Oncoplastic partial breast reconstruction: concepts and techniques
Rationale & goals of oncoplastic breast reconstruction
Of the approximately 250,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in the United States each year, the majority present with localized disease that is confined to the primary site (1). Over the past decades, numerous observational and randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the equivalent survival conferred by breast-conserving surgery (BCS) with adjuvant radiation compared with mastectomy for patients with early-stage breast cancer (2-7). With the added benefits of less invasive and shorter surgeries, faster recovery, less frequent complications, preservation of sensation, and psychosocial advantages, breast conservation therapy (BCT) has thus evolved to become a nationally-accepted standard of care treatment for this patient population (8).
The goals of BCT include the complete, margin-negative, localized removal of cancer in conjunction with adjuvant radiation to achieve equivalent survival relative to total mastectomy while preserving satisfactory breast form and function. Small tumor-to-breast-volume ratios and favorable tumor locations represent critical features that facilitate satisfactory cosmetic results. Depending upon the definition used, between 20% to 30% of patients who undergo traditional BCT suffer unacceptable deformities (9). These are typically characterized by volume asymmetry, skin deficiency, contour deformities, and/or nipple-areolar complex (NAC) malposition (10). Secondary correction of these defects may be challenging due to radiation-associated fibrosis and vascular injury (10).
The emergence of oncoplastic breast reconstruction performed immediately at the time of segmental mastectomy or prior to initiation of radiotherapy represents a powerful approach that aims to preemptively mitigate these undesirable sequelae by either remolding the breast tissue remnant into a favorable shape and size or replacement of the excision volume with locoregional tissue (11,12). At the same time, the oncologic principles of BCT should remain uncompromised; these include margin-negative local tumor clearance and avoidance of complications that compromise timely delivery of adjuvant therapies. In this manner, oncoplastic breast reconstruction offers the potential to expand applications of BCS beyond its traditional indications, to include patients with large tumor-to-breast-volume ratios, multicentric or multifocal disease, diffuse microcalcifications, and previously positive segmental resection margins (13-15).
The American Society of Breast Surgeons defines oncoplastic breast reconstruction as “a form of breast-conservation surgery that includes oncologic resection with a partial mastectomy, ipsilateral reconstruction using volume displacement or volume replacement techniques with possible contralateral symmetry surgery when appropriate” (11). This review provides a comprehensive discussion of preoperative considerations, technical procedures, and outcomes to support the safety and effectiveness associated with immediate oncoplastic breast reconstruction as part of BCT for the treatment of patients with breast cancer.
Preoperative considerations
Preoperative assessment to determine the suitability of oncoplastic reconstruction and BCT should take into consideration a number of patient- and tumor-related variables. Estimated size, focality, and location of the primary lesion and any associated radiographic abnormality should be understood, along with tumor proximity to the nipple areolar complex. The upper inner quadrant is typically less forgiving cosmetically, and reconstruction of defects in this position may require more extensive rearrangement (16). Central, subareolar tumors occasionally require sacrifice of the NAC; even with oncologic preservation, the resultant resection cavity often undermines the NAC and therefore limits the vascularity to support safe NAC repositioning. For tumors with close proximity to the skin, any possibility of oncologic or ischemic skin loss should be anticipated. The tumor-to-breast-volume ratio should be evaluated within the context of patient expectations regarding desired breast size to determine feasibility and approach.
Baseline comorbidities that may compromise wound healing, including smoking, steroid use, diabetes, and morbid obesity, should be noted in order to minimize subsequent delayed healing and potential interference with adjuvant treatment. Avoidance of surgical maneuvers involving extensive undermining, thinned skin flaps, excessive tension, triple-point closure, and substantial NAC repositioning may be desirable. Examination should note breast size, skin quality, ptosis, previous scars, and asymmetry. Coordinated incision planning with the ablative surgeon will optimize both oncologic and cosmetic outcomes.
Techniques of oncoplastic breast reconstruction
Volume displacement techniques
Volume displacement techniques make use of the remnant breast tissue after segmental resection to restore aesthetic breast forms (17,18). Reduction in the size of the overall breast is requisite to varying degrees, and the amount of remaining native breast tissue inherently limits the size of the eventual reconstructed breast. Patient expectations should be adequately addressed. Recent efforts to standardize the definitions of oncoplastic volume displacement procedures have resulted in classification based on the amount of native tissue removed during segmental mastectomy (11,19).
Level 1 volume displacement procedures
Reconstruction of defects that result from removal of less than 20% of the native breast tissue in women with small to moderate breast size are typically performed using Level 1 volume displacement procedures (11). Small tumors arising from the background of ample native breast tissue are amenable to limited rearrangement of local parenchymal tissue to fill the resultant cavity. These techniques typically involve mobilization of leading edges of the cavity walls by some degree of subcutaneous undermining and elevation from the pectoralis fascia with or without back cuts (20). The parenchymal flaps are then sutured into position. Care should be taken to avoid tethering or distortion of the NAC.
A variety of incision locations may provide suitable access for concomitant segmental resection and adjacent tissue transfer. Periareolar incisions that encompass varying lengths along the NAC circumference are common. These incisions may be modified with small lateral radial extensions, lateral wedge skin excisions, and/or superior crescentic skin excisions to achieve limited NAC suspension. Crescent and doughnut mastopexies both fall into this category (20).
For tumors that are more peripherally-located relative to the NAC, periareolar access may require excessive undermining to reach the oncologic site. In these cases, curvilinear incisions that parallel the curve of the NAC may be placed directly overlying the site of concern. Inframammary fold incisions may be used to approach lower pole tumors. Finally, the axillary sentinel node incision may provide access to upper outer quadrant lesions. In general, incisions over the upper inner quadrant should be avoided if possible to limit visibility.
For larger parenchymal defects, application of the round block technique may be considered (21,22). This approach makes use of two concentric circular incisions around the NAC followed by subcutaneous undermining that may be extended throughout the breast envelope circumferentially to maximize access if necessary. After appropriate excision, parenchymal flaps are then developed using partial undermining over the pectoralis fascia and used to collapse the resultant cavity. The NAC remains attached to the central parenchymal mound and thus remains vascularized.
Level 2 volume displacement procedures
Reconstruction of defects that result from removal of between 20% to 50% of the native breast tissue may be addressed using Level 2 volume displacement procedures, especially in women with moderate to large size breasts (11). For patients with macromastia or ptosis, application of reduction-mastopexy techniques in the oncoplastic setting offers potent tools to address larger resection defects while concomitantly improving breast shape and size (23,24). The substantial parenchymal rearrangement allows for complete defect obliteration while removing skin excess and repositioning of the NAC into a more favorable location. With proper understanding of anatomic breast aesthetics and tissue perfusion, a number of combinations of skin excision patterns and dermatoglandular pedicles to support NAC vascularity may be exercised in order to address tumors in all breast quadrants.
The Wise skin excision pattern is a popular technique that provides skin reduction of the dissociated skin envelope and remolding of the internal parenchyma with elevation of the NAC on the final breast mound (23,25,26) (Figure 1). The pattern may be combined with any number of dermatoglandular pedicle designs that both supply the NAC and fill the defect. Inferior, superomedial, medial, central mound, and lateral pedicles represent possible options, selection of which should be dictated primarily by tumor location and secondarily by baseline breast dimensions. Closure of the Wise pattern incisions results in an inverted “T” configuration; care should be taken to avoid excessive tension at the three-point “T”-junction as this site is susceptible to ischemia and delayed healing.
When skin excess and ptosis severity are limited, circumvertical short scar mastopexy techniques avoid the creation of a T-junction (17,23) (Figure 2). This method creates breast reshaping using vertical parenchymal pillars that provide durable support of the glandular mound without relying on the elastic outer skin envelope to provide the aesthetic breast shape. The circumvertical mastopexy pattern typically relies on a superomedial, superior, or medial pedicle. Tumors located in these positions require cautious pedicle design. Durability, short scar length, and improved wound healing represent potential advantages over the more traditional Wise pattern technique.
Patients who smoke or otherwise carry risk factors for adverse post-surgical healing such as diabetes mellitus, steroid use, etc., should be carefully screened when considering oncoplastic reduction-mastopexy. Necrosis of the NAC is a rare but material complication. Delayed healing at the T-junction requires diligent observation and prompt intervention if indicated to avoid delay of adjuvant treatments. The timing of contralateral symmetry reduction-mastopexy procedures that are typically necessary should be discussed preoperatively. Performing these procedures concomitantly with the oncoplastic reconstruction can obviate the need for secondary surgical procedures, but requires estimation of post-radiation changes of the affected breast to optimize eventual symmetry.
Volume replacement techniques
The ability to replace the resected parenchymal volume using the addition of vascularized locoregional tissue further augments the range of potential cases amenable to BCT (27-31). While some of these flaps rely upon random-pattern blood supply, contemporary familiarity with perforator dissection techniques has facilitated a number of axial-pattern and islandized locoregional flaps within the posterolateral thorax that optimize flap reach, inset, vascularity, and donor site morbidity. These flaps also offer the possibility for replacement of cutaneous defects.
