Evaluation of Sensation and Necrotic Complications after Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy

Abstract

Background: Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is considered to be one of the most commonly used method of surgery in breast cancer. Oncologic and surgical complications are the major concerns associated with the NSM as a treatment or prophylactic approach for patients. The effective local control is the main goal in breast cancer treatment although aesthetic outcome and nipple-areola complex sensation are also important. Method: This retrospective, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was performed on 35 hospitalized patients who underwent the NSM with axillary incision at the Department of Breast and Reconstructive Surgery at Sine Hospital, Tehran, Iran from April 2015 to April 2016. The patients were followed up in the first and second weeks and the first and third months following the surgery. Results: 20 women who underwent the NSM were studied. The mean results in the flap sensation and in the nipple-areola complex sensation were 5.2 ± 2.4 and 5 ± 2.29, respectively. Major necrosis was reported in one patient in each follow-up session. Conclusion: Although acceptable necrosis rate and significant sensation recovery after this method of mastectomy makes it more accentuated, certain complications and necessary revision surgeries after the NSM may diminish the favorable results, including sensation.

Keywords

• mastectomy
• nipple-areola complex sensation
• necrosis
• breast neoplasms