Staged Nipple Delay Procedure Expands Candidacy for Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy.

BACKGROUND: Nipple delay (ND) is a staged procedure that improves nipple-areolar complex (NAC) viability in nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) patients who are high-risk for NAC or skin-flap necrosis. This study compared postoperative outcomes and risk factors between patients treated with ND-NSM and NSM alone. METHODS: Patient demographics, risk factors for NAC or skin-flap necrosis, tumor characteristics, and operative outcomes were compared between ND-NSM and NSM groups from 2009 to 2023. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify significant variables associated with NAC or skin-flap necrosis. RESULTS: Overall, 71 ND-NSM patients and 537 NSM patients were compared. ND-NSM patients had larger breasts (p < 0.01), body mass index ≥ 30 (p = 0.01), prior breast/chest wall radiation (XRT) [p < 0.01], prior breast operations (p < 0.01), less axillary surgery (p < 0.01), more autologous tissue reconstruction over implant-based reconstruction compared with NSM patients (p = 0.02), and more prophylaxis (p < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between groups in regard to infection, skin-flap necrosis, NAC necrosis, seromas, and hematomas. No patients in the ND-NSM group had NAC necrosis and 1 patient had skin-flap necrosis, compared with 17 and 13 patients in the NSM group, respectively (p = 0.24). On univariate analysis, prior XRT was associated with increased risk for skin-flap necrosis (p = 0.02). Multivariate analysis showed XRT was associated with skin-flap necrosis (p = 0.02) and any necrosis (p = 0.01). Breast size was associated with NAC or skin-flap necrosis (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Larger breasts and XRT were risk factors for NAC or skin-flap necrosis; however, despite having more risk factors, ND-NSM patients had very low rates of necrosis. Notably, no nipples were lost. A shared decision should be made with patients regarding the risks and benefits of ND-NSM.

Breast Modular Resection (BMR) in Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy (NSM) With Intraoperative Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (LSCI) Monitoring Improved Surgical Training Outcome Among Fellows.

BACKGROUND: Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) and skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) are challenging for surgical training among fellow trainees. We developed a surgical training course with novel concept of breast modular resection (BMR) for NSM/SSM procedure, and performed this study to investigate whether BMR could improve surgical outcomes compared to classical procedure resection (CPR). METHODS: The records of 105 breast cancer patients undergoing NSM/SSM with immediate reconstruction performed by fellow trainees were reviewed. Clinicopathological characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared between 2 groups. Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) was performed to intraoperatively evaluate the blood supply of the NAC, and the absolute perfusion unit (PU) values and relative perfusion unit (rPU) values were further compared. RESULTS: Surgical training outcomes of BMR group (N = 52) were insignificantly improved compared to CPR group (N = 53). The rates of NAC necrosis, flap necrosis and implant removal all reduced respectively. Among the 60 NSM patients, the blood loss (P = .011) and surgery time (P < .001) was significantly reduced in BMR group (N = 30) and all the other outcomes were insignificantly improved. Both the absolute PU values and rPU values were significantly higher among patients without NAC necrosis (P < .001). The absolute PU values were significantly higher in BMR group (P = .002). CONCLUSION: Compared to CPR, the BMR-based surgical training course for NSM demonstrated the reduction in complications and operating time, offering a potential streamlined, efficient, and safe method for NSM procedure. LSCI was effective for intraoperative visualized evaluation of NAC blood supply and could provide effective real-time feedback for fellow trainees.

Novel Nipple Reinnervation Technique Using N. Suralis Graft.

Following nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM), patients commonly experience significant impairment or total loss of nipple sensitivity, which negatively impacts the patients' quality of life, whereas patients who retain nipple sensation postoperatively experience enhanced physical, psychosocial, and sexual well-being. Reinnervation techniques such as nerve allografting have been utilized to retain sensation. Despite the benefits of nerve allografts, such as lack of donor site morbidity, ease of use, and potentially shorter surgery time, there are shortcomings, such as the cost of commercially available acellular nerve allografts, and, most importantly, decreased sensory and motor function recovery for acellular nerve allografts with a diameter greater than 3 mm or a length greater than 50 mm. We present a technique where we performed immediate implant-based breast reconstruction combined with nipple-areola complex reinnervation using an autologous nerve graft. Following the procedure, the patient had improved sensory outcomes in the reconstructed breast and good quality-of-life indices. This report highlights the potential for sural nerve autografts in restoring breast sensation following mastectomy.

Breast cancer patients' postoperative outcomes in nipple-sparing mastectomy and reconstruction with subpectoral implant placement: a single center experience.

Background: The continuous increase in the rate of nipple sparing mastectomy (NSM), the development of several reconstructive techniques and the following introduction of acellular derma matrix (ADM) has revolutionized implant-based breast reconstruction. This study aimed to investigate postoperative complications, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and patients' satisfaction in patients undergoing NSM and breast reconstruction with or without ADM. Methods: Enrolled patients were divided into three groups: immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) with definitive implant and ADM (Group A), IBR only with definitive prosthesis (Group B), and two-stage breast reconstruction (Group C). The postoperative complications, BREAST-Q outcomes and reoperations were compared. Results: A total of 105 BC patients were enrolled and a total of 139 post-mastectomy breast reconstructions were performed. Seroma was the most prevalent complication observed: 8.3% in Group A, 2.9% in Group B and 5.7% in Group C. Postoperative infection occurred in two patients of Group A (5.6%), one patient of Group B (2.9%) and one of Group C (2.9%). Group A reported larger drain volume (1,125±243.5 cc), longer drain period (13.2±2.8 days), and the lowest incidence of capsular contracture (5.6%). The BREAST-Q patient-reported outcome measures document that all patients aged ≥50 years presented a higher score in "Satisfaction with breast" (P<0.001) and "Satisfaction with outcome" domains (P<0.05). Performing a bilateral breast reconstruction was associated to higher scores in "Physical wellbeing chest domain" (P<0.05). In addition, patients in Group A and Group B reported higher score in "Satisfaction with the breast" domain (P<0.001) but only in Group B we reported a higher score in "Satisfaction with outcome" (P<0.001). Conclusions: Subpectoral IBR results in manageable complications and greater personal satisfaction. The ADM could improve breast reconstruction reducing the rate of capsular contracture. The prepectoral placement of ADM could minimize complications and optimize aesthetic results.

Learning curve for robot-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy: A single institution experience.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted nipple sparing mastectomy (RANSM) is emerging because it offers hidden incisions and ergonomic movements. In this study, we report the learning curve and feasibility of RANSM. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted among women who underwent RANSM with immediate breast reconstruction from July 2019 to June 2022. All RANSM procedures were performed by a single surgeon. We divided all the cases into two phases: the early phase (cases 1 to 21) and the late phase (cases 22 to 46). The total operation time, breast operation time, docking time, and console time were analyzed, and the cumulative sum (CUSUM) method was used to evaluate the effects of case experience accumulation on the time required for RANSM. Postoperative complications were analyzed according to their Clavien-Dindo grade. RESULTS: Overall, 42 women underwent 46 RANSM procedures. In the early and late phases, the mean console times were 78.1 min and 60.1 min (p = 0.011), respectively. In learning curve analysis, 21 RANSM procedures were required to reduce the breast operation time. Two cases of Clavien-Dindo grade III postoperative complications occurred (4.3 %). One case was an implant removal caused by infection, and the other was partial nipple ischemia; both occurred in the early phase, with none in the late phase. CONCLUSIONS: The breast operation time improved after the 21st RANSM procedure, and only two cases had Clavien-Dindo grade III or higher postoperative complications. RANSM is thus technically feasible and acceptable, with a short learning curve.

Risk factors for residual fibroglandular breast tissue following a mastectomy - an overview and retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Residual fibroglandular breast tissue (RFGT) following a mastectomy is associated with the remaining of occult breast cancer at the time of mastectomy as well as an increased local recurrence risk thereafter. Despite its oncologic implications, data on measures to prevent RFGT are lacking. Therefore, in a first step knowledge of risk factors for RFGT is of uttermost importance in order to allow identification of patients at risk and subsequently adaption of the surgical treatment and potentially prevention of RFGT a priori. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature review in PubMed using the MESH terms [residual fibroglandular breast tissue], [residual breast tissue], [mastectomy] and [risk factor] followed by a retrospective data analysis including all patients with a mastectomy treated at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Medical University of Vienna, Austria, between 01.01.2015 and 26.02.2020 in order to identify risk factors of RFGT following a mastectomy. The primary aim of the study was to assess a potential difference in RFGT volume between the different types of mastectomy. The secondary objectives of the study were to identify other potential risk factors for RFGT as well as to compare the skin and subcutaneous fat tissue thickness pre- to postoperatively. RESULTS: Significantly higher RFGT volumes were observed following a nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) compared to a skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) and radical mastectomy (RME) (p < .001). Furthermore, RFGT volume was significantly associated with the variables: reconstruction (p = .012), acellular dermal matrix (ADM) or mesh (p = .031), patient age (p = .022), preoperative fibroglandular tissue (FGT) volume (p = .012) and preoperative whole breast volume (including the skin envelope and nipple-areola-complex) (p = .030). The reduction in the postoperative compared to preoperative skin envelope thickness measured medially and laterally reached statistical significance in the NSM-cohort (medial p < .001, lateral p = .001) and showed a numerical difference in the RME and SSM-cohort. CONCLUSION: Mastectomy type, reconstruction, ADM or mesh, patient age, preoperative FGT volume and whole breast volume were identified as risk factors for RFGT in univariable analysis. The observed reduction in the post- compared to preoperative skin envelope thickness should be avoided considering the known associated increase in risk for ischemic complications.

Impact of Mastectomy Flap Necrosis on Patient-Reported Quality-of-Life Measures After Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: A Preliminary Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Mastectomy skin flap necrosis (SFN) is common following nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM), but studies on its quality-of-life (QOL) impact are limited. We examined patient-reported QOL and satisfaction after NSM with/without SFN utilizing the BREAST-Q patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) survey. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing NSM between April 2018 and July 2021 at our institution were examined; the BREAST-Q PROM was administered preoperatively, and at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. SFN extent/severity was documented at 2-3 weeks postoperatively; QOL and satisfaction domains were compared between patients with/without SFN. RESULTS: A total of 573 NSMs in 333 patients were included, and 135 breasts in 82 patients developed SFN (24% superficial, 56% partial thickness, 16% full thickness). Patients with SFN reported significantly lower scores in the satisfaction with breasts (p = 0.032) and psychosocial QOL domains (p = 0.009) at 6 months versus those without SFN, with scores returning to baseline at 1 year in both domains. In the "physical well-being-of-the-chest" domain, there was an overall decline in scores among all patients; however, there were no significant differences at any time point between patients with or without SFN. Sexual well-being scores declined for patients with SFN compared with those without at 6 months and also at 1 year, but this did not reach significance (p = 0.13, p = 0.2, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing NSM who developed SFN reported significantly lower satisfaction and psychosocial well-being scores at 6 months, which returned to baseline by 1 year. Physical well-being of the chest significantly declines after NSM regardless of SFN. Future studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up are needed to determine SFN's impact on long-term QOL.

Postoperative outcomes of minimally invasive versus conventional nipple-sparing mastectomy with prosthesis breast reconstruction in breast cancer: a meta-analysis.

Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor worldwide, and mastectomy remains the primary strategy for treating early stage breast cancer. However, the complication rates, surgical variables, and oncologic safety of minimally invasive nipple-sparing mastectomy (MINSM) have not been fully addressed. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs that compared MINSM with conventional nipple-sparing mastectomy (CNSM), both followed by Prosthesis Breast Reconstruction (PBR). The main outcomes observed included overall complications, (Grade III) complications, skin and nipple necrosis, wound dehiscence, infection, seroma, hematoma, implant loss, and oncologic safety (positive margins and recurrence). Secondary outcomes included operation time, blood loss, hospital stay, cost-effectiveness, and patient satisfaction. Binary and continuous variables were compared using odds ratios (OR) and mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A total of 10 studies involving 2,166 patients were included. There were no statistically significant differences between MINSM and CNSM in terms of skin necrosis, wound dehiscence, infection, seroma, hematoma, implant loss, or oncologic safety. However, MINSM significantly reduced overall complications (OR = 0. 74, 95% CI [0. 58, 0. 94], p = 0. 01) and (Grade III) complications (OR = 0. 47, 95% CI [0. 31, 0. 71], p = 0. 0003). Nipple necrosis events were also significantly reduced in the MINSM group (OR = 0. 49, 95% CI [0. 30, 0. 80], p = 0. 005). Patient satisfaction improved notably in the MINSM group. Additionally, compared with the CNSM group, the MINSM group had longer operating times (MD = 46. 88, 95% CI [19. 55, 74. 21], p = 0. 0008) and hospital stays (MD = 1. 39, 95% CI [0. 65, 2. 12], p < 0. 001), while intraoperative blood loss was significantly reduced (MD = -29. 05, 95% CI [-36. 20, -21. 90], p < 0. 001). Compared with CNSM, MINSM offers advantages in reducing complications and intraoperative blood loss, as well as improving aesthetic outcomes and patient satisfaction. Therefore, MINSM may become a viable option for breast surgery. Nevertheless, a long-term evaluation of the oncologic safety of this approach is necessary to ensure its efficacy and safety for patients.

To acellular dermal matrix or not to acellular dermal matrix?-outcomes of pre-pectoral prosthetic reconstruction after nipple-sparing mastectomy with and without acellular dermal matrix.

Background: Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) has been the go-to biomaterial in post-mastectomy breast reconstruction, particularly in pre-pectoral reconstruction. ADM is thought to decrease capsular contracture, control the pocket, and increase soft tissue, but may yield more complications. This study evaluated whether ADM is even needed. Methods: All patients undergoing immediate breast reconstruction with pre-pectoral tissue expander (TE) or direct-to-implant (DTI) after nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) by the senior author between April 2013 and January 2021, were included in this study. Cohorts were stratified into breasts with ADM or no-ADM. Complications within 30 days post-operatively were analyzed. Results: A total of 115 pre-pectoral reconstructions were performed in 66 patients. ADM was applied to 75 breasts. TEs were used in 80 breasts and DTI in 35 breasts. Controlling for implant type, breasts with ADM exhibited more nipple necrosis (28.0% vs. 10.0%, P=0.02). Controlling for ADM status, DTI compared to TE was associated with less necrosis of the nipple (11.4% vs. 26.3%, P=0.04), implant loss (5.7% vs. 38.8%, P=0.004), and surgery for any complication (14.3% vs. 27.5%, P=0.04). Conclusions: Outcomes of prosthetic reconstructions with ADM and no-ADM were similar. DTI reconstruction was associated with less complications, which was likely due to intraoperative bias and placement of TEs more often in breasts with perceived poorer vascularity.

Comparison of locoregional recurrence risk among nipple-sparing mastectomy, skin-sparing mastectomy, and simple mastectomy in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ: a single-center study.

BACKGROUND: In invasive breast cancer, there are no differences among the mid- and long-term oncological safety results of nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM), skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM), and simple mastectomy (SM). There are several reports comparing NSM and SSM with SM in the context of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS); however, the eligibility criteria vary among institutions, and there are no reports that compare all three surgical methods simultaneously within the same institution. This study aimed to compare the local recurrence and survival rates of the three techniques (NSM, SSM, and SM) in Japanese patients undergoing mastectomy for DCIS. METHODS: Patients undergoing NSM, SSM, or SM at our institution between 2006 and 2015 were identified, and their outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 80.4 months (standard deviation [SD]: 37.1 months). NSM was performed in 152 cases, SSM in 49, and SM in 44. Five of 245 patients developed local recurrences. Four of these patients had invasive cancer. The primary endpoints of 5-year cumulative local recurrence were 2.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0-5.0) for NSM, 2.2% (95% CI: 0.0-6.3) for SSM, and 0% (95% CI: 0.0-0.0) for SM. There were no significant differences among the 5-year local recurrence rates. CONCLUSIONS: In this single-center, retrospective study, the oncological safety of SSM and NSM for DCIS was comparable to that of conventional SM.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Complications in Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy with Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

Background: Research advancing effective treatments for breast cancer is crucial for eradicating the disease, reducing recurrence, and improving survival rates. Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM), a common method for treating breast cancer, often leads to complications requiring re-operation. Despite advancements, the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for treating these complications remains underexplored. Therefore, we analyze the efficacy of HBOT in the post-operative care of patients undergoing NSM. Methods: A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. Studies were assessed for eligibility using the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) framework and classified based on American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) levels of evidence. Seven studies, totaling a pool of 63 female patients, met the inclusion criteria. Among these studies, four were categorized as Level III (57.1%), one as Level IV (14.3%), and two as Level V (28.6%). These studies focused on HBOT's role in wound healing, the successful salvage of breast reconstruction, and the optimal timing for HBOT. Results: This review revealed that HBOT indeed has potential for improving tissue oxygenation, vascularization, and, consequently, wound healing. It is noted that HBOT is efficacious for mitigating post-NMS complications, including infections, re-operation, flap loss, seroma, and hematoma. Conclusions: Overall, HBOT could be beneficial in standard post-surgical care protocols for patients undergoing NSM due to its role in mitigating common adverse effects that occur after mastectomy. Despite promising outcomes, the recent literature lacks rigorous clinical trials and well-defined control groups, underscoring the need for further research to establish standardized HBOT protocols.

Noninvasive Real-Time Assessment of Nipple-Areola Complex Perfusion Using Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging in Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Nipple-areola complex (NAC) necrosis is a major complication for breast reconstruction after nipple-sparing mastectomy. Although intraoperative indocyanine green angiography helps to assess the viability of tissue, the imaging could be conservative which may lead to aggressive resection. The plastic surgeons are eager to know the perfusion changes of NAC throughout the perioperative period. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, the authors enrolled patients who underwent NSM and immediate direct-to-implant breast reconstruction. All patients underwent laser speckle contrast imaging before surgery, immediately after mastectomy, after implant placement, and 24 h and 72 h after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 94 breasts were analyzed, including 64 breasts healed with viable NAC and 30 breasts with NAC necrosis. In viable NACs, the average blood supply decreased to 56% after NSM and 42% after reconstruction, then recovered to 68% and 80% at 24-h and 72-h post-operation. In necrotic NACs, the average blood supply decreased to 33% after NSM and 24% after reconstruction, and partial perfusion recovery was also recorded at 24-h (31%) and 72-h (37%) post-operation. The cutoff value for predicting NAC viability is 40% after NSM and 25% after implant placement. CONCLUSIONS: The study quantified the NAC perfusion changes during the perioperative period. NAC perfusion decreased significantly after NSM and would be the lowest after the end of breast reconstruction. Viable NACs displayed more perfusion during the operation and showed significant nipple revascularization after breast reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

A New Convenient Incision Model of the Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: Lateralized Parabolic Multiplanar Incision.

BACKGROUND: In this study, a lateralized parabolic multiplanar incision was defined. It was aimed to reduce necrosis in the nipple-areola complex (NAC) and, in the long run, to prevent the scar from pulling the areola laterally by maintaining healthy skin tissue between the scar and the areola and preserving the natural round appearance of the areola. Moreover, we purposed the scar not to be visible from the anterior view. METHODS: The study included 243 patients who underwent nipple-sparing mastectomy and immediate implant-based breast reconstruction. The incision was made 4-5 cm away from the lateral border of the NAC. The incision was completed after passing the anterior axillary line by drawing a parabolic curve in superolateral axis. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 24.6 months, and the mean age of the patients was 42.3 years. Full-thickness necrosis of the NAC occurred in 3.6% of breasts. In long-term follow-ups, the incision scar measured an average length of 8.6 cm. None of the patients had lateral displacement of the NAC. The NAC preserved its round appearance, except for 12 breasts that had full-thickness NAC necrosis. Ten breasts had an unnatural breast appearance. CONCLUSION: The lateralized parabolic multiplanar incision is an ideal incision model for nipple-sparing mastectomy, as it allows for the exposure and reconstruction of all breast quadrants. We maintain areolar circulation; there are no visible scars when viewed anteriorly. Furthermore, it prevents lateral displacement of the NAC, ensuring that the natural round form of the NAC is not distorted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Positive Nipple Margins in Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: Management of Nipples Containing Cancer or Atypia.

