Purpo
se This is a retrospective study conducted to assess cosmetic outcomes, patients’ satisfaction, and oncological safety after skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) with immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) for patients with early-stage breast cancer.
Patients and methods
A total of 60 female patients with early-stage breast cancer (stages I and II according to TNM classification), subjected to SSM and IBR between 2015 and 2017 were assessed. The aesthetic evaluation was done by the surgical team and through a patient’s questionnaire, and also postoperative morbidity and incidence of recurrence were analyzed.
Results
A total of 39 (65%) patients went through an un-incidental postoperative course without major postoperative morbidity, 12 (20%) patients experienced mild postoperative seroma at the donor site, three (5%) patients experienced superficial skin gangrene over transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap, and the remaining six (10%) patients reported substantial postoperative morbidity in the form of native skin-edge necrosis and part of skin flaps. A total of 21 (35%) patients showed an excellent aesthetic result and were extremely satisfied, 24 (40%) patients were satisfied showing a good aesthetic outcome, three (5%) patients had a fair aesthetic outcome and were less satisfied, and only 12 (20%) patients showed a poor aesthetic result and were dissatisfied. Only three (5%) patients of the studied group showed signs of local recurrence. It was not associated with any signs of systemic recurrence.
Conclusion
SSM and IBR for early breast cancer is oncologically safe with a low incidence of postoperative morbidity and an acceptable cosmetic outcome.