Mammoscopy and endoscopic implant and breast tissue evaluation

Mammoscopy seems to be a very promising technique that allows evaluation of implant integrity and documentation of the condition of breast implants in situ. It is a useful tool in the evaluation of intercapsular conditions in the augmented and reconstructed breast. Because of the limitations of capsular space, however, there is a greater possibility of implant disruption when multiple manipulations are attempted through separate ports of entry. It is best to use the endoscope for visualization and documentation and to minimize the amount of manipulation that has to be done through other ports for fear of rupturing the implant. Endoscopy is a limited procedure best suited for documentation and evaluation rather than endoscopic surgical procedures, particularly when capsulotomy and capsulectomy can be done more readily under direct vision through a slightly larger incision.