Skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction: a critical analysis of local recurrence

The purpose of this study was to provide follow-up data regarding the incidence of local breast cancer recurrence in patients undergoing skin-sparing mastectomy versus conventional non-skin-sparing mastectomy methods.

A retrospective follow-up study and analysis were performed of patients who underwent mastectomies for invasive breast cancer at The New York Presbyterian Hospital, Cornell University Medical College and Strang-Cornell Breast Center between 1990 and 1998.

A total of 198 patients were identified in this study, and the mean follow-up was 49 months. This group included 71 patients who underwent skin-sparing mastectomy and 127 who underwent non-skin-sparing mastectomy procedures. No statistical differences in local recurrence rates were demonstrated between patients treated with skin-sparing mastectomy and those who underwent non-skin-sparing mastectomy. Local recurrence was present in four of 71 (5.6%) patients undergoing skin-sparing mastectomy and in five of 127 (3.9%) of those undergoing non-skin-sparing mastectomy.

The use of skin-sparing mastectomy does not lead to an increase in local recurrence rates when compared with conventional non-sparing mastectomies and provides for improved aesthetic results after immediate reconstruction.