Periareolar approach in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for right middle lobectomy: a novel technique.

BACKGROUND: Uniportal thoracoscopic right middle lobectomy (RML) poses greater technical challenges than other lobectomies. Although two-port thoracoscopy offers convenience, it results in heightened surgical trauma and scarring. The periareolar incision is rarely used in lobectomy while known for its cosmetic advantages. This study presents the periareolar access (combining a periareolar port and a 1-cm port) for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in RML, comparing it with the traditional uniportal technique in both male and female patients. METHODS: Eighty patients who underwent RML were randomly divided into two groups: the periareolar VATS (PV) approach (n = 40) and the uniportal VATS (UV) approach (n = 40) from August 2020 to February 2023. All patients were followed up for 1 year and clinical data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: No significant differences in complications, blood loss, duration of chest tube placement, and length of postoperative hospital stay were observed between two methods. However, the PV group exhibited significantly shorter operative time, reduced postoperative visible scarring and lower visual analogue scores (VAS) for postoperative pain (P < 0.05). Additionally, the PV group demonstrated significantly higher cosmetic and satisfaction scores at the 6-month postoperative assessment (P < 0.05). Notably, breast ultrasound follow-up revealed two cases injuries of the mammary glands in female patients, and sensory function of most nipple and areola remained intact except two cases in all PV group patients. CONCLUSIONS: Periareolar VATS emerges as a promising alternative approach for RML, providing clear benefits in pain management and cosmetic outcomes, while maintaining safety and convenience.

Proper Skin Management in Breast Augmentation with a Periareolar Incision Prevents Implant Contamination and Biofilm-Related Capsular Contracture.

BACKGROUND: Capsular contracture (CC) is a significant complication and major reason for revision in breast augmentation. Many studies indicate that most bacteria found in contracted capsules originate from the skin, especially that of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC). To prevent implant contamination, protocols without a periareolar incision have been proposed and have become a limitation for breast augmentation. We sought to propose a strategy of proper skin management for periareolar incisions to prevent implant contamination and biofilm-related CC. METHODS: The analyses in this study are based on data collected from February 2017 to July 2020. A total of 129 patients were included, and they were randomized into two groups. The control group was subjected to no skin treatment before the surgery, and the treatment group underwent preoperative cleaning and disinfection of the NAC. We collected bacteriologic swabs used to rub the skin of the NAC and chest after draping and suturing from the control and treatment groups. We assessed the potential risk of detecting bacteria or fungi in the swabs, and we analyzed the data. The relationship between the positive culture rate and complication rate indicated the effectiveness of our strategy. RESULTS: Initially, 774 swabs were obtained. In the control group, 6 swabs tested positive for pathogens, including 2 NAC swabs positive for Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) after draping and 3 and 1 NAC swabs positive for S. epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) after suturing, respectively. All the other samples in the control and treatment groups were negative for bacteria or fungi. All patients had at least 16 months of follow-up. No CC (Baker grades II-IV) was recorded during the follow-up, and the treatment group experienced a better outcome associated with a lower rate of minor complications. CONCLUSIONS: Proper preoperative skin management helps keep the field pristine and potentially prevents implant contamination and even biofilm-related CC. With this strategy, breast augmentation using a periareolar incision or any other approach, even other surgery, could be a safe procedure. 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 .

Internal Mastopexy: A Novel Method of Filling the Upper Poles During Dual-Plane Breast Augmentation Trough Periareolar Incision.

BACKGROUND: Breast ptosis is a deformity commonly found in patients seeking breast augmentation. Current mastopexy techniques rely on incisions on the breast to correct ptosis; nonetheless, they leave extensive scars. Having to opt for a visibly scarred breast over a ptotic breast can be a difficult choice. OBJECTIVES: We sought an innovative internal suture mastopexy for hypomastia of mild breast ptosis. METHODS: A procedure that left a tiny scar on the nipple-areolar complex was introduced. This method was safe and efficient when combining mastopexy with augmentation. RESULTS: Overall, 53 patients underwent this operation in the Plastic and Cosmetic Department of Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital from January 1, 2013, to June 30, 2017, with a mean follow-up of 38 ± 16 months. The pre-operation and post-operation SN-N lines (the distance from the sternal notch to the nipple) were 21.8 ± 1.2 cm and 20.7 ± 1.0 cm, respectively; the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The patients and surgeon expressed satisfaction with the procedure. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the present study, which included more than 50 patients, we believe that internal suture mastopexy can be used as an effective alternative hypomastia in patients with mild breast ptosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: 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. .

Feasibility and safety of breast-conserving surgery via a periareolar incision for cancers located far from the nipple-areolar complex: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: We performed breast-conserving surgery (BCS) using periareolar incisions for cancers located far from the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) and examined if BCS via a periareolar incision maximized cosmesis and maintained oncologic safety. One of the most important goals of BCS is to improve cosmesis after surgery and quality of life, but the skin incision can affect cosmesis based on the tumor location. METHODS: Fifty-five patients with breast cancers located far from the NAC underwent BCS via periareolar incisions between January 2017 and April 2018. If a sentinel lymph node biopsy was required, another skin incision was created in the axilla using the conventional technique. Medical records of patients were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 48.1 ± 10.6 years. The mean tumor size was 1.8 ± 1.0 cm (range 0.2-4.5 cm) on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); the mean distance from the NAC to the tumor was 5.9 ± 1.9 cm (range 4.0-12.3 cm). Patients with cancers in the subareolar area were excluded even though the distance from the nipple was > 4 cm on MRI. Negative microscopic margins were obtained in all patients. There was no surgical complication such as seroma, bleeding, or infection. Re-operation was not needed. All patients received whole breast radiation therapy. After surgery and radiation therapy, periareolar incision scars were nearly invisible. CONCLUSION: For cancers located far from the NAC, BCS via periareolar incisions is feasible and leads to superior cosmesis in selective patients. Moreover, BCS seems oncologically safe, although long-term outcomes need to be evaluated.

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

BACKGROUND: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.

Minimally invasive periareolar approach to repair sinus venosus atrial septal defect with partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Atrial septal defects with anomalous venous connections are commonly repaired via sternotomy, requiring careful baffle reconstruction to redirect pulmonary venous return and ensure a durable result. The cosmetically appealing periareolar incision may provide an esthetically superior alternative to the anterolateral minithoracotomy incision used in minimally invasive cardiac surgery. METHODS: We describe a patient with a sinus venosus atrial septal defect and partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection who underwent successful minimally invasive, endoscopic repair with apical vein translocation and autologous pericardial baffle reconstruction through a periareolar approach. RESULTS: Post-operative echocardiography demonstrated excellent results with no residual shunt and a widely patent baffle and preserved biventricular function. At 1-year post-op, our patient has had a greatly improved quality of life and an excellent cosmetic result with normal nipple-areolar sensation. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that periareolar approaches should be considered for all adult patients with simple and complex atrial septal defects.

Utility of the periareolar incision technique for breast reconstructive surgery in patients with breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Periareolar incisions for nipple-sparing mastectomy offer the advantages of smaller inconspicuous wounds and easier resection below the nipple-areolar complex. However, they provide a narrow surgical field, which complicates the procedure and carries a risk of nipple necrosis. This study evaluated the clinical outcomes and safety of periareolar incisions for breast reconstructive surgery in patients with breast cancer. METHODS: The study included 181 patients with primary operable breast cancer who underwent nipple-sparing mastectomy for reconstructive breast procedures without intraoperative nipple-areolar complex resection. The clinical outcomes and complications were retrospectively evaluated. The recurrence-free survival was compared using Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: Nipple-sparing mastectomy was performed via inframammary fold and periareolar incisions in 31 and 150 patients, respectively. There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes related to surgery, frequency of complications, nipple necrosis (inframammary fold incision vs. periareolar incision: 0% vs. 3.3%, P = 0.590), or the recurrence-free survival (P = 0.860) between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that the clinical outcomes and complication rates of periareolar incisions for breast reconstruction were equivalent to those of inframammary fold incisions, suggesting that the periareolar incision technique for breast reconstructive surgery may safely improve cosmetic outcomes if done with adequate care.

Capsular Contracture Rate After Breast Augmentation with Periareolar Versus Other Two (Inframammary and Transaxillary) Incisions: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Capsular contracture has been the most common complication of cosmetic breast augmentation. The effect of incision pattern on capsular contracture is still unclear. This meta-analysis demonstrates current evidence with regard to the comparison of capsular contracture rate between periareolar and other two (transaxillary and inframammary) incisions. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched up to January 2017. The results of selected studies were meta-analyzed to obtain a pooled odds ratio of the effect of periareolar versus other two incision patterns (transaxillary or inframammary incision) of breast augmentation on capsular contracture rates. In addition, subgroup analyses were performed on periareolar versus transaxillary groups and periareolar versus inframammary groups with regard to capsular contracture rate. RESULTS: Seven comparative studies were selected and meta-analyzed. Five of the seven studies reported a higher rate of capsular contracture on patients with periareolar incisions. The results showed a significantly higher rate of capsular contracture with periareolar incisions compared with other two incisions (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.06-3.15, p = 0.03). Subgroup results showed no significant difference of capsular contracture between periareolar incisions and transaxillary incisions (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.52-1.64, p = 0.79) and showed a significantly higher rate of capsular contracture in periareolar incisions compared to inframammary incisions (OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.06-3.43, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: The results of this meta-analysis demonstrate the contributing effects of periareolar breast augmentation on the rate of capsular contracture. However, more studies with longer tracking periods and higher quality should be conducted to further verify this conclusion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: 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 prospective study of scars after breast implantation with different incisions / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To compare the scar condition after breast implantation with axillary, periareolar and inframammary fold (IMF) incisions.@*Methods@#The consecutive patients who were diagnosed as breast hypoplasia and underwent breast implantation surgeries between May 2012 to December 2014 were included in the research. The scars were assessed at 1, 6 and 12 months after surgery with VSS and patient satisfaction scoring. The results were analyzed with Variance and Kruskal-Wallis test based on the data type.@*Results@#The scars of 173 patients were assessed 3 times with the follow-up rate being 82.4%. The VSS scores of every incision declined with time, and the patient satisfaction scores increased gradually. At one month after surgery, the media VSS scores were 6 in axillary group and 4 in periareolar and IMF groups, the differences had statistical significance (P<0.05). The media scores of patients satisfaction were 8 in periareolar group and 7 in axillary and IMF groups. The scores of periareola group were higher than those of axillary with statistical significance(P<0.05). When 6 months after surgery, the media VSS scores were 4 in axillary group and 3 in periareolar and IMF groups. The scores of axillary group were higher than those of IMF with statistical significance(P<0.05). The media scores of patients satisfaction were 8 in 3 groups. When 12 months after surgery, the media VSS scores were 0.5 and 1 in periareolar group (left and right respectively), and 2 in axillary and IMF groups. The media scores of patients satisfaction were 9 in 3 groups. No differences were found in VSS and patients satisfaction scores among three kinds of incisions (P>0.05).@*Conclusions@#The scars of three incisions achieved similar cosmetic effects and patient satisfaction at long-time follow-up.

Tratamiento de la ginecomastia: Diferencias entre la incisión periareolar externa y la incisión periareolar inferior en mastectomía subdérmica / Treatment for gynecomastia: Differences for the external and inferior periareolar incision for subdermal mastectomy

Introducción: La ginecomastia define el aumento benigno del tamaño de la glándula mamaria en el hombre. Existen diversos abordajes quirúrgicos para la resección de la lesión, cada una con resultados diferentes. Material y métodos; Estudio transversal. Se incluyeron pacientes con ginecomastia operados de mastectomía subdérmica mediante incisión periareolar externa e incisión periareolar inferior. Para la aleatorización se tomó en cuenta los grados IIb y III de Simon, distribuyendo uno a uno para cada tipo de incisión. Los resultados estéticos fueron evaluados por un cirujano experimentado, tomando como excelentes cuando hubo una cicatrización correcta sin deformidad del área, buenos cuando la cicatrización fue buena sin deformidad del área y mala cuando hubo deformidad del área operada. Resultados: Fueron operados 24 pacientes, el 50% por incisión periareolar externa y el 50% por incisión periareolar inferior. La edad promedio fue 25,58 y 27,58 años respectivamente, sin diferencias significativas p = 0,513. Todos los pacientes tuvieron características sexuales secundarias normales. La etiología fue idiopática en 23 pacientes (95,83%). El tiempo promedio de evolución fue 32,28 meses y en todos el resultado histopatológico fue ginecomastia. La evaluación del aspecto estético de la incisión y el área afectada en los pacientes operados mediante incisión periareolar externa (n = 12) fue mala en un paciente (8,33%), buena en 2 (16,66%) y excelente en 9 pacientes (75%), mientras que en los pacientes operados mediante incisión periareolar inferior, fue buena en el 100% de los pacientes, y mala y excelente en ningún paciente, con diferencias estadísticamente significativas para ambas incisiones, p = 0,000. Ningún paciente presentó complicaciones. Conclusión: Ambas incisiones son seguras. La incisión periareolar externa ofrece mejores resultados que la incisión periareolar inferior para realizar mastectomía subdérmica en pacientes con ginecomastia en todos los grados Simon.

Introduction: Gynecomastia defines the benign enlargement of the mammary gland in man. There are several surgical approaches for resection of the lesion, each with different results. Material and methods: Cross-sectional study. There were included patients with gynecomastia, operated by means of external and inferior periareolar incision. For randomization was took into account degrees IIb and III of Simon, distributing one to one for each type of incision, the cosmetic results were evaluated by an experienced surgeon, taking as excellent results when there was a proper healing without deformity of the area, good results when healing was good without deformity, and bad results when there was deformity of the operated area. Results: There were 24 patients, 50% operated by external periareolar incision and 50% by lower periareolar incision. The mean age was 25.58 and 27.58 years old for each group, with no significant statistically differences (P = .513). All patients had normal secondary sexual characteristics. The etiology was idiopathic in 23 (95.83%). The average evolution time was 32.28 months, on all histopathological result was gynecomastia. The evaluation of the aesthetic aspect of the incision and the area affected in patients operated by external periareolar incision (n = 12) was bad to 1 (8.33%), good in 2 (16.66%) and excellent in 9 (75%) patients; 100% of the patients operated by inferior periareolar incision presented good results, there were statistically significant differences for both incisions, P = .000. There were no complications. Conclusion: Both incisions are safe, periareolar external incision provides better results than the inferior periareolar incision for patients with gynecomastia in all degrees of Simon.

Nipple-sparing mastectomy using a hemi-periareolar incision with or without minimal medial-lateral extensions; clinical outcome and patient satisfaction: A single centre prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is becoming a viable oncoplastic option. There is debate regarding the best approach that balances oncological safety with aesthetics. In this study, we describe an approach involving a hemi-periareolar incision and evaluate its safety and outcomes. METHODS: Patients treated at single center between 2012 and 2015 were observed prospectively. After a histologically negative subareolar biopsy, immediate reconstruction with implant and acellular dermal matrix was performed after NSM. Primary end points were wound complications and explantation. Secondary end points included local recurrence, quality of life, patient satisfaction, and esthetic outcome. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients were included with 92 procedures. Twenty-seven percent received chemotherapy and 12.7% received radiotherapy. Mean follow-up was 27.6 months. There were only 2 wound complications, and no recurrences. Mean outcome scores were promising (Breast Q = 88%, subjective esthetic = 9.2, objective esthetic = 9.3, hardening = 2.6). CONCLUSIONS: NSM via a hemi-periareolar incision is oncologically safe with a low-complication rate and high patients' satisfaction.

Periareolar incision for the management of benign breast tumors.

Benign breast tumors (BBTs) are common in women. The traditional surgical resection method for the various types of BBT leaves obvious scars and affects the appearance of the breast. The present study introduces the experience of a single institution in the treatment of BBT by periareolar incision. The clinical data of 153 patients (182 breasts) with BBT who had undergone a resection via a periareolar incision between January 2010 and December 2012 in Qilu Hospital, Shandong University (Jinan, Shandong, China), was retrospectively analyzed. All incisions were primary healing. Of the 153 patients, 1 (0.7%) developed a hematoma and 2 (1.3%) developed slight nipple ischemia. No infections or other complications were observed. During 1 month to 3 years of follow-up, the cosmetic effects were assessed. Periareolar incision is not only suitable for all types of breast surgery for benign tumor resection, but also has the advantage of a hidden incision, a small scar, no ischemic necrosis of the nipple areola, high patient satisfaction and good post-operative cosmetic effect. The technique is therefore a good surgical incision choice that is worthy of note.

The Satisfaction Rate among Patients and Surgeons after Periareolar Surgical Approach to Gynecomastia along with Liposuction.

BACKGROUND: Surgery, as the main approach in higher stages of gynecomastia, has different techniques regarding the staging of the disease. The more the grade of gynecomastia, the more complicated the used surgical techniques, conventionally. This study assessed the success rate of the simplest surgical technique in higher grades of gynecology as well as the satisfaction rate in patients and surgeon to offer using the technique for higher grades of the disease. METHODS: To evaluate the success and the satisfaction rates of periareolar incision and liposuction among patients with grade II and III gynecomastia, this cross-sectional study was conducted. RESULTS: The satisfaction rate was the main concern of the present study. The patients had a mean satisfaction score of 8.1±1.396 with the range of 5-10 from total 10 score. The majority of the patients expressed their satisfaction by 9 score. The total mean of physician satisfaction score was 8.36 at all levels. CONCLUSION: Like aesthetic reasons which lead individuals to seek solutions for their annoying gynecomastia, aesthetic satisfaction is a prominent concern for people who undergo surgical approach. So, the least surgical scar and complications are absolutely the most area of focus in this regard.

Combined approach for gynecomastia.

BACKGROUND: Gynecomastia is a deformity of male chest. Treatment of gynecomastia varied from direct surgical excision to other techniques (mainly liposuction) to a combination of both. Skin excision is done according to the grade. In this study, experience of using liposuction adjuvant to surgical excision was described. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between September 2012 and April 2015, a total of 14 patients were treated with liposuction and surgical excision through a periareolar incision. Preoperative evaluation was done in all cases to exclude any underlying cause of gynecomastia. RESULTS: All fourteen patients were treated bilaterally (28 breast tissues). Their ages ranged between 13 and 33 years. Two patients were classified as grade I, and four as grade IIa, IIb or III, respectively. The first 3 patients showed seroma. Partial superficial epidermolysis of areola occurred in 2 cases. Superficial infection of incision occurred in one case and was treated conservatively. CONCLUSION: All grades of gynecomastia were managed by the same approach. Skin excision was added to a patient that had severe skin excess with limited activity and bad skin complexion. No cases required another setting or asked for 2(nd) opinion.

Advances in the treatment of breast fibroadenoma surgery / 国际外科学杂志

Breast fibroadenoma is the most common benign tumor of female mammary gland,which is tend to occur in young women under the age of 30.The main treatment is surgical removal.The option of the method and timing of the surgery is effected by ages,fertility requirements,tumor size,location,and so on.Considering the young women of beauty and nursing requirements in the future,combined with medical cosmetology technology progress,the way to do surgery is particularly important.There are various surgical methods whose effects and applicable objects are different in clinic.In this article,the type of operation on breast fibroadenoma and timing of surgery were reviewed.

Periareolar incision in treatment of gynecomastia / 中国基层医药

Objective To investigate the feasibility and safety of periareolar incision in treating gynecomastia, and whether it produces good cosmetic effects. Methods A total of 42 patients with gynecomastia treated by micro-incision of areola were retrospectnely anslyzed. Results The operation was successfully performed in all the 42 patients. Follow-up was done for 3 to 24 months, the surgical scars were obscure, and the sensation of nipple or areola were good. No operation-related complications were observed. Conclusion The periareolar incision in the treatment of gynecomastia was feasible and recommendable in terms of cosmetic maintenance and safety.

Application of Periareolar Approach to Diverse Mammoplasty

Augmentation mammoplasty can be performed through various ways such as transaxillary, inframammary, periareolar and transumbilical approaches according to the patient's breast contour, body shape, and patient's and physician's preference. Each approach has unique pros and cons. From March, 2000 to October, 2002, we have applied periareolar approaches for augmentation mammoplasties in 69 patients, 134 breasts. Periareolar approach has several advantages. It is easy to access to the subpectoral space technically because of shorter distance and direct visualization. It requires smaller incision and leaves inconspicuous scar. Using endoscope, precise dissection of subpectoral space and hemostasis during operation could be achieved. We have kept fill-tube attached to the saline implant even after the surgery in selective cases. On the following day after the surgery, patients could check her breast contour, size, and symmetry by themselves in front of the mirror. Additional adjustment of implant volume was possible in the range of 10 to 15 per cent and it would decrease patient's complaint about the final result. We have introduced endoscope in periareolar augmentation mammoplasty in some cases. It allows us direct visualization of the subpectoral space and the origin of the pectoralis major muscle, and more accurate manipulation and hemostasis were possible. We have applied periareolar approach to various situations such as primary procedures in hypoplastic breasts, asymmetric breasts and secondary procedures in capsular contracture, rupture of mammary implant and combined operation with breast cancer or inverted nipple. Periareolar approach can be applied for diverse cases of mammoplasty, whether it is primary or secondary procedure, successfully because of its easiness, convenience, safety, economical efficacy and positive effect for doctor-patient relationship.