Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 27, 2026

Endoscopic Bilateral Nipple-sparing Mastectomy via a Single Axillary Incision with Immediate Pre-pectoral Implant-based Breast Reconstruction
Published on: May 17, 2024
Preservation of pectoralis minor in axillary clearance for breast cancer
P Markandoo1, P Smith, M A Chaudary
1Clinical Oncology Unit, Guy's Hospital, London, UK.
Background:
There has been a gradual shift away from radical surgery towards conservation treatment for breast cancer. The pectoralis minor muscle is increasingly preserved in women undergoing axillary clearance as part of either breast conservation or mastectomy.
Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted to determine the axillary node count in 578 patients who underwent axillary clearance, 276 with removal of pectoralis minor and 302 who had the muscle preserved.
Results:
The mean number of nodes excised in the group who had pectoralis minor excised was 25.5 (range 8-50) compared with 24.5 (range 9-68) in the preservation group.
Conclusion:
For the majority of patients with operable breast cancer, retention of the pectoralis minor muscle is not associated with understaging or undertreatment of the axilla.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Muscles of the Shoulder
Anterior Thoracic Muscles
The anterior thoracic muscles include the serratus anterior, subclavius, and...
Chest Physiotherapy
Purpose
CPT is primarily used for patients with excessive bronchial secretions who have difficulty clearing...
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:

