[Nipple areola complex conservation in immediate breast reconstruction: prospective study of 66 cases].
OBJECTIVE
Our objective is to define a sub-group of patients in whom skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction and preservation of the nipple-areola complex is technically and oncologically feasible without increasing the risk of complications and local recurrence.


METHODS
Between September 1999 and December 2005, 66 patients presenting an in situ and/or invasive breast carcinoma justifying a mastectomy underwent immediate breast reconstruction preserving the skin and nipple-areolar complex.


RESULTS
After a median follow-up of 37 months, definitive conservation of the nipple-areolar complex with good esthetic results was achieved in 71% of the cases.


CONCLUSIONS
This preliminary study provides encouraging results in a selected patient population but requires a longer term follow-up in order to draw definitive conclusions on the oncological safety preserving the nipple-areolar complex.
Missana
M C
MC
Unité de chirurgie reconstructrice mammaire, Institut Gustave-Roussy - Villejuif. missana@igr.fr
Germain
M A
MA
Spielman
M
M
Mathieu
M C
MC
Rose
M
M
Dunant
A
A
Barreau
L
L
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009558:Nipples; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors