Training oncoplastic breast surgeons: the Canadian fellowship experience

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Plastic Surgery
• Breast Surgery

Background:

• Oncoplastic surgery (OPS) integrates oncologic principles with plastic surgery for better cosmetic and quality-of-life outcomes in breast cancer patients.
• Limited clinical adoption and training in OPS exist within the Canadian surgical system.
• This article reviews global OPS training and a Canadian fellow's experience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and current state of oncoplastic surgery (OPS) training in Canada.
• To evaluate the experience of a Canadian clinical fellow in OPS.
• To identify areas for improvement in OPS training for Canadian surgeons.

Main Methods:

• A 9-month audit of breast surgical cases during a clinical fellowship in OPS.
• Inclusion of all cases performed during the fellowship period (October 2015–June 2016).

Main Results:

• The fellowship included 67 mastectomies (various types) and 13 breast reconstructions.
• Of 126 lumpectomies, 79 utilized oncoplastic techniques.
• The fellow's experience indicates OPS training is achievable in Canada.

Conclusions:

• Canadian OPS training is feasible and attainable, as demonstrated by the fellow's experience.
• The current state of OPS training in Canada requires enhancement.
• Improved access to OPS training is crucial for Canadian breast surgical oncologists.