Thoracoepigastric flap
The adipocutaneous tissue within the thoracoepigastric region immediately below the inframammary fold can provide tissue replacement for lower pole resection defects (31,32). The thoracoepigastric flap may be based anteriorly or posteriorly, and its width is limited by the tissue laxity to allow for primary closure along the inframammary fold. The anteriorly-based flap is supported by the anterior intercostal artery perforators, while the lateral intercostal and lateral thoracic artery branches sustain the posteriorly-based flap. Flap inset may be limited by the typical preservation of the proximal skin bridge, and the inframammary fold position is displaced inferiorly.
Lateral intercostal artery perforator flap
The lateral intercostal artery perforators originating from the fifth, sixth, or seventh interspaces may sustain robust blood supply to this flap (31,33). The vessels arise 2–3 cm posterior to the lateral border of the pectoralis. The associated angiosome corresponds well with the transversely-oriented adipocutaneous excess over the lateral chest which is often present adjacent to the lateral breast border. Once the perforator is identified and fully dissected, the flap is islandized, thus generating great degrees of freedom of motion that facilitate transposition into the defect via a developed tunnel. Lateral to central defects are suitable for this application (34) (Figure 3).
Lateral thoracic artery perforator flap
The lateral thoracic artery originates from the axillary artery and descends along the lateral border of the pectoralis muscle. Muscular and terminal branches supply the pectoralis and serratus anterior. Cutaneous branches also arise at the third and fourth interspaces, slightly further cephalad and anterior to the position of the lateral intercostal artery perforators. Dissected fully proximally, the pedicle provides a wide arc of rotation to reach central and lateral defects (35).
Thoracodorsal artery perforator and latissimus flaps
A branch of the subscapular artery, the thoracodorsal artery supplies the latissimus dorsi muscle via an anterior descending branch and a posterior transverse branch coursing along the deep surface of the muscle (36). From the anterior branch beginning at approximately 6 to 8 cm from the vessel origin, a number of musculocutaneous perforators arise upon which fasciocutaneous flaps may be based (36). Alternatively, a partial muscle-sparing pedicled flap may be designed centered on the anterior branch. These variations relying upon the thoracodorsal pedicle provide additional locoregional options for partial breast reconstruction (37).
Traditionally, use of the total latissimus muscle or myocutaneous flap for partial breast reconstruction after BCS has been reserved for correction of secondary post-radiation deformities. However, immediate latissimus flap reconstruction for large-volume defects after partial mastectomy has also been described (38). Use of flaps based on the thoracodorsal vascular system in the setting of BCT should be carefully weighed against the potential need for use of the latissimus flap for whole breast reconstruction in the event of subsequent local recurrence and/or need for mastectomy.
In summary, locoregional flaps of the posterolateral thorax may be considered in the following scenarios:
- High ratio of tumor-to-native breast size;
- Outer quadrant tumors;
- Central tumors not amenable to oncoplastic mastopexy techniques;
- Anticipated skin excision.
Complications & delay of adjuvant therapy
Although oncoplastic reconstruction encompasses a heterogenous collection of techniques, to varying extents, the addition of immediate reconstruction procedures at the time of segmental mastectomy introduces the potential of added complications. Satisfactory achievement of the therapeutic goals of BCT mandates avoidance of complications associated with immediate oncoplastic reconstruction that may interfere with timely initiation of adjuvant therapies.
While randomized controlled studies are lacking, retrospective cohort analyses comparing BCS alone with BCS with immediate oncoplastic reconstruction have generally demonstrated acceptable morbidity profiles (39,40). Reported overall complication rates following oncoplastic surgery range from 8.9% to 24.6% depending upon definitions; these estimates compare favorably with historical values associated with BCS alone (39). In one of the largest published single-institution series of immediate oncoplastic reconstruction to-date, including 2,258 cases of BCS alone and 939 cases of BCS with immediate reconstruction, Carter et al. observed significantly higher risk of seroma formation after BCS-only treatment (18% versus 13.4%, P=0.0016), while BCS with reconstruction was associated with greater likelihood of delayed wound healing (4.8% versus 1.4%, P<0.001). Infection rates were equivalent between the two cohorts (4.1% without reconstruction versus 4.4% with reconstruction, P=0.61). Despite the slight increase in wound-related complications, the majority of such cases were mild with few requiring reoperative intervention or delay of adjuvant therapies (41).
Khan et al. evaluated 169 breast cancer patients who required adjuvant chemotherapy following BCS alone, BCS with oncoplastic reconstruction, mastectomy alone, or mastectomy with reconstruction. No significant difference in the median number of days to initiation of chemotherapy was observed (BCS alone 29.5 days, BCS with oncoplastic reconstruction 29 days, mastectomy alone 29 days, mastectomy with reconstruction 31 days) (42). Kelemen et al. reported a single-center retrospective experience involving 378 patients who received oncoplastic breast reconstruction and 378 randomly selected patients who underwent conventional BCS without oncoplastic reconstruction within the same study period. In the oncoplastic group, the minor and major complication rates were 3.1% and 2.6%, respectively. Amongst the conventional BCS group, minor and major complication rates were 3.1% and 3.4%, respectively. Median time to initiation of adjuvant treatment was 4.2 weeks for the oncoplastic group and 4.1 weeks in the conventional BCS cohort. These results were all statistically similar (43).
In a meta-analysis by Losken et al. including ten studies and 1,773 oncoplastic reductions, 1,392 oncoplastic flap reconstructions, and 5,494 BCS-alone patients, the pooled complication rates were 16% for reduction, 14% for flap reconstruction, and 25.9% in the BCS-alone patients. The authors indicate that there were no reported cases of delay in adjuvant therapies as a result of postoperative complications (39). However, a more recent study from the same group reported their institutional experience with 118 cases of oncoplastic reduction, of which 22% experienced complications including cellulitis, delayed healing, seroma, and dehiscence. The median time to radiation was significantly higher amongst patients who had complications (74 versus 54 days, P<0.001) (44).
Variable definitions in acceptable intervals to initiation of adjuvant treatment after BCS cloud meaningful interpretation of scant cases of delay reported in the literature (45,46). Even if overall likelihood is low, every effort should be made to avoid wound healing morbidity and consequent treatment delays by using appropriate patient selection and technical precaution.
Margins
Margin clearance is a critical component of effective BCT, as higher local recurrence rates are associated with positive margins after BCS (47). Numerous studies have examined the issue of resection margins as related to oncoplastic breast reconstruction. A systematic review by De La Cruz et al. found eleven studies including specific margin information on 1,455 patients, of whom 9.8% were reported as having positive margins. However, according to recently updated guidelines from the American Society of Breast Surgeons and the Society of Surgical Oncology, positive margins are defined as ink on tumor for invasive breast cancer. For ductal carcinoma in-situ, margins less than 2 mm are considered positive. Using the modified definitions, the rate of margin positivity was 7.8% (40). These estimates compare favorably with historical positive margin rates of 15–47% in standard lumpectomy (40).
Use of oncoplastic techniques in conjunction with BCS has apparent benefits in improved margin clearance compared with BCS alone by removal of larger volumes of breast tissue. In the aforementioned study by Carter et al. at MD Anderson, the positive margin rate was 5.8% for oncoplastic reconstruction as opposed to 8.3% for BCS alone (P=0.04) (41). Losken et al. found that the oncoplastic approach was associated with wider negative margins compared with standard BCS (4.3 versus 2.8 mm, P=0.01). Further, re-excisions were less frequent with use of oncoplastic reconstruction (12% versus 25.9%, P=0.01) (48). Across 55 studies and 6,011 patients treated with oncoplastic reconstruction, De La Cruz et al. calculated a weighted mean re-excision rate of 6%, which also compares favorably with historical data associated with standard BCS (40,49,50). In Losken et al.’s meta-analysis, benefits in improved margin clearance using oncoplastic reconstruction translated into significantly lower re-excision rates (2.94% reduction, 5.66% local flaps, 14.6% BCS only, P<0.001). However, oncoplastic reduction was associated with increased likelihood for conversion to mastectomy based on positive margins (7.87% reduction, 4.46% local flaps, 3.79%, P<0.001) (39). This finding may reflect perceived challenges in re-orientation to facilitate re-excision after oncoplastic reduction. Alternatively, larger excision volumes typically associated with oncoplastic reduction may preclude further attempts at breast conservation with persistently positive margins. Predictors of positive margins following oncoplastic breast reconstruction include higher-grade tumors, invasive lobular carcinoma, larger tumor size, and tumor stage (51).
Surveillance
A potential concern regarding the safety of oncoplastic breast surgery is disruption of normal residual breast parenchyma that may in turn lead to radiographic abnormalities, interfering with reliable future surveillance in breast cancer patients. In a study of postoperative mammograms over 5 years in 17 patients who underwent oncoplastic reduction and 17 patients who completed segmental mastectomy only, Losken et al. observed a trend towards longer time to mammographic stabilization amongst the reduction cohort (25.6 versus 21.2 months). Similarly, trends toward greater numbers of postoperative mammograms and ultrasounds were demonstrated. In turn, the rate of tissue sampling in the oncoplastic group was significantly higher than in the segmental only group (53% versus 18%) (52). These findings are corroborated by a study by Dolan et al. that shows significantly more frequent ultrasounds and biopsies after oncoplastic reconstruction compared with BCS alone (53).
A larger study by Piper et al. offers contrasting results. In an age-matched analysis of 49 cases of oncoplastic reduction and 49 cases of segmental resection alone, review of mammography reports at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years after surgery showed that most patients had benign postoperative changes such as fat necrosis and calcifications, but radiologists were able to discern between these and more concerning abnormal mammographic findings as evidenced by equivalent rates of total and positive biopsies in both treatment groups (total biopsy rate 18% segmental mastectomy versus 24% oncoplastic reduction). At 6 months, no difference in abnormal findings between the oncoplastic and the segmental-mastectomy-only groups were found. At 1 year, the oncoplastic cohort exhibited significantly more abnormal findings for which biopsy was recommended. By the 2- and 5-year timepoints, however, the difference in rate of abnormal findings had subsided. Benign calcifications were more common in the reduction group at 1, 2, and 5 years (54).
It is apparent from these studies that postoperative changes may prompt attention after BCS with or without substantial tissue arrangements; with the passage of time, stabilization typically occurs. The threshold to perform further workup and/or tissue sampling likely varies by institution, but multi-disciplinary communication and coordination during surveillance will optimize management strategies should concern for radiographic abnormalities arise.
Local recurrence
The reported range of local recurrence following oncoplastic reconstruction within the BCT paradigm is 2–6.8% (39). The addition of oncoplastic reconstruction to BCS is not associated with higher risk of local recurrence compared with conventional BCS. The study by Carter et al. showed that, adjusted for age, nodal stage, grade, margin status, lymphovascular invasion, hormone receptor status, and adjuvant radiation, BCS with oncoplastic reconstruction was associated with equivalent recurrence-free survival compared with BCS alone. Three-year recurrence-free survival was likewise statistically similar (BCS with oncoplastic 94.6% versus BCS only 96.1%) (41). Multiple additional studies corroborate these findings (43,55,56).
What remains unclear, however, is whether the wider margin benefits attributed to the oncoplastic approach has the potential to translate into lower local recurrence rates than traditional BCS when combined with appropriate adjuvant therapies. To date, there is no definitive data to support this theoretical advantage. In an analysis of 980 patients, of whom 104 underwent oncoplastic breast conserving surgery, 558 conventional BCS, and 318 mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, five-year local recurrence rates were statistically equivalent amongst all three groups (oncoplastic 2%, BCS only 3.4%, mastectomy 2.6%, P=0.973) (57). A meta-analysis including 13 studies and 15,883 patients (5176 oncoplastic, 10,707 control including standard BCS or mastectomy) demonstrated no significant difference between treatment with oncoplastic surgery and standard BCS/mastectomy (risk ratio 0.861, 95% CI: 0.64–1.16, P=0.296) (58).
Patient-reported outcomes
Contemporary evaluation of the effectiveness of healthcare interventions emphasizes the importance of patient-reported outcomes after treatment. For patients who have undergone BCT, a dedicated module of the validated BREAST-Q measurement tool is available for assessment of domains in satisfaction with breasts, psychosocial well-being, sexual well-being, and physical well-being (59,60). As the oncologic safety of these procedures continue to be affirmed, assessment of the effectiveness of oncoplastic breast reconstruction in the context of BCT using patient-reported outcomes measurement tools represents the next research frontier to further validate the use of these procedures.
Researchers have adopted varying perspectives to meaningful comparison and assessment of quality of life after oncoplastic breast reconstruction. Losken et al. performed a prospective analysis examining preoperative and postoperative quality of life as measured by the BREAST-Q in 353 patients who underwent BCS and oncoplastic reduction mammaplasty. Over one year postoperatively, patient reported significant increase in self-confidence, feelings of attractiveness and emotional health compared with preoperative baseline, indicating evidence of sustained quality of life benefits associated with this treatment paradigm. However, no comparison to alternative cancer treatment