Magnetic Resonance Imaging after Breast Oncoplastic Surgery: An Update.

Breast-oncoplastic surgery, allowing local tumor control and a better cosmetic outcome, is oncologically safe when applied to early-stage breast cancer. Breast cancer recurrence following conservative therapy may occur during the first 5 years after treatment, with a peak incidence after 2 years. Therefore, during the follow-up period, patients undergo a series of ultrasound (US) and mammographic examinations. However, after surgery and radiation therapy, several modifications occur in the treated breast, causing difficulties in image interpretation, especially when local recurrence is suspected. Although not included in routine follow-up, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used in clinical practice, being considered more sensitive than the conventional imaging examinations in discriminating between postsurgical tissue modifications and tumor recurrence. In this review article, we analyze expected and pathologic breast MRI findings after conservative oncoplastic surgery compared to US and mammographic findings in order to distinguish local recurrence and avoid potential pitfalls in image interpretation.

Mastotrainer new version: realistic simulator for training in breast surgery.

The "Mastotrainer" was introduced as a new concept of simulators for use in surgical training. Simulators of this type are critical as the use of cadavers is limited or prohibited in some countries. The Mastotrainer has proved very useful in training various surgical techniques, with the first version of the simulator being focused on breast augmentation and reconstruction following mastectomy. This current project explores use of a new version of the surgical simulator that can facilitate a broader spectrum of procedures in the training of breast surgeons as well as plastic and reconstructive surgeons in order to achieve better outcomes. With this new version of the mastotrainer, larger and ptotic breasts provides hands-on training for preoperative markings, various mammaplasty techniques, including breast conserving surgery, reconstructive lumpectomy and oncoplastic procedures. It is valuable for training oncologic, aesthetic and/or reconstructive breast surgeries.