Abstract:

Objective

To explore the application of modified inframammary adipofascial dermal tissue flap in repairing local defect after breast conserving surgery in early breast cancer patients and assess the outcome.

Methods

Totally 27 early breast cancer patients whose tumors were in the lower quadrants of the breast underwent breast conserving surgery in Department of Breast Surgery,Nanhai Hospital Affiliated to South Medical University from October 2012 to October 2015. Immediate reconstruction using a modified inframammary adipofascial dermal tissue flap was performed to repair local defects after operation. All patients received radiotherapy within 6 months after surgery. The cosmetic effect was evaluated according to the standard of Joint Center of Radiotherapy (JCRT) one month after surgery and Harris standard one month after radiotherapy, respectively.

Results

All 27 early breast cancer patients were followed up for 1-36 months,median 18 months. None reported recurrence and metastasis. One month after operation, the rate of excellent or good breast appearance was 100.0% (27/27) and the satisfaction rate was 92.6% (25/27). One month after radiotherapy, the rate of excellent or good breast appearance was 77.8% (21/27) and the satisfaction rate was 85.2% (23/27). After radiotherapy,6 cases showed obvious skin pigmentation,4 cases had nippleareola inclination, 1 case had toughening of breast texture and 3 cases had breast volume reduction.

Conclusion Immediate reconstruction using modified inframammary adipofascial dermal tissue flap can be applied to repair local defect after breast conserving surgery in early breast cancer patients with tumors in the lower quadrants of the breast, with advantages of definite outcome and favorable cosmetic effect, worthy of wide application.

Key words: Breast neoplasms, Mastectomy, segmental, Surgical flaps, Fascia, Breast conserving surgery