title: How to draw the skin ellipse for a mastectomy.
abstract: The size of the skin ellipse for a mastectomy varies between patients and the accurate marking and tailoring of the skin flaps is often learnt by the surgical trainee only with increasing experience. Within the Breast Unit, a mathematical model was calculated to predict the required width of the skin ellipse for a successful mastectomy. Measurements of the straight-line distance from mid-clavicular point to the infra-mammary fold and maximum vertical height of the nipple above the infra-mammary fold were taken with the patient relaxed and supine. A close correlation (r = 0.85) was noted. Further analysis demonstrated a linear relationship between the pre-operative height to which the nipple could be suspended above the infra-mammary fold and the required maximum skin ellipse width (r = 0.87, P < 0.001). This linear relationship is easy to remember and is a useful check to ensure that the skin flaps intended will be just right. This same technique may be applicable to skin ellipses elsewhere.
authors.affiliation: Southampton Breast Unit, Royal South Hants Hospital, UK.
authors.forename: N J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Coombs
authors.forename: G T
authors.initials: GT
authors.lastname: Royle
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001296:Audiovisual Aids; D001940:Breast / Q000473:pathology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008954:Models, Biological; D013524:Surgical Flaps