[Current status and reflection on minimal access breast surgery]

Minimal access breast surgery with the assistance of an endoscopy or robot has been an important advancement in surgical treatment in recent years. Compared to conventional open surgery, minimal access breast surgery only requires small incisions in concealed areas such as axillary fossa, avoiding visible scars on the surface of the breast, significantly improving the postoperative aesthetic appearance and patient satisfaction. With the rapid development of minimal access breast surgery, several institutions have established their own distinctive techniques. The concept of membrane anatomy in the breast, for example, has led to more natural-looking breast reconstruction following endoscopic procedures. The adoption of the reverse space dissection technique has greatly optimized the workflow of endoscopic breast cancer resection. Intraoperative navigation system for endoscopic breast-conserving surgery could allow precise localization of excision margins. Furthermore, the widespread use of the cold dissection technique for flap separation has reduced surgical duration and minimized flap damage. The emergence of unique techniques in the field of minimal access breast surgery promises to further advance and promote the adoption of minimal access breast surgery in China.