Outcome Evaluation after 2023 Nipple-Sparing Mastectomies: Our Experience

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Plastic Surgery
• Breast Surgery

Background:

• Mastectomy remains a treatment option for 20-30% of breast cancers, despite less invasive alternatives.
• Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is increasingly accepted, offering improved aesthetic and psychologic benefits with comparable local recurrence rates to total mastectomy.
• Understanding factors influencing reconstructive outcomes after NSM is vital for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate patient characteristics and surgical techniques impacting outcomes of nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate implant-based breast reconstruction.
• To identify factors associated with complications and suboptimal results in this patient cohort.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction.
• External surgeon panel assessed outcomes based on predefined parameters.
• Outcomes were categorized as excellent, good, moderate, or poor.

Main Results:

• The study included 1647 patients undergoing 2023 nipple-sparing mastectomies.
• Key factors significantly impacting outcomes included body mass index, skin incision type, flap thickness, and degree of breast ptosis.
• A minimum follow-up of 12 months was required for outcome stratification.

Conclusions:

• Meticulous patient selection and proficient surgical execution are essential for minimizing complications after nipple-sparing mastectomy.
• Aesthetic results are significantly influenced by surgical skill and specific patient characteristics.
• Optimizing outcomes requires careful consideration of both surgical technique and patient factors.