title: The endoscope as an adjunct to correction of nipple inversion deformity.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Correction of the inverted nipple requires release of constricting fibrous tissue and suspension of the nipple. Despite the simplicity, lasting repair is often difficult to achieve, as is the ability to assure preservation of functioning lactiferous ducts during release.
  
  
  METHODS
  Since 2002, the authors have used the endoscope to guide selective division of retracted fibrous bands, followed by the use of a dermal fat graft and purse-string suture to the base to achieve stable nipple projection.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In this series of 28 nipples of 15 patients, the patients were followed up for a mean period of 14 months (range, 6 to 26 months). The outcome was judged to be excellent in 23 nipples (82 percent) and fair in five (18 percent). There were no instances of any changes in sensitivity of the nipple-areola complex. Four patients experienced lactation afterward.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The endoscope clearly delineated band from duct. The authors' technique was able to maintain excellent projection, with preservation of breast feeding as well as normal breast sensation, except in grade IIIB inverted nipples.
authors.affiliation: Taipei, Taiwan From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung University Hospital.
authors.forename: Samuel Huan-Tang
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Ted
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gedebou
authors.forename: Patrick Hou-Hsun
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001941:Breast Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D015331:Cohort Studies; D019723:Endoscopes; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009558:Nipples / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology