Round block technique without cerclage in breast-conserving surgery.

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Breast Surgery
• Oncoplastic Surgery

Background:

• The round block technique is a specialized breast resection method using a periareolar incision.
• Traditional round block surgery can be technically demanding and time-consuming.
• This study introduces a simplified round block technique by omitting the cerclage step.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a modified round block technique for breast-conserving surgery without cerclage.
• To evaluate the oncological safety and cosmetic results of this simplified approach.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 92 patients with centrally located breast cancer treated between July 2009 and May 2012.
• The simplified round block technique involved minimizing skin excision and using interrupted intradermal sutures for closure.
• Patients with excised breast volume <20% and centrally located tumors were included; cosmetic satisfaction was assessed via questionnaires.

Main Results:

• The median tumor size was 1.7 cm, with most tumors located in the upper breast.
• The median operative time, including axillary procedures, was 101.5 minutes.
• No local recurrences were observed during a median follow-up of 12 months, with favorable cosmetic outcomes reported up to 3 years.

Conclusions:

• The simplified round block technique without cerclage is a feasible and technically straightforward option.
• This method is suitable for centrally located breast tumors requiring breast-conserving surgery.
• The technique yields favorable oncological control and satisfactory cosmetic results.