title: Necrotic complications after nipple- and areola-sparing mastectomy.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Oncology, Maria Skłodowska-Curie Memorial Institute of Oncology, Cancer Centre, Krakow, Poland. z5komoro@cyf-kr.edu.pl
authors.forename: Andrzej L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Komorowski
authors.forename: Vittorio
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Zanini
authors.forename: Lea
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Regolo
authors.forename: Adriana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Carolei
authors.forename: Wojciech M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Wysocki
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Costa
mesh_terms: 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