Robot-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy: systematic review.

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Robotic Surgery
• Breast Cancer Management

Background:

• Growing body of research on robot-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy necessitates critical evaluation.
• This review synthesizes current data on safety, feasibility, oncological, and cosmetic outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically assess robot-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy (RANSM).
• To synthesize data on safety, feasibility, oncological, cosmetic, and patient-reported outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of multiple databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, etc.) and grey literature.
• Inclusion of original studies on RANSM for therapeutic or prophylactic indications.
• Risk of bias assessed using the Institute of Health Economics Case Series Quality Appraisal Checklist.

Main Results:

• Eight articles included, reporting on 249 RANSMs in 187 women.
• Therapeutic (58.6%) and prophylactic (41.4%) indications; 96.8% had immediate reconstruction.
• Postoperative morbidities included skin/nipple complications; two conversions, no intraoperative deaths; three positive margins; no locoregional recurrences observed.

Conclusions:

• Robot-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy is feasible with acceptable short-term outcomes.
• The technique is still in the assessment phase.
• Further research is needed on PROMs and nipple sensitivity.