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Updated: May 20, 2026
Single-Port Robotic-assisted Transaxillary Breast-conserving Surgery: A Prospective, Single-arm, Non-randomized Phase IIa Clinical Trial
Published on: August 19, 2025
A prospective randomized study comparing two different expander approaches in implant-based breast reconstruction:
Catharina Eriksen1, Emelie Nordstrand Lindgren, Jan Frisell
1Stockholm, Sweden From the Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet; and the Departments of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery, and Medical Imaging, Karolinska University Hospital.
The two-stage breast reconstruction using a crescent expander is superior to the one-stage permanent expander method. This approach offers better aesthetic outcomes and patient satisfaction in breast cancer reconstruction.
Area of Science:
- Plastic surgery
- Oncology
- Biomedical engineering
Background:
- Implant-based breast reconstruction is a common procedure for breast cancer patients.
- Choosing the right implant and technique is crucial for successful outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of a one-stage reconstruction with a permanent expander versus a two-stage reconstruction with a removable expander.
- To evaluate patient satisfaction, aesthetic results, and quality of life between the two methods.
Main Methods:
- A prospective randomized study comparing two expander implant types in 40 breast cancer patients.
- Objective assessments included 2D/3D scanning for volume and shape; subjective assessments by patients, experts, and laypeople.
- Quality of life was measured using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey.
Main Results:
- The one-stage permanent expander group had a 70% revision rate, often due to upper pole fullness and poor ptosis.
- Objective and subjective evaluations favored the two-stage method.
- Quality of life outcomes were comparable between both groups.
Conclusions:
- The one-stage permanent expander method is not recommended due to significant failure rates.
- The two-stage crescent expander method provides superior objective and subjective results for breast reconstruction.
