively performed an analysis of 124 NSM from September 2012 to January 2013 at the European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy, focusing on necrotic complications. We analyzed the association between the risks of skin necrosis and the breast morphology of the patients.Results:Among 124 NSM in 113 patients, NSM procedures were associated with necrosis in 22 mastectomies (17.7%) among which included partial necrosis of nipple-areolar complex (NAC) in 15 of 124 NSM (12.1%) and total necrosis in 4 cases (3.5%). The NAC was removed in 5 NSM cases (4%). The volume of breast removed was the only significant factor increasing the risk of skin necrosis. The degree of ptosis was not significantly related to the necrosis risk.Conclusions:Large glandular specimen increases the risk of NAC necrosis. The degree of ptosis and the distance between the sternal notch and the NAC have no significant impact on necrotic complications in NSM. To reduce the necrotic complications in large breast after NSM, reconstruction should better be performed with autologous flap or slow skin expansion using the expander technique.

Does the reconstruction method influence development of mastectomy flap complications in nipple-sparing mastectomy?

There has been an increase in the use of nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) with immediate breast reconstruction for the treatment of early-stage breast cancer patients. Mastectomy flap complication including nipple loss is a major concern and usually associated with the surgical technique. The authors evaluated potential risk factors of mastectomy flap complications, especially focussing on the impact of reconstructive variables. Using a prospectively collected database, we reviewed 130 cases of NSM between January 2009 and December 2012. Only cases using lateral incision were included. Potential patient- and procedure-related risk factors were analysed using logistic regression analysis to investigate associations with the development of mastectomy flap necrosis. Among the 130 cases, 70 underwent autologous tissue reconstruction and 60 underwent two-stage prosthesis reconstruction using a tissue expander. All patient- and procedure-related characteristics were similar between the two groups. Mastectomy flap complications occurred in 21 cases (16.2%), including total nipple necrosis in 5 (3.8%) and mastectomy flap necrosis in 10 (7.7%). The autologous tissue group showed a significantly lower rate of complications than the prosthesis group (10.0% vs. 23.3%, p = 0.034), and the difference remained significant after adjusting for other factors on multivariate logistic regression analysis (p = 0.024, odds ratio = 3.259). The rate of revision surgery was also significantly lower in the autologous tissue group (1.4% vs. 15.0%, p = 0.004). In our study, the reconstruction method was associated with the development of necrotic complications of the mastectomy flap. Careful selection of patients and reconstruction methods may reduce the risk of mastectomy flap complications in NSM.

Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy

Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is increasingly used to improve the results of immediate breast reconstruction. Technical aspects and aesthetic outcomes of this procedure are examined. A study of a prospective institutional database of all cases of NSM between 2009 and 2010 was performed. Aesthetic outcomes (symmetry, inframammary fold, volume, contour, and nipple) are compared with patients undergoing skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction by grading postoperative photographs. Technical refinements in incision types and nipple positioning are described. Twenty-six patients underwent 40 NSMs during the study period. Partial nipple necrosis occurred in 15 breasts (37.5%); of them, 14 healed uneventfully with local wound care, and 1 patient required delayed nipple reconstruction. Nipple necrosis by incision type was radial/circumareolar in 6 of 8 (75%) patients; radial, 3 of 9 (33.3%); inframammary fold, 6 of 22 (27.3%); and vertical, 0 of 1 (0%). The nipple aesthetic outcome was significantly better for NSM compared with nipple reconstruction after skin-sparing mastectomy (P = 0.01). The incidence of partial nipple necrosis was high and was related to circumareolar incisions. Most cases of nipple necrosis are superficial and heal uneventfully. Preservation of the nipple improves the aesthetic outcome of immediate breast reconstruction.

P2-15-03: Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy for Breast Cancer in Japanese Experience: An Assessment from Long Follow-Up Data of Complication and Cancer Control in 806 Patients.

Abstract [Introduction] Mastectomy has been conducted in general for cases in which breast conservation is inapplicable. Since Nipple-sparing Mastectomy (NSM) conserves nipple-areola, it is not only more advantageous in an aspect that nipple-areola reconstruction isn't required in case of breast reconstruction compared with mastectomy but also significantly meaningful because the sensation of nipple-areola is preserved in about 70% cases by skin flap preparation based on thick flap method we have adopted. On the other hand, NSM is controversial relating to complication of surgery and recurrence as well. [Objective] We've made (1) review of safety in NSM surgical technique, (2) discussion over recurrence and prognosis comparing with those in mastectomy, and (3) consideration of performance in immediate reconstructions. [Result] (1) Of all cases of NSM, the number of cases in stage 0, 1, 2A, 2B, 3 and 4 was 21, 305, 239, 123, 112 and 6 respectively. During 104 months of follow-up period in average, total of seven complication cases (0.9%) were observed, including two flap necrosis cases and five postoperative bleeding cases, but no nipple necrosis case was recorded. Although nipple-areola recurrence rate (%) in stage 0, 1, 2A, 2B and 3A was 0, 2.9, 4.6, 2.4 and 5.3 respectively, prognosis of nipple-areola recurrence cases was good showing no difference between stages (OS: 60M; 93%, 100M; 84%). Skin flap recurrence rate (%) in stage 0, 1, 2A, 2B and 3 was 0, 3.2, 3.3, 4.0 and 14.2 respectively, and prognosis of skin flap recurrence cases was significantly worse in stage 2B and 3 compared with that in stage 1 and 2A (p &amp;lt; 0.001). (2) We analyzed local recurrence rate, recurrent free survival and overall survival between 806 of NSM cases and 200 of mastectomy cases which had been performed during the same period, and the result showed no significant difference in those rates between NSM and mastectomy cases. (3) Infectious complication was observed in one out of 18 immediate reconstruction cases using free dermal fat graft. Among 124 immediate reconstruction cases using implant, complications were observed in five postoperative bleeding. [Conclusion] NSM was excellent in cosmetic aspect showing equivalent results in local recurrence rate and prognosis compared with those in mastectomy cases. Besides, patient's satisfaction was also higher in those who had had NSM alone without reconstruction. Our long term follow-up data shows that NSM may be considered as an alternative option for mastectomy in cases in which breast-conserving surgery is inapplicable in breast cancer patients. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-15-03.

Nipple-sparing mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction: Critical appraisal of five-year, single-center outcomes.

99 Background: Approximately 5,000 patients undergo breast reconstruction annually in the United Kingdom (2:1 ratio of immediate versus delayed respectively). Preservation of the breast envelope, i.e., skin and nipple areola complex (NAC) improves cosmesis. While skin-sparing mastectomy is an accepted modality for local control in appropriately selected patients, nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) remains controversial. In over 1,800 published NSM cases, the local event rate attributable to NAC preservation following NSM (therapeutic and prophylactic) is 0.16% with no evidence of deleterious impact on disease-free survival. In our cohort, patient selection criteria included: preoperative lesion characterisation; 5-mm margin acceptance; submission of separate nipple core specimens for paraffin block histological assessment and re-excision of all involved margins. This study is intended to evaluate the efficacy of loco-regional control in a consecutive cohort of patients, under uniform conditions undergoing nipple-sparing mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction. We highlight the surgical technique used and propose in/exclusion criteria for appropriate patient selection. Methods: 84 consecutive patients underwent NSM and IBR at Frimley Park Hospital, Surrey, UK (IJL, RD) between January 2004 and December 2008. Data was accrued retrospectively from the institution’s clinical coding, electronic records, and WinPath database. Endpoints recorded include: the incidence of (occult) malignancy at the nipple margins; NAC subcutaneous tissue loss; local (NAC) recurrence rates and disease free survival. Results: The mean age was 51.1 years and follow-up 4.9 years. There was one case of local recurrence in a patient who declined re-excision of close/involved margins. The immediate peri-operative complication rate was within the national mastectomy breast reconstruction audit outcome guidelines. Conclusions: In appropriately selected patients, our findings support nipple preservation at the time of mastectomy and immediate reconstruction as this enhances the cosmetic outcome without compromising oncologic safety.