Mastectomy Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Mastectomy, including details on breast cancer, prosthesis, recovery, surgery, complications.

Total skin-sparing mastectomy without preservation of the nipple-areola complex.

Margulies AG, Hochberg J, Kepple J, Henry-Tillman RS, Westbrook K, Klimberg VS

Division of Breast Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that total skin-sparing mastectomy (TSM) including where the skin overlying the nipple and areola is preserved would be oncologically safe and facilitate improved cosmetic reconstruction. METHODS: A review (May 2003 through January 2005) was completed on all procedures that were performed through an inframammary incision or a previous scar with reconstruction using Botox, AlloDerm, and a subpectoral tissue implant. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients had 50 TSMs. Twelve percent (6/50) of TSMs had the skin of the nipple and areola resected: 4 (14% of tumors) because of tumor involvement and 2 (4%) because of skin necrosis. Fourteen percent of patients had other complications: 4% (2/50) had infection and/or flap necrosis and 10% (5/50) had superficial epidermolysis requiring no intervention, for a total complication rate of 18%. Average cosmetic score was 8.5 (range 4 to 10). No recurrences are evident after mean follow-up of 7.9 +/- 5.4 months. CONCLUSION: Our short-term experience suggests that TSM has an acceptable complication rate, is theoretically oncologically safe, and facilitates an improved cosmetic result.

Published 25 November 2005 in Am J Surg, 190(6): 907-12.
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