Application of reconstruction of submammary fold with lateral thoracic wall adipofascial flap after nipple-areola complex sparing mastectomy in elderly breast cancer

Abstract

Objective \nTo evaluate the value of reconstruction of submammary fold with lateral thoracic wall adipofascial flap after nipple-areola complex sparing mastectomy(NSM) in elderly patients with breast cancer. \n \n \nMethods \nTo retrospective analysis 20 cases of elderly patients with breast cancer were admitted from March 2016 to June 2018 in Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University using reconstruction of submammary fold with lateral thoracic wall adipofascial flap after NSM(study group). Twenty-two elderly patients with breast cancer who had breast-conserving and sentinel lymph node biopsy were selected as control group. The operation time, drainage tube retention time, postoperative hospitalization time, postoperative complications, breast contour satisfaction were statistically analyzed. The measurements were expressed as mean±standard deviation (Mean±SD), and t-test was used for inter-group comparison, and Chi-square test was used for inter-group comparison of counting data. \n \n \nResults \nAll cases were followed up for 3-27 months without local recurrence and distant metastasis. The difference in operative time between the study group and control group was statistically significant [(2.085±0.163 1) h vs (1.918±0.159 3) h, P=0.002]. There was no significant difference between the study group and control group in drainage tube removal time(5.25±0.910) d vs (5.27±0.767) d, hospitalization days(6.25±0.910) d vs (6.27±0.767) d, breast contour satisfaction rate (90.0% vs 81.8%) (P>0.05). Postoperative necrosis and liquefaction of adipofascial flaps occurred in 1 case in the study group and delayed healing occurred. \n \n \nConclusion \nFor some early-stage elderly breast cancer, reconstruction of submammary fold with lateral thoracic wall adipofascial flap after NSM, at the same time of radical surgery, can ensure the basic breast shape, avoid the chest wall deformity caused by traditional radical mastectomy, and improve the appearance and quality of life after mastectomy. \n \n \nKey words: \nAged;\xa0Breast neoplasms;\xa0Lateral thoracic wall adipofascial flap;\xa0Reconstruction of submammary fold