Necrotic complications after nipple- and areola-sparing mastectomy.
OBJECTIVE
The objective was to analyze the frequency and factors influencing necrotic complication in female patients undergoing nipple- and areola-sparing mastectomy. Nipple- and areola-sparing mastectomy has recently been shown to yield satisfactory results in a carefully selected group of breast cancer patients. The technique includes extensive undermining of the nipple-areola complex, which may result in an increased rate of necrotic complications. We report our early experience with necrotic changes after nipple- and areola-sparing mastectomy.


METHODS
The medical records of 38 patients undergoing nipple- and areola-sparing mastectomy were analyzed retrospectively.


RESULTS
Mean age of the patient was 44.5 years (range 26-65). Necrotic complications occurred in 15.8% of patients and included: skin flap necrosis (1 case), partial nipple-areola complex necrosis (2 cases), and complete nipple-areola complex necrosis (3 cases). Two cases of capsular contraction were also recorded. Statistical analysis showed age below 45 years to be associated with a lower risk of necrotic complications (OR 4.51, P<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The nipple- and areola-sparing mastectomy, although resulting in a relatively high frequency of necrotic complications, is a valuable surgical option for patients with small, peripheral tumors and for women undergoing prophylactic mastectomy. The procedure seems to be safer for women under 45 years of age.
Komorowski
Andrzej L
AL
Department of Surgical Oncology, Maria Skłodowska-Curie Memorial Institute of Oncology, Cancer Centre, Krakow, Poland. z5komoro@cyf-kr.edu.pl
Zanini
Vittorio
V
Regolo
Lea
L
Carolei
Adriana
A
Wysocki
Wojciech M
WM
Costa
Alberto
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis / Q000209:etiology; D009558:Nipples / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies