UK survey of partial mastectomy and reconstruction.
BACKGROUND
Partial mastectomy and reconstruction can extend the role of breast-conserving surgery, but the frequency of this type of surgery is unknown.


METHODS
A UK survey was performed to determine the frequency, indications, techniques and outcomes of partial mastectomy and reconstruction.


RESULTS
Seventy-one of 180 (39%) respondents offered partial mastectomy and reconstruction. Reasons for not offering partial mastectomy and reconstruction included lack of experience (61%), uncertain indications (33%), uncertain benefits (45%) and concerns about oncological safety (22%). Immediate reconstruction was performed by 50% of respondents and perioperative margin analysis was uncommon. Respondents performed volume displacement or volume replacement or both approaches (23%, 18% and 59%). Complications included fat necrosis (68%), haematoma formation (55%), positive margins (46%), infection (41%) and flap loss or poor cosmetic outcome (10%).


CONCLUSIONS
Partial mastectomy and reconstruction is becoming popular in the UK as an alternative to full mastectomy. Safe introduction of this approach in clinical practice will require a clearer understanding of technique selection, safety and clinical outcomes.
Rainsbury
R M
RM
Oncoplastic Breast Unit, Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Winchester, Hampshire, UK. RRainsbury@aol.com
Paramanathan
N
N
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015412:Mastectomy, Segmental / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology