Three-Dimensional Surface Imaging is an Effective Tool for Measuring Breast Volume: A Validation Study

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Medical Imaging
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Accurate breast volume assessment is crucial for successful breast reconstruction surgery.
• Three-dimensional (3D) surface imaging offers potential advantages for breast volume evaluation.
• Validation of 3D scanning technology is necessary before clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To confirm the validity of 3D scanning technology for breast volume assessment.
• To compare 3D scanning results with established methods in breast reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 25 patients undergoing total mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction.
• Preoperative breast volume measurement using Axis Three 3D scanner, water-displacement technique, and MRI.
• Intraoperative measurement of excised tissue weight and specimen volume calculation.

Main Results:

• 3D scanning demonstrated excellent reliability compared to water-displacement and specimen weight (ICC).
• 3D scanning showed substantial reliability compared to MRI (ICC).
• Passing-Bablok regression confirmed agreement with water-displacement and linear association with MRI and specimen volume.

Conclusions:

• 3D scanning is a reliable tool for breast volume assessment in reconstructive surgery.
• 3D scanning shows significant reliability and linear association with water-displacement and MRI volumetry.
• Validated 3D scanning can aid in preoperative planning and intraoperative decision-making for breast reconstruction.