Excess Horizontal Breast Skin Facilitates a Simpler Wise Pattern Split Reduction Incision for Superficial Cancers

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Breast Cancer Surgery

Background:

• The standard Wise pattern split reduction (WPSR) incision is adapted for breast cancers near skin margins.
• This technique typically utilizes excess vertical breast skin, resecting skin over the tumor to ensure clear margins and reposition scars.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a modification of the WPSR incision that utilizes excess horizontal breast skin.
• To assess the feasibility and outcomes of this modified approach for specific breast cancer cases.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 10 consecutive breast cancer patients.
• Patients underwent a WPSR incision utilizing horizontal skin excess, decided preoperatively or intraoperatively.
• The approach was used for superficial, smaller, less extensive cancers adjacent to standard WPSR markings.

Main Results:

• The modified WPSR incision successfully facilitated clear anterior margins in all 10 patients.
• This approach resulted in a smaller final scar compared to standard techniques.
• The surgical procedure was less extensive and complex.

Conclusions:

• The modified WPSR incision using horizontal skin excess is a viable option for selected breast cancers.
• This technique provides oncologic safety with improved cosmetic outcomes and surgical simplicity.
• It represents a valuable modification for specific patient and tumor characteristics.