Endoscopic Extirpation of Benign Breast Tumors Using a Lateral Chest Wall Incision: A Retrospective Study
Yanni Huang, Yue Hu, Xiaona Zhao, Fengyan Yu, Jinghua ZhaoBackground and aim
The importance of cosmesis in the treatment of benign breast diseases has been increasingly recognized, contributing to the growing popularity of minimally invasive surgery. This study aimed to present a novel approach to endoscopy-assisted breast surgery, which allows for the complete removal of breast lumps. The incision was strategically made at the midaxillary line, at the level of the nipple, to optimize the aesthetic aspect of care.
Methods
In this retrospective study, we enrolled consecutive patients whose complete follow-up data were available. In total, 70 female patients with benign breast tumors were analyzed, of whom 42 underwent endoscopic-assisted breast surgery (EABS), and 28 underwent traditional open surgery. This study was conducted at the Breast Tumor Center of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital from October 2021 to August 2024. Eligible patients included those with either solitary or multiple benign breast tumors, regardless of the lesion location in the breast quadrants. Tumor removal was conducted through either the retro-mammary or superficial fascial plane.
Results
The age of the included patients ranged from 14 to 42 years. Fibroadenoma was the most prevalent condition, which was identified in 90% of patients, while 12% of patients had multiple tumors. There were 6 cases whose tumor size exceeded 5 cm. Importantly, patients undergoing EABS reported excellent cosmetic outcomes and higher satisfaction with wound scarring compared with those undergoing open surgery (2.93±0.26 vs. 2.40±0.70, p=0.041).
Conclusion
Lateral chest wall incision for the endoscopic removal of benign breast tumors is a safe and feasible approach that yields excellent cosmetic outcomes, leading to high patient satisfaction.