Evaluating the Effect of MarginProbe® Use on Re-excisions After Partial Mastectomy: A Single-Institution Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Breast conservation therapy is a widely accepted approach in treating breast cancer, yet the average re-excision rates are approximately 25% despite surgical advancements. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved MarginProbe® device uses radiofrequency spectroscopy for intraoperative margin assessment, potentially reducing re-excision rates. This study evaluated the effectiveness of MarginProbe® in reducing re-excisions compared with standard of care (SOC). METHODS: A prospective cohort with MarginProbe® usage during partial mastectomies from June 2019 to July 2023 (153 patients) was compared with a retrospective control group without the device from January 2015 to May 2019 (300 patients). Both groups underwent partial mastectomies performed by two breast surgeons. Positive margins were defined as tumor on ink for invasive cancers and within 2 mm for ductal carcinoma in situ. RESULTS: When control was used for patient demographics and tumor characteristics, the findings showed that MarginProbe® significantly decreased the probability of re-excision by 58% (p < 0.001), although it led to a higher shave volume, with an average of 9.8 cc additional tissue removed compared with SOC (p < 0.001). Human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) positivity was significantly associated with increased odds of re-excision (p = 0.036). MarginProbe® demonstrated a sensitivity of 70.1% and a specificity of 47.5%. CONCLUSIONS: MarginProbe® is an effective adjunct for intraoperative margin assessment to decrease re-excision rates. However, patient selection is paramount. Given its significant increase in shave volume, women with small breasts may be at higher risk for poor cosmesis. Surgeons should exercise clinical judgement when determining the suitability of MarginProbe® use for patients undergoing breast conservation. Further research is necessary to refine MarginProbe®'s specificity and to optimize its clinical application.

Immediate Latissimus Dorsi Flap Reconstruction: Assessing Aesthetic Outcomes Following Mastectomy in Breast Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND:  Breast Cancer has now become the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. In a traditional radical mastectomy, there can be complications that may affect the physiological characteristics of the breast and subsequently cause profound psychological stress to the patients. Hence, latissimus dorsi (LD) flap reconstruction provides an aesthetic approach in patients undergoing mastectomy. The goal is to maximize the flap's soft tissue coverage while minimizing the magnitude of donor site defect and complication. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India, where 30 breast cancer patients were enrolled and had undergone mastectomy with immediate LD flap reconstruction. Cosmetic assessments using BREAST-Q questionnaires were conducted postoperatively at various intervals starting from postoperative day one, week two, and week six. The subjective evaluation was done by the patient, while a blinded nurse and surgeon did the objective assessment. RESULT:  The majority (n=23, 76.7%) were aged 31-50 years. Initial postoperative BREAST-Q scores declined but significantly improved by week six, attributed to gradual wound healing over time, resulting in improved breast shape and contour. The objective scoring done by the blinded surgeon and nurse improved at six weeks compared to two weeks postoperatively. Almost similar outcomes were observed between preoperative and six-week postoperative scores with a significant overall p-value of <0.001. No significant statistical differences were noted between blinded surgeons and nurses for objective scoring. CONCLUSION:  The rising trend of breast cancer in younger demographics emphasizes the importance of balancing cosmetic satisfaction with oncological outcomes. Immediate LD flap breast reconstruction provides a reliable means for soft tissue coverage with acceptable perioperative morbidities for patients undergoing mastectomy. Complication rates were acceptable, with donor site seroma, surgical site infection (SSI), and shoulder weakness among them. They could be prevented or treated (prolonged drain in situ, quilting sutures, and seroma aspiration) or resolved with time (SSI and shoulder function).

