title: Skin sparing mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction: a review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Skin Sparing Mastectomy (SSM) is widely practised now in major centres which manage large numbers of breast cancer but anxiety still exists over the safety of SSM both from oncological and aesthetic points of view. We aim to review literature to date in SSM and summarise and discuss the current evidence.
  
  
  METHODS
  Studies were identified by an online search of the English language literature in the PubMed database till April 2012 followed by an extensive review of bibliographies from relevant articles.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There is abundance of evidence with regards to the safety of SSM both oncologically and aesthetically especially in immediate breast reconstruction. The use of SSM technique broadens the repertoire of oncoplastic techniques and at the same time facilitates such techniques by preserving patient's native skin and anatomical landmarks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  SSM is a safe technique providing better cosmetic outcome without compromising oncological safety as per the current evidence. However, prospective data collection of its application in various newer types of reconstructions, and continuing long-term follow-up of current data series would be prudent to evaluate long-term outcomes.
authors: University of Nottingham, Division of Breast Surgery, Royal Derby Hospital, Derby, UK. amit.agrawal@nottingham.ac.uk
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Agrawal
authors: D M
authors: DM
authors: Sibbering
authors: C-A
authors: CA
authors: Courtney
mesh_terms: D019928:Breast Implantation / Q000379:methods; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000379:methods*; D015414:Mastectomy, Subcutaneous; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D009558:Nipples; D012867:Skin; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome