A new indication and surgical procedure to reduce fat necrosis after breast-conserving surgery using an inframammary adipofascial flap

Abstract

Background: There is little information on the risk factors for fat necrosis after breast-conserving surgery using an inframammary adipofascial flap (IAF). Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study from a single institution evaluating the risk factors for fat necrosis after breast-conserving surgery using an IAF (n = 41) performed from 2005 to 2020 for newly diagnosed stage 0–2 breast cancer or phyllodes tumor. Results: Age (≥50 years of age vs. <50 years of age), mammographic density (fatty vs. other) and operation period (before vs. after revision of surgical procedure and patient indication) were significantly associated with fat necrosis (p = 0.006, p = 0.04 and p = 0.02, respectively). Conclusion: Our study suggested that the use of an IAF with crescent dermis and selection of appropriate cases for IAF after breast-conserving surgery may be useful for the purpose of reducing fat necrosis. Further study is needed.

Keywords

• Breast cancer
• Breast-conserving surgery
• Fat necrosis
• Inframammary adipofascial flap