The Effects of Music Intervention on Quality of Life, Anxiety, and Fatigue Among Patients With Breast Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of music intervention on quality of life, anxiety, and fatigue among patients with breast cancer. SAMPLE & SETTING: 170 individuals from the general surgery unit of Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan. METHODS & VARIABLES: Individuals who had received a mastectomy were randomly assigned to a treatment group or control group. In the treatment group, participants received music intervention for an hour each week, totaling 12 hours during 12 consecutive weeks. The primary variable was quality of life, and secondary variables were anxiety and fatigue. RESULTS: Greater quality of life was seen in the treatment group at 12 weeks. In the treatment group, participants showed significant improvement in State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (trait), which was most significant at eight weeks. No statistically significant difference was observed in fatigue levels after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of music intervention. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Music intervention may improve anxiety and quality of life of patients with breast cancer. Music intervention could be established following mastectomy and continued throughout recovery.

Immediate Psychological Implications of Risk-Reducing Mastectomies in Women With Increased Risk of Breast Cancer: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Risk-reducing mastectomy is recommended for high-risk patients but may have significant psychological consequences. This study aimed to determine the differences in anxiety, depressive symptomatology, body image and quality of life in women with an increased risk of breast cancer immediately before and after undergoing risk-reducing mastectomy. METHODS: Eighty-eight women with an increased risk of breast cancer due to BRCA1/2 mutations or a previous cancer diagnosis participated in this study. Instruments used were the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Body Image Scale and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Questionnaire Core 30 and Breast 23, administered 15-30 days before and after surgery. RESULTS: Following surgery, there was an immediate and significant worsening in anxiety, depressive symptomatology and body image. There was a significant deterioration in global, physical, role, and social functioning, as well as in body image and sexual enjoyment scales. Additionally, there were increases in fatigue, nausea and vomiting, constipation, dyspnoea, insomnia, appetite loss, perceived financial difficulties, pain, systemic therapy side effects, and breast and arm symptoms. However, there was an improvement in future perspective. These changes occurred independently of whether participants had a cancer diagnosis or BRCA1/2 mutation. CONCLUSION: Risk-reducing mastectomies have immediate psychological consequences. While these procedures improve future health perspective, they increase anxiety and depressive symptomatology and decrease body image and quality of life, regardless of cancer diagnosis or BRCA1/2 mutation. These findings highlight the psychological consequences of such surgical procedures, emphasizing the need for comprehensive psychological interventions both before and after surgery.

Updates on the preventions and management of post-mastectomy pain syndrome beyond medical treatment: a comprehensive narrative review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: With the significant advances in breast cancer treatment, the survival rates have improved. Consequently, improving the quality of life for breast cancer survivors has emerged an important issue. In this study, we examined the management of post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) in breast cancer patients thorough a comprehensive literature review. We introduce the preventive measures and pharmacotherapy for PMPS in breast cancer patients and discuss the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions. METHODS: We conducted a literature search for relevant articles in Medline ALL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane CENTRAL, Embase, and nine other databases from October 2023 to January 2024. Chronic pain was defined as pain persisting for more than 3 months after breast cancer surgery. The search included terms related to PMPS, psychological interventions, and breast cancer. Data extraction was done independently by two reviewers, and any discrepancies will be discussed to ensure consensus or by a third reviewer. KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS: Studies have investigated surgical anesthetics, postoperative medications, and surgical procedures for PMPS prevention, but few have focused on treatment. Our literature search about the usefulness of psychosocial interventions yielded two articles, one was about the usefulness of mindfulness and the other was about the efficacy of yoga. CONCLUSIONS: Mindfulness and yoga show potential efficacy for PMPS treatment, but the evidence is limited. More research is needed to confirm these findings and to explore other psychosocial interventions.

Goldilocks mastectomy; a modified technique enhancing the aesthetic outcome presented as a single center single-arm prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Goldilocks mastectomy represents a midway solution for breast reconstruction between flat chest and sophisticated reconstructive techniques. The literature lacks a standardization of the technique. In this study, we present a step-by-step approach with modifications in the original technique achieving better breast shape and contour within the context of standardization of the technique. METHODS: A single arm prospective study was conducted at our center in which female patients with large ptotic breasts indicated for mastectomy were included. Patients with locally advanced skin changes, inflammatory carcinoma, stage IV disease as well as male patients were excluded. Recruited patients were subjected to the same surgical steps. Contralateral breast symmetrization was performed by reduction technique to patients who accepted this. All patients were requested to report their degree of satisfaction according to a simple 5-point Likert scale. Follow up mammogram was performed to all patients 1 year after the procedure. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients were included with a median (IQR) age of 56.0 (50.0-62.0) years. The median (IQR) BMI was 41.20 (36.55-44.35)Kg/m2. The median (IQR)operative time was 115.0 (105.0-120.0) minutes. Complications were encountered in 12 patients (21.8 %). The follow up period ranged from 19 to 66 months with a median (IQR) 36.0 (28.0-45.0)months. 98.2 % of the studied patients were either satisfied or extremely satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: Goldilocks mastectomy is a valid mastectomy option for selected patients with large ptotic breasts. Standardization of the surgical steps can help in improving the aesthetic outcome.

Prevalence and Severity of Chronic Pain in Patients Receiving Mastectomy with Alloplastic Immediate Breast Reconstruction: A Survey Study.

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide. For those undergoing mastectomy, the choice of alloplastic immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) is increasingly favored. Post-operative chronic pain is an important consideration in this decision, but there is a paucity of data for those undergoing alloplastic IBR. We sought to examine the prevalence, severity, and risk factors for the development of chronic pain in this cohort using validated patient-reported outcome measures. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted among patients receiving mastectomy with alloplastic IBR. Participants completed 3 surveys querying chronic pain, specifically the Breast Cancer Pain Questionnaire (BCPQ), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), and BREAST-Q. Participant medical records were reviewed for demographic and surgical variables. Results: A total of 118 patients participated in the study-a response rate of 33.6%. Chronic pain prevalence was high (52.5%), and only 29.0% of these patients had consulted a physician regarding their pain. Among those reporting chronic pain (n = 62), the median severity of pain was 3.1 on an 11-point scale. Chronic pain was associated with radiation (p = .018), bilateral reconstruction (p = .05), worse emotional health (p = .0003), less self (p = .022), and sexual confidence (p = .044). Inter-tool reliability was high, with no significant difference in responses between the 3 surveys. Conclusion: In this cohort, chronic pain is supported as a significant concern among patients who have undergone mastectomy with alloplastic IBR. Given the burden of chronic pain, there is an opportunity to intervene with preventative measures and support for its management.

Introduction: Le cancer du sein est le cancer le plus souvent diagnostiqué dans le monde. L'option de reconstruction mammaire immédiate (RMI) alloplastique est de plus en plus souvent choisie par les patientes subissant une mastectomie. La douleur chronique postopératoire est un important facteur à prendre en compte dans cette décision, mais nous ne disposons que peu de données pour les patientes ayant une RMI alloplastique. Nous avons cherché à étudier la prévalence, la sévérité et les facteurs de risque de survenue d'une douleur chronique dans cette population de patients au moyen de mesures validées de déclaration des résultats. Méthodes: Une enquête transversale a été réalisée parmi les patientes ayant bénéficié d'une RMI alloplastique. Les participants ont répondu à trois enquêtes portant sur la douleur chronique (plus spécifiquement le questionnaire sur la douleur dans le cancer du sein [BCPQ], le Questionnaire court sur la douleur [BPI ou Brief Pain Inventory] et le BREAST-Q). Les dossiers médicaux des participantes ont été examinés à la recherche des variables démographiques et chirurgicales. Résultats: Un total de 118 patientes a participé à l'étude, soit un taux de réponse de 33.6%. La prévalence de la douleur chronique était élevée (52.5%) et seulement 29.0% de ces patientes avaient consulté un médecin à propos de cette douleur. Parmi les participantes signalant une douleur chronique (n = 62), la sévérité médiane de la douleur était de 3,1 sur une échelle de 11 points. La douleur chronique a été associée à la radiothérapie (p = .018), à une reconstruction bilatérale (p = .05), à une aggravation de la santé émotionnelle (p = .0003), à une moindre confiance en soi (p = .022) et sur le plan de la sexualité (p = .044), La fiabilité inter-outils a été élevée, sans différence significative entre réponses dans les trois enquêtes. Conclusion: Il est confirmé que, dans cette cohorte, la douleur chronique est une préoccupation importante chez les patientes ayant subi une mastectomie avec RMI alloplastique. Considérant le fardeau que représente la douleur chronique, il y a une opportunité d'intervention en utilisant des mesures préventives et en apportant un soutien pour sa gestion.

Trends and Early Complications in Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction: An Updated Analysis of the ACS-NSQIP Database.

Background: Rates of direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction, in which breast implants are placed at the time of mastectomy, have been consistently rising. Advances in surgical adjuncts and technology, such as acellular dermal matrices (ADM), have made DTI reconstruction safer and more reliable. However, few studies have characterized early (30-day) postoperative complications following DTI. The aim of this study was to obtain a current understanding of early postoperative outcomes following DTI breast reconstruction. Methods: Using data from the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, we analyzed complications for female patients who underwent DTI reconstruction from 2017 to 2019, as well as trends in DTI reconstruction from data on mastectomy and DTI reconstruction from 2010 to 2019. We grouped complications into major surgical (including return to the operating room) or medical complications. Statistical analysis was performed using Fischer's exact test for categorical variables, Student's t-test for continuous variables, and logistic regression. Results: DTI breast reconstruction rates have increased since 2010. Among our 2017-2019 cohort of 4204 patients, the early major surgical complication rate was approximately 10% (422 patients) and the major medical complication rate was 0.83% (35 patients). Regression modeling identified body mass index, smoking status, hypertension, bleeding disorders, and intraoperative blood transfusion as having a relationship with surgical complications (P < .001). Conclusions: Despite increased use of ADM and indocyanine green angiography, compared to prior studies, early postoperative complications have remained stable. Further studies are needed to assess long-term complications and patient-reported outcomes in DTI breast reconstruction.

Historique: Le taux de reconstructions mammaires immédiates, c'est-à-dire que les implants mammaires sont installés au moment de la mastectomie, augmentent régulièrement. Grâce aux progrès des adjuvants chirurgicaux et de la technologie, tels que les matrices dermiques acellulaires (MDA), la reconstruction mammaire immédiate est désormais plus sécuritaire et plus fiable. Cependant, peu d'études ont caractérisé les complications précoces suivant une telle intervention (dans les 30 jours). La présente étude visait à comprendre les résultats postopératoires précoces actuels après une reconstruction mammaire immédiate. Méthodologie: À l'aide des données de l'American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, les chercheurs ont analysé les complications qu'ont subies les femmes après une reconstruction mammaire immédiate entre 2017 et 2019, de même que les tendances de ce type de reconstruction à partir des données sur la mastectomie et la reconstruction mammaire immédiate entre 2010 et 2019. Ils ont divisé les complications entre les complications chirurgicales majeures (y compris le retour en salle opératoire) et les complications médicales. Ils ont effectué les analyses statistiques à l'aide de la méthode exacte de Fischer pour les variables nominales, du test de Student pour les variables continues et de la régression logistique. Résultats: Le taux de reconstructions mammaires directes a augmenté depuis 2010. Dans la cohorte de 4 204 patients de 2017 à 2019, le taux de complications chirurgicales majeures précoces s'élevait à environ 10% (422 patients) et le taux de complications médicales majeures, à 0,83% (35 patients). Selon la modélisation de régression, l'indice de masse corporelle, le tabagisme, l'hypertension, les troubles hémorragiques et la transfusion sanguine intraopératoire sont liés aux complications chirurgicales (P < 0001). Conclusions: Malgré le recours accru aux MDA et l'angiographie au vert d'indocyanine, par rapport aux études antérieures, les complications postopératoires précoces sont demeurées stables. D'autres études devront être réalisées pour évaluer les complications à long terme et les résultats cliniques déclarés par les patientes après une reconstruction mammaire immédiate.

A Comparative Study of Harmonic Scalpel Versus Electrocautery Dissection in Modified Radical Mastectomy in Breast Carcinoma Cases.

AIM: This study aimed to compare the outcomes of modified radical mastectomy (MRM) with the use of a harmonic scalpel versus electrocautery in patients with breast carcinoma. METHODOLOGY: A prospective, non-randomized comparative study conducted from August 2022 to June 2024 on 40 female patients with stage II breast carcinoma undergoing MRM with electrocautery and harmonic scalpel. RESULTS: Patients with MRM by harmonic scalpel exhibited significantly lower intraoperative blood loss (92.50 ± 9.67 mL) than by electrocautery (172.50 ± 30.76 mL) (p-value <.0001). The average operative time was significantly shorter for the harmonic scalpel (111.00 ± 10.71 minutes) than for the electrocautery (169.50 ± 19.32 minutes) (p-value <.0001). Postoperative pain was lower for the harmonic scalpel (visual analog scale (VAS) score 3.75 ± 0.79) than for the electrocautery (VAS score 6.10 ± 0.85) (p-value <.0001). The incidence of flap necrosis was not substantially different between the categories; seroma formation was significantly lower with the use of a harmonic scalpel (p-value <.0001). Subjects in the group of harmonic scalpels also had shorter hospital stays (8.35 ± 0.93 days) compared with the electrocautery group (12.20 ± 1.06 days) (p-value <.0001).

Comparative study of muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi vs breast implants following total mastectomy.

INTRODUCTION: With 60,000 cases per year, breast cancer is the most frequent type of cancer in France, and a quarter of these cases require mastectomy. Following the surgery, breast reconstruction can be indicated. Two of the available techniques are breast implants (BIs) and muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi (MSLD). The aim of this study was to compare postoperative complications of each approach and thus help the surgeon and the patient in making an informed decision before surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive, retrospective and single-centre study was conducted in the Croix Rousse hospital in Lyon (France) between 1 July 2018 and 1 July 2023. It included women aged ≥18 years who underwent mastectomy followed by (immediate or delayed) breast reconstruction with MSLD or BI. Complications were recorded and evaluated using the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: Over the course of the study, 92 patients were managed with MSLD reconstruction and 63 patients with BI. We observed a complication rate of 62% in the BI group and 39% in the MSLD group (odds ratio [OR]=0.16; p < 0.005). Body mass index (BMI) significantly impacted this rate (OR=1.11; p = 0.01), whereas smoking status and diabetes did not. No complication occurred more predominantly than others. A second surgery was required more often in the BI group (p < 0.005). There were no severe complications (>Grade 4). CONCLUSION: MSLD predicted fewer complications and was associated with a shorter hospital stay compared with implants, suggesting that it may be a preferable option for breast reconstruction.

A Comparative Study on Aesthetic and Pain Outcomes in Flap Versus Implant Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Surgical treatments, including mastectomy and subsequent breast reconstruction, are critical components of breast cancer management. This systematic review compares the outcomes of flap versus implant reconstruction post-mastectomy, focusing on aesthetic differences, pain, recovery, and psychological adaptation. Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive literature search across PubMed, Cochrane, and ScienceDirect databases. Inclusion criteria targeted studies comparing aesthetic outcomes, pain, recovery costs, duration, and psychological adaptation between flap and implant breast reconstructions. We excluded non-English and non-Spanish studies, case reports, and those without full-text availability. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). From an initial pool of 25,881 articles, 16 high-quality studies involving 14,196 participants were selected for synthesis. Flap reconstruction was associated with higher patient satisfaction regarding aesthetic outcomes and psychological well-being but also had higher complication rates, including infections and wound dehiscence. Implant reconstruction showed fewer complications but did not achieve the same level of patient satisfaction. Flap reconstruction, despite its higher complication rates, tends to provide superior aesthetic and psychological outcomes compared to implant reconstruction. These findings highlight the importance of personalized treatment plans considering individual patient needs and preferences. Future research should focus on long-term randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and standardized outcome measures to further delineate the comparative effectiveness of these reconstruction techniques. Personalized care and ongoing research are essential to improving the quality of life for breast cancer survivors undergoing reconstruction.

Long-Term Oncologic Outcomes of Omitting Axillary Surgery in Breast Cancer Patients with Chest Wall Recurrence after Mastectomy.

BACKGROUND: The management of the axilla in breast cancer patients with isolated chest wall recurrence (CWR) after mastectomy remains controversial. Although sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for restaging is feasible, its role is unclear. We aimed to determine if the omission of axillary restaging surgery in female patients with operable presumably isolated CWRs could result in an increased risk of second recurrences. METHODS: In this retrospective multicentre study, patients who developed CWRs were reviewed. We excluded patients with suspected or concomitant regional/distant metastases, bilateral cancers and patients without CWR surgery. Patients' demographics, pathological data and subsequent recurrences were collected from a prospective database and were compared between patients with axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and/or SLNB versus no axillary operation at CWR. FINDINGS: A total of 194 patients with CWRs were eligible. The median age at CWR was 56.0 (IQR 47.0-67.0) years old. At recurrence, 8 (4.1%), 5 (2.6%) and 181 (93.3%) patients had ALND, SLNB and no axillary operation, respectively. Patients with no axillary surgery during CWR were associated with, at primary cancer, a lower incidence of ductal carcinoma in situ as diagnosis (p = 0.007) and older age (p = 0.022). Subsequent ipsilateral axillary (p = 0.768) and second recurrences (p = 0.061) were not statistically different between patients with and without axillary surgery at CWR on median follow-up of 59.5 (IQR 27.3-105) months. INTERPRETATION: In patients without evidence of concomitant regional or distant metastasis at CWR diagnosis, omission of axillary restaging surgery was not associated with an increased ipsilateral axillary or second recurrences on long-term follow-up.

External breast prostheses after mastectomy: production and selection of a low-cost functional model to be performed in developing countries.

Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer affecting women. Despite advancements in early diagnosis, neoadjuvant therapy, and various treatment modalities, mastectomy remains a common procedure for many women. Although some women opt for reconstructive surgery (BR), many do not have the indication, desire, or opportunity to undergo this procedure. Methods: An easily manufactured, washable, lightweight, and inexpensive external breast prosthesis (EBP) model was developed specifically for the study. Participants were presented with five EBP models-one commercially available, three manufactured options, and one created for the study-and were asked to choose a prosthesis. We also evaluated the factors associated with non-adherence to EBP among women who had undergone mastectomy without BR. The chi-square test was used to assess adherence or non-adherence to EBP, while logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with non-adherence. Results: We introduced a low-cost, lightweight, washable EBP model. When participants were asked to choose between two prostheses, the silicone prosthesis was the first choice for 33.9% of the participants, while the prosthesis created for the study emerged as the second choice for 70.5%. Out of the 72 women assessed, 45.8% (33) opted not to use any of the EBP models. Our analysis revealed that age and BMI were significantly associated with non-use of EBP. Conclusion: Multiple barriers contribute to non-adherence to EBP, underscoring the need for interventions aimed at improving patient knowledge and adherence. This study introduces a lightweight, easily reproducible, and low-cost EBP model.

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.

An Unusual Occurrence of Tamoxifen-Induced Maculopathy in a Young Woman With Hormone Receptor-Positive Post-mastectomy Breast Carcinoma.

Tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), is a hormone therapy used for the treatment of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer. We report the case of a 29-year-old premenopausal lady with a history of infertility treatments who was diagnosed with ER-positive infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC) of the breast. Following a modified radical mastectomy (MRM) and adjuvant systemic chemotherapy, tamoxifen was recommended as part of her adjuvant hormonal therapy. After over three years of tamoxifen use, the patient complained of gradual blurring of vision in both eyes. Ophthalmological examinations indicated bilateral maculopathy, a rare but alarming ocular side effect attributed to tamoxifen use. This case report emphasizes the significance of ophthalmic tests in patients on tamoxifen therapy to monitor any potential ocular side effects. While tamoxifen has shown remarkable benefits in the adjuvant treatment of ER-positive breast cancer, including lowering the chance of recurrence and increasing survival rates, clinicians must be acquainted with rare but potential vision-threatening consequences such as tamoxifen-induced maculopathy. Early detection and timely management are critical in reducing the risk of vision loss in patients receiving tamoxifen for breast cancer.

