Skip to main content

Advertisement

Log in

Necrotic Complications after Nipple- and Areola-Sparing Mastectomy

  • Published:
World Journal of Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objective

The objective was to analyze the frequency and factors influencing necrotic complication in female patients undergoing nipple- and areola-sparing mastectomy.

Summary and background data

Nipple- and areola-sparing mastectomy has recently been shown to yield satisfactory results in a carefully selected group of breast cancer patients. The technique includes extensive undermining of the nipple–areola complex, which may result in an increased rate of necrotic complications. We report our early experience with necrotic changes after nipple- and areola-sparing mastectomy.

Methods

The medical records of 38 patients undergoing nipple- and areola-sparing mastectomy were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

Mean age of the patient was 44.5 years (range 26–65). Necrotic complications occurred in 15.8% of patients and included: skin flap necrosis (1 case), partial nipple–areola complex necrosis (2 cases), and complete nipple–areola complex necrosis (3 cases). Two cases of capsular contraction were also recorded. Statistical analysis showed age below 45 years to be associated with a lower risk of necrotic complications (OR 4.51, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The nipple- and areola-sparing mastectomy, although resulting in a relatively high frequency of necrotic complications, is a valuable surgical option for patients with small, peripheral tumors and for women undergoing prophylactic mastectomy. The procedure seems to be safer for women under 45 years of age.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Gerber B, Krause A, Reimer T, et al. Skin-sparing mastectomy with conservation of the nipple–areola complex and autologous reconstruction is an oncologically safe procedure. Ann Surg 2003;238:120–127

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Mustonen P, Lepisto J, Paap A, et al. The surgical and oncological safety of immediate breast reconstruction. Eur J Surg Oncol 2004;30:817–823

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Simmons RM, Hollenbeck ST, LaTrenta GS. Two-year follow-up of areola-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. Am J Surg 2004;188:403–406

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Simmons RM, Brennan M, Christos P, et al. Analysis of nipple/areolar involvement with mastectomy: can the areola be preserved? Ann Surg Oncol 2002;9(2):165–168

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Cense HA, Rutgers EJTh, Lopes Cardozo M, et al. Nipple-sparing mastectomy in breast cancer: a viable option? Eur J Surg Oncol 2001;27:521–526

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Mortenson MM, Schneider PD, Khatri VP, et al. Immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy increases wound complications. Arch Surg 2004;139:988–991

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Crowe JP, Kim JA, Yetman R, et al. Nipple-sparing mastectomy. Technique and results of 54 procedures. Arch Surg 2004;139:148–150

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Petit JY, Veronesi U, Orecchia R, et al. The nipple sparing mastectomy: early results of a feasibility study of a new application of perioperative radiotherapy (ELIOT) in the treatment of breast cancer when mastectomy is indicated. Tumori 2003;89:288–291

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This work has been supported by a UICC International Cancer Technology Transfer Fellowship and with Federal funds from the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, under Contract NO2-CO-91012.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Andrzej L. Komorowski MD.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Komorowski, A.L., Zanini, V., Regolo, L. et al. Necrotic Complications after Nipple- and Areola-Sparing Mastectomy. World J. Surg. 30, 1410–1413 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-005-0650-4

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-005-0650-4

Keywords

Navigation