Single-Incision Approach for Breast-Conserving Surgery: Effectiveness, Complications and Quality of Life

The aim of this study was to assess the success of tumor resection and its postoperative complications, satisfaction, and quality of life using a single-incision approach for breast-conserving surgery.

This was an observational, prospective study conducted between 2015 and 2018. The study group consisted of patients in whom tumor extirpation and lymph node (LN) staging was performed using a single incision, while the control group consisted of patients who underwent a breast-conserving procedure with independent incisions. All patients were given the preoperative and postoperative module of the Breast-Q™ questionnaire.

Overall, 226 patients met the study's inclusion criteria, 152 of whom successfully underwent breast and LN removal using a single-incision approach (98.7% overall success). There were no significant differences in postoperative complications, although there was a greater tendency towards breast seroma in the study group and axillary neuralgia in the control group. Both groups presented a similar rate of breast and axillary salvage surgery. The postoperative Breast-Q™ questionnaire showed that the study group had greater satisfaction with both the breast and the information provided by the surgeon.

The single-incision approach is as effective as standard surgery, with custom incisions in terms of breast resection, LN staging, and complications. There was greater satisfaction with both the breast and the information provided.