Objective of the study: Our objective is to define a sub-group of patients in whom skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction and preservation of the nipple-areola complex is technically and oncologically feasible without increasing the risk of complications and local recurrence.
Patients and methods: Between September 1999 and December 2005, 66 patients presenting an in situ and/or invasive breast carcinoma justifying a mastectomy underwent immediate breast reconstruction preserving the skin and nipple-areolar complex.
Results: After a median follow-up of 37 months, definitive conservation of the nipple-areolar complex with good esthetic results was achieved in 71% of the cases.
Conclusion: This preliminary study provides encouraging results in a selected patient population but requires a longer term follow-up in order to draw definitive conclusions on the oncological safety preserving the nipple-areolar complex.