The role of oncoplastic breast reduction in the conservative management of breast cancer: Complications, survival, and quality of life

Abstract

Background and objectives: Reduction Mammaplasty (RM) in breast cancer allows mammary remodeling after wide excisions. We aimed to analyze the complications, survival, and quality of life after RM.

Methods: Retrospective study of women who underwent a surgical intervention for breast cancer between 2000 and 2016. Patients were divided into two groups: RM and tumorectomy. Postoperative complications, survival and quality of life were assessed using the Breast-Q questionnaire.

Results: A total of 801 patients were evaluated, with a mean follow up of 84 months. RM patients experienced a longer operating time and hospital stay, and a higher proportion of tissue necrosis compared to tumorectomy patients (P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed regarding rate of re-excision or rate of mastectomy, but the recurrence rate at 10 years was higher for RM patients (P < 0.03). Patients who underwent RM reported optimal satisfaction with the breast and a good quality of life.

Conclusions: RM is a useful approach in breast cancer surgery, with a low rate of re-excision and mastectomy. Overall survival at 10 years is similar to that associated with tumorectomy, though with a higher rate of local recurrence. Patient satisfaction and quality of life appears to be good one year after radiotherapy.

Keywords: breast-Q questionnaire; macromastia; multifocal/multicentric tumors.