Technologies and techniques to improve precision in breast conserving surgery.

Imprecision in breast conserving surgery results in high rates of take back to theatre for reexcision of margins. This paper reviews the various approaches to improving the precision of oncological margin control in breast conserving surgery. The review describes the rationale for improved tissue characterization over tumor localization and explores technology-free approaches, as well as progress being made to develop and test innovative technological solutions.

Intraoperative thoracic interfascial plane block with levobupivacaine versus levobupivacaine with dexmedetomidine for postoperative analgesia after modified radical mastectomy: A randomised controlled double-blinded trial.

Background and Aims: Nearly half of the patients following breast cancer surgery experience postoperative pain. The interfascial plane for the pectoral nerve (PECS) block, along with dexmedetomidine, can alleviate this pain. Methods: After institutional ethics committee clearance and written informed consent, this randomised, double-blind study was conducted on 60, 18-60 years female patients, who were scheduled for modified radical mastectomy (MRM) under general anaesthesia. Patients were randomised into Group L (20 ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine) and Group DL (20 ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine with 0.5 µg/kg of dexmedetomidine). After resection of the tumour and securing haemostasis, under strict aseptic precaution, 10 ml of the study drug was injected under direct vision between the pectoralis major and pectoralis minor and 10 ml between pectoralis minor and serratus anterior muscles by the operating surgeon (direct PECS block). The primary outcome was to compare the duration of analgesia. Normally distributed variables were compared using Student's t-test, and non-normally distributed variables were compared using the Mann-Whitney U-test. Qualitative data were analysed using Chi-square/Fisher's exact test. Statistical significance was kept at P < 0.05. Results: The median time of the first analgesic requirement was 8 [inter-quartile range (IQR): 6-8] h in Group L and 18 (IQR: 16-20) h in Group DL (W = 17.000, P < 0.001). The mean total opioid consumption of Group L was 12.53 [standard deviation (SD): 2.29] mg in the first 24 h and 6.93 (SD: 1.89) mg in Group DL. Conclusion: Adding 0.5 µg/kg dexmedetomidine to 20 ml of levobupivacaine enhances the duration of analgesia of direct PECS block in patients undergoing MRM.

Body image, illness uncertainty and symptom clusters in surgically treated breast cancer survivors: An exploratory factor analysis and correlational study.

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship among body image, illness uncertainty, and symptom clusters in surgically treated breast cancer survivors. METHODS: A correlational, descriptive study was conducted in a convenience sample of 60 women surgically treated breast cancer survivors recruited in a private hospital and a survivor center. A questionnaire of sociodemographic characteristics, MUIS-C Scale, and QLQ-C30 and Module BR-23 were used. Variable characteristics and associations were analyzed with descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficient, and exploratory factor analysis using unweighted least squares and Promax rotation was used for symptom clustering. RESULTS: A three-factor structure was found: an anxiety symptom cluster, a breast symptom cluster, and an arm symptoms, depression, and fatigue symptom cluster, explaining 46,47% of the variance. Significant correlations were found among body image and illness uncertainty (r = -0,390, p < 0,01), body image and the anxiety symptom cluster (r = 0,613, p < 0,01), illness uncertainty and the anxiety symptom cluster (r = -0,421, p < 0,01), the breast symptom cluster (r = -0,425, p < 0,01), and the arm symptoms - depression - fatigue symptom cluster (r = -0,443, p < 0,01). CONCLUSION: The relationships among all variables were statistically significant. Nurses providing care to BC survivors need to address the multidimensionality of the symptom experience and its correlates to better assist their patients. Further research is needed to elucidate the biopsychosocial underpinnings of those relationships.