Outcomes of Nipple-sparing Mastectomy with Reconstruction after Recent Oncoplastic Wise-pattern Reduction

For patients with large and/or ptotic breasts, a planned staged approach to nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) has been described. Less is known about surgical outcomes of unplanned staged NSM for management of positive margins after partial mastectomy with oncoplastic reduction. It is not clear from earlier studies whether an interval of less than 10 weeks between oncoplastic reduction and NSM is feasible, when a shorter interval is important for oncologic reasons.

This is a single institution analysis of patients from 2018 to 2021 with a diagnosis of invasive cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ who underwent NSM after oncoplastic breast reduction for positive margins or nodes. The primary endpoint measured was nipple loss. Secondary outcomes were need for operative re-intervention and wound complications.

Nine patients (14 breasts) underwent partial mastectomy with oncoplastic Wise-pattern breast reduction, followed by NSM. Three patients underwent intersurgery chemotherapy. The average interval between oncoplastic reduction and NSM was 11.3 weeks when excluding patients undergoing chemotherapy (range 8-13 weeks). Thirteen breasts (93%) underwent pre-pectoral direct-to-implant reconstruction. One breast (7%) received autologous reconstruction. One breast required reoperation for seroma. The rate of partial or total nipple loss was 0%, with an average follow-up of 1.6 years.

Our experience demonstrates excellent outcomes from NSM after oncoplastic breast reduction, with the majority of patients undergoing single-stage pectoral direct-to-implant breast reconstruction. Overall, patients had a shorter intersurgery interval, compared with prior studies, with no cases of nipple loss. An intersurgery interval of 8 weeks may be feasible when avoiding delays is important for oncologic reasons.