BACKGROUND: Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is an oncologically safe approach for breast cancer treatment and prevention; however, there are little long-term data to guide management for patients whose nipple margins contain tumor or atypia. METHODS: NSM patients with tumor or atypia in their nipple margin were identified from a prospectively maintained, single-institution database of consecutive NSMs. Patient and tumor characteristics, treatment, recurrence, and survival data were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 3158 NSMs were performed from June 2007 to August 2019. Nipple margins contained tumor in 117 (3.7%) NSMs and atypia only in 164 (5.2%) NSMs. Among 117 nipple margins that contained tumor, 34 (29%) margins contained invasive cancer, 80 (68%) contained ductal carcinoma in situ only, and 3 (3%) contained lymphatic vessel invasion only. Management included nipple-only excision in 67 (57%) breasts, nipple-areola complex excision in 35 (30%) breasts, and no excision in 15 (13%) breasts. Only 23 (24%) excised nipples contained residual tumor. At 67 months median follow-up, there were 2 (1.8%) recurrences in areolar or peri-areolar skin, both in patients with nipple-only excision. Among 164 nipple margins containing only atypia, 154 (94%) nipples were retained. At 60 months median follow-up, no patient with atypia alone had a nipple or areola recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Nipple excision is effective management for nipple margins containing tumor. No intervention is required for nipple margins containing only atypia. Our results support broad eligibility for NSM with careful nipple margin assessment.

Residual cancer burden in two-stage nipple sparing mastectomy after first stage lumpectomy and devascularization of the nipple areolar complex.

PURPOSE: Ischemic complications after nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) can be ameliorated by 2-stage procedures wherein devascularization of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) and lumpectomy with or without nodal staging surgery is performed first (1S), weeks prior to a completion NSM (2S). We report the time interval between procedures in relation to the presence of residual carcinoma at 2S NSM. METHODS: Women with breast cancer who received 2S NSM from 2015 to 2022 were identified. Both patient level and breast level analyses were conducted. Clinical staging at presentation, pathologic staging at 1S and residual disease at 2S pathology are noted. Residual disease was classified as microscopic (1-2 mm), minimal (3-10 mm), and moderate (> 10 mm). RESULTS: 59 patients (108 breasts) underwent 2S NSM. The median time interval between 1 and 2S for all patients was 34 days: 31 days for upfront surgery invasive cancer, 41 days for upfront DCIS surgery and 31 days for those receiving neoadjuvant therapy. Completion NSM was performed within 6 weeks for 72% of the breasts analyzed. Of the 53 breasts with invasive cancer on 1S pathology, 35% (19/53) had no residual invasive disease and 24.5% (13/53) had neither residual invasive nor in situ carcinoma on final 2S. Among the 50 women who had upfront surgery, 16 (32%) had residual invasive cancer found at 2S NSM, 9 of which had less than or equal to 1 cm disease. CONCLUSION: Invasive cancers were completely resected during 1S procedure in 65% of breasts. Residual disease was minimal and there was only one case of upstaging at 2S. Added time of two-stage surgery is offset by a reduction in ischemic mastectomy flap complications.

Intraoperative frozen section of subareolar tissue in nipple-sparing mastectomy: Towards a less is more approach.

