ABSTRACT Background Breast reconstruction with an autologous lower dermal sling (ALDS) is an established one-stage procedure in patients with moderate to large ptotic breasts. However, this technique is difficult to perform in small and non/minimally ptotic breasts. We describe our experiences from a single institution about a novel Advanced Autologous Lower Dermal Sling (A-ALDS) technique for reconstruction in small breasts. Methods We performed one stage nipple/skin sparing mastectomies in 61 patients with immediate reconstruction either by conventional immediate breast reconstruction surgery or A-ALDS technique. Results Mean age of study patients was 46.9 years. We observed significantly better cosmetic score and lower immediate complication rate vis-a-vis skin necrosis, implant loss with the A-ALDS technique (i.e., nil versus 3 in Conventional Immediate Breast Reconstruction Surgery - IBRS). 40 patients completed 12 months follow-up. The PROMs-Patient Reported Outcomes Measures (Breast-Q) revealed good to excellent scores for satisfaction with breast, cosmetic outcome and psychosocial well-being in patients operated with both these techniques. However, sexual well-being was significantly better in the A-ALDS group. Conclusion The A-ALDS is a novel, cost-effective and safe technique for immediate one stage implant-based reconstruction for small breasts. It provides a dermal barrier flap and hence, ensures less complications, excellent cosmetic results and patient satisfaction.
Introduction The essential goal of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is to downstage the primary tumor making it amenable for breast conservation surgery (BCS). However, since the safety of this surgery is paramount, post-NACT breast conservation rates remain low. As per the recommendation of the 2018 Early Breast Cancer Trialists’ Collaborative Group (EBCTCG) overview of long-term post-NACT follow-up, we have devised a protocol for imaging, localization, rad-path analysis, and documentation of radiotherapy techniques to ensure the safety of post-NACT breast conservation. Methods This is a retrospective cohort of 180 breast cancer patients who received NACT and were operated on by a single surgical oncologist from 2015 to 2020. After selection based on published guidelines, patients were treated with neoadjuvant systemic (chemo or hormone) therapy. In cases where primary tumors responded and reduced to 1–2 cm in size mid-NACT, the residual tumors were localized by clips under ultrasound guidance and calcification was wire localized. All patients were treated using appropriate surgical and oncoplastic techniques where indicated. Negative margins were ensured by intra-operative rad-path analysis. Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy were given as per protocol. Results In 81 cases that required mastectomy at presentation, we were able to achieve a 72.8% post-NACT BCS rate with the help of oncoplasty. Overall, 142 of 180 (80%) patients were treated with breast conserving surgery of which 80% (121 of 142) were oncoplasty. Margins were assessed on intra-operative frozen and re-excised in the same setting. No positive margins were reported in final histopath of 142 breast conservation procedures. Post-operative complication rates after breast conservation in the first year were at 17% (24 of 142 including two major complications). Patient reported outcomes were satisfactory with increased satisfaction for breast conservation compared with immediate breast reconstruction. Discussion Employing oncoplastic breast surgery (OBS) techniques following stringent protocols for accurate localization of the residual tumor, intra-operative rad-path analysis, and adjuvant treatments, we show successful breast conservation in 72.8% of our mastectomy-qualified patients after downstaging by NACT. We also report satisfactory outcomes for post-NACT surgery, patient-reported satisfaction, and survival.
Purpose Breast cancer is the most common cancer in India, affecting all socio-economic strata. Despite its growing global acceptance, Breast Oncoplasty Surgery (BOS) remains nascent in India, necessitating local context-specific innovative delivery models for clinicians and the general public. Here, we present experiences from Orchids Breast Health Clinic (OBHC; Pune, India) with the implementation of BOS clinical services, training, and research and community outreach. Methods OBHC, a dedicated breast unit, has established the first dedicated BOS clinic in India, conducted hands-on training workshops for trainee surgeons, developed an MCh degree program in breast oncoplasty with the University of East Anglia (Norwich, United Kingdom), undertaken BOS research in Indian patients, and created outreach programs to popularize BOS. Results A cost-effective one surgeon–dual role concept wherein the same surgeon performs onco- and plastic surgery and one-stage implant-based breast reconstruction has been adopted. Since 2013, BOS cases included BCS (n = 440), breast reconstruction (n = 210), and therapeutic mammoplasty (n = 135). The unavailability of acellular dermal matrices has prompted the innovation of a surgical technique, termed Advanced Autologous Dermal Sling, which uses vascularized local tissue as implant cover. Significant improvement in postsurgery outcomes and protection against radiation complications has been observed. BOS hospitalization costs have been reduced by 50% thereby, which has led to high rates of acceptance (80%) of BOS in patients at OBHC. Young breast surgeons from across India and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation countries have enrolled in the MCh degree program, which involves an embedded curriculum with online didactic modules and hands-on training workshops in Pune, India. Longitudinal follow-up after 1, 3, and 5 years postsurgery in the study cohorts is undertaken for post-BOS outcomes using clinical assessment (Bakers scale) and patient-reported outcomes measures (BREAST-Q questionnaire). Multiple research projects are undergoing peer-review before publication. To increase awareness of BOS among Indian women, community awareness campaigns with the theme of Losing Is Not an Option are underway via public talks, symposia, marathon, and op-eds in electronic and print media. Conclusion The OBHC model of Affordable Excellence in BOS, developed in the Indian context, can be extrapolated to benefit patients with breast cancer from other low- and middle-income countries. AUTHORS' DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST The following represents disclosure information provided by authors of this manuscript. All relationships are considered compensated. Relationships are self-held unless noted. I = Immediate Family Member, Inst = My Institution. Relationships may not relate to the subject matter of this manuscript. For more information about ASCO's conflict of interest policy, please refer to www.asco.org/rwc or ascopubs.org/jco/site/ifc . No COIs from the authors.
Breast conserving surgery (BCS) followed by radiation therapy (RT) has become the preferred alternative to mastectomy for patients with early stage breast cancer (BC). Randomized trials have confirmed equivalent locoregional control and overall survival for BCS and mastectomy. Extreme Oncoplasty (EO) extends the indications of BCS for patients who would otherwise require mastectomy, ensuring better aesthetic outcomes and oncological safety.BC patients with multifocal/multicentric (MF/MC) tumors, extensive DCIS, or large tumor >50mm underwent EO at our breast unit. Therapeutic reduction mammaplasty (TRM) with wise pattern preoperative markings and dual pedicle technique involving parenchymal rearrangement was used for oncoplastic reconstructions in majority of the cases followed by RT. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) were assessed using the validated Breast-Q questionnaire.Of the 39 patients in the study, 36 had unilateral and 3 had bilateral BC. Mean age was 47.2 years. Median tumor size was 75mm. 17 (43.6%) patients received NACT; none achieved a complete clinical response. 28 (71.8%) patients were administered to adjuvant chemotherapy. 33(84.6%) patients received RT to the breast with a median dose of 50Gy in 28 fractions and a boost dose of 10Gy in 5 fractions to the tumor bed. No major complications or local recurrences were observed. Excellent Breast-Q scores were observed in patients undergoing EO after 12 months of follow-up.EO followed by RT results in acceptable local-regional control, low rate of complications, and high patient satisfaction. In selected patients, EO could provide a safe alternative for breast conservation surgery instead of mastectomy.
Abstract Background Breast Conservative Surgery (BCS) was considered a contraindication for centrally located breast tumor (CLBT), with mastectomy being the preferred treatment. However, advances in oncoplastic techniques now offer promising alternatives by facilitating wider surgical margins and enhancing cosmetic outcomes. This study aims to evaluate surgical, oncological, aesthetic outcome and quality of life (QoL) of oncoplastic breast surgery (OBS) for CLBT. Material and Methods In this study, 136 patients with CLBT were treated with various oncoplastic techniques including Level I (Grisotti Flap), Level II (Therapeutic Mammoplasty), and Level III (Perforator Flap) techniques. Surgical approach selection was guided by breast-size and degree of ptosis. Oncological and cosmetic outcomes were evaluated by surgeons post-operatively. Results The mean age of the patient was 52.7 years (range: 22-79). The Level I oncoplasty technique was utilised in 7 patients (11.7%); Level II (Therapeutic Mammoplasty) oncoplasty in 57 patients (41.9%) and Level 3 (Perforator Flaps) in 52 patients (38.2%). 13.9% of post-operative complications were observed. Cosmetic score revealed good to excellent outcomes regarding the patients’ satisfaction toward the surgical procedure. The study observed low rate of local recurrence (4.4%), distant recurrence (5.8%) and metastasis (5.8%). Mortality was 3.6% while all survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were high at 93.82% and 90.6%, respectively demonstrate the effectiveness of the surgical and adjuvant therapy employed. Discussion OBS offer viable and effective approach for managing CLBT. These procedures not only achieve satisfactory aesthetic results, but also ensure oncological safety, making them a promising alternate to mastectomy for CLBT.
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