Circum-areolar mastectomy with immediate reconstruction (CAMIR)

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Breast Cancer Treatment

Background:

• Nipple involvement in breast cancer necessitates mastectomy, often leading to aesthetic concerns.
• Traditional mastectomy techniques can result in significant cosmetic defects.
• Immediate reconstruction aims to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate an oncologically safe and aesthetically acceptable technique for mastectomy.
• To assess the efficacy of using a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap and tissue expander for immediate breast reconstruction.
• To address neoplastic involvement of the nipple with a focus on cosmetic results.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 14 patients (mean age 40) underwent circum-areolar mastectomy with immediate reconstruction.
• The latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap and tissue expander were utilized for reconstruction.
• Cosmetic outcomes were objectively assessed by an independent observer reviewing pre- and post-operative photographs.

Main Results:

• No local recurrences were observed during a mean follow-up of 11.4 months.
• Two deaths occurred: one due to pulmonary embolism and one from distant metastatic disease.
• The cosmetic assessment yielded a high score of 47 out of 56 (84%).

Conclusions:

• Mastectomy with immediate reconstruction is a viable option for patients with nipple-involved tumors.
• This technique can achieve favorable cosmetic results.
• The reconstructed nipple is created from the skin attached to the latissimus dorsi flap.