BACKGROUND: Nipple preservation contributes to aesthetic outcome and quality of life in women undergoing Skin-Sparing Mastectomy (SSM) with immediate breast reconstruction for the treatment of breast cancer. Intraoperative Frozen Section (IFS) has been advocated to facilitate conversion from Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy (NSM) to SSM in cases with positive subareolar margins. This study investigated the application of IFS at our comprehensive cancer centre. METHODS: In this single-centre retrospective study, for all patients who underwent therapeutic NSM with IFS from 2000 to 2021 pathological reports, patient- and tumour characteristics were retrieved. RESULTS: In total 640 women were included in whom 662 intended NSMs with IFS had been performed. Sensitivity and specificity of frozen section compared with definitive histopathology were 75.2% and 98.5% respectively. In six women with a false positive result, the nipple had been removed. In 16 out of 32 women with a false negative result, the nipple was excised in a second procedure. In total 115 nipples were resected. In 40% of these nipples, no residual disease was detected. DISCUSSION: IFS is a moderately sensitive and highly specific diagnostic tool to detect positive subareolar margins. An alternative approach is to omit frozen section but take intraoperative biopsies of the sub areolar margin, which are postoperatively analysed with definitive formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded histopathology. This allows for shared decision making regarding nipple excision in cases where minimal disease is found in subareolar tissue or cases with an indication for post-mastectomy radiotherapy.

Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy and Adequate Margins for Patients With Ductal Carcinoma In Situ.

BACKGROUND: For patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) undergoing breast conservation surgery (BCS), guidelines advise a margin width of at least 2 mm, with studies demonstrating decreased recurrence risk compared to narrower margins. However, limited data exist establishing if this margin is appropriate in mastectomies, and specifically for nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM). Consequently, we evaluated the margins of DCIS patients undergoing NSM and resulting oncologic outcomes. METHODS: A single-institution retrospective review was performed in patients with DCIS or DCIS with microinvasion (DCIS + MI) undergoing NSM from April 2010 to December 2021. Patient and tumor characteristics, margin status, treatment, and outcomes information were collected. The association between margins and local-regional (LRR) and distant recurrence (DR) were examined. RESULTS: 161 patients were included, comprising 284 NSM (164 therapeutic, 120 prophylactic). 153 patients had DCIS and 8 had DCIS + MI. Most patients had hormone sensitive, 123 (76.4%), and nuclear grade 2, 72 (44.7%), disease. In total, 35 (21.7%) patients had positive or <2 mm margins. Of these, 21 (60%) involved the anterior margin. At a median follow-up of 45 months (range 0-151), 2.5% (n = 4) had a LRR and .6% (n = 1) had a DR. Of patients with a recurrence, only 2 had positive or <2 mm margins, 1 had received endocrine therapy, and none received adjuvant radiation. DISCUSSION: No specific margin status was found to correlate with recurrence for patients with DCIS or DCIS + MI undergoing NSM, with an altogether low recurrence risk. Overall, this suggests that recommended DCIS margins in BCS doesn't necessarily apply in NSM, where margins of <2 mm may be acceptable.

Risk Factors for Skin Flap and Nipple-Areolar Necrosis in Patients Undergoing Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy With Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) with deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap reconstruction is a surgical option for select patients with or at risk of breast cancer. However, post-operative skin flap and nipple-areolar complex (NAC) necrosis remain common complications. This study aimed to identify factors associated with necrosis in patients undergoing NSM with DIEP reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed from 2015 to 2023. 74 variables were analyzed in patients undergoing NSM with DIEP. Patients were stratified into 3 groups based on post-operative skin/NAC necrosis: none, partial thickness, and full thickness. Comparative and descriptive statistics were performed via t-tests, ANOVA, and chi-squared tests. RESULTS: 34 women with 31 breast cancers met inclusion. 44% experienced necrosis: 15% partial thickness and 29% full thickness. The majority were white (85.3%) with mean age of 50 years (SD = 9.11). In patients with immediate DIEP reconstruction, hypoperfused areas identified by SPY angiography increased risk of necrosis (P = .012). Approximately 50% of both partial thickness and full thickness necrosis patients had concerns on SPY angiography. Former smokers in the full thickness necrosis group had more pack years than those without necrosis (9 vs .65 pack years, P = .035). CONCLUSION: In patients receiving NSM with DIEP flap reconstruction, those with hypoperfusion on SPY angiography and longer smoking history had higher necrosis rates. This supports the continued used of SPY angiography and the role of pre-operative counseling in former smokers with increased pack years on their risk of necrosis and the role of preventative measures in the perioperative setting.