Context
The surgical treatment of breast cancer has changed significantly over time, but modified radical mastectomy (MRM) is still performed in about 20–30% of patients undergoing surgeries. Many articles that have studied the breast lymphatic system claim that the deep fascia is very poor in lymphatic vessels.
Aim
The aim of our study was to detect the benefits and oncological safety of pectoral fascia preservation in patients undergoing MRM.
Materials and methods
Totally, 73 patients with early breast cancer underwent MRM. The patients were randomized between removal (=37) and preservation (=36) of pectoral fascia.
Results
The amount of blood loss, operative time and drain output was significantly reduced in a case of pectoral fascia preservation (>0.00001); in addition, seroma was significantly reduced (=0.025). No chest wall recurrence had occurred in both groups.
Conclusion
Pectoral fascia preservation is safe and has many advantages as regards operative time, blood loss, seroma formation and cosmetic appearance of the flaps. It is oncologically safe compared with pectoral fascia resection, provided that good selection of the patient was done.