Omental transposition in the treatment of locally advanced and recurrent breast cancer

An analysis was carried out of 43 patients treated by omental transposition for locoregional problems associated with breast cancer. Indications for surgery included advanced primary tumour (five), locally recurrent tumour (32), radiation induced sarcoma (two), and radionecrosis (four). Tumours were typically extensive (mean diameter 7.2 cm) and skin ulceration affected 30 patients. Other treatment modalities had been exhausted. Surgical excision followed by reconstruction using transposed omentum resulted in worthwhile local control and symptom relief in 31 patients (median duration 22 months). Chest wall disease rapidly recurred peripheral to the omental graft in 12 patients. On multiple regression analysis, duration of local control was significantly related to tumour diameter, ulceration, and earlier radioresistance (hazard ratios 15.8, 3.8 and 14.8 respectively). Survival (median 21, range from 1.5 to 122 months) correlated with tumour size, previous chemotherapy, and early re-recurrence (hazard ratios 7.2, 3.0 and 4.3). Omental transfer is a reliable method of restoring epithelial cover after radical surgery and is particularly useful after previous irradiation injury. In advanced and recurrent breast cancer, an aggressive surgical approach significantly improved the quality of life of most patients, but careful case selection is required to avoid inappropriate surgery for irremediable tumours.