The Intraoperative Team Approach to Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy

For the past two decades nipple-sparing mastectomy has given the oncologic and plastic surgeons the opportunity to restore the shape and surface anatomy of the breast for women undergoing therapeutic mastectomy. Nipple-sparing mastectomy through an inframammary approach, however, remains a complex and technically difficult operation with potential complications that may lead to irreversible skin damage beyond the confines of the nipple-areola. Oncologic and plastic surgeons have worked together through joint seminars and publications to strengthen their communication for a better understanding of the problems related to nipple-sparing mastectomy. The one area where oncologic/plastic collaboration has been weakest is in the operating room. This chapter discusses the importance of the oncologic and plastic surgeons’ side-by-side surgical collaboration and the advantages of their teamwork in enhancing inframammary nipple-sparing mastectomy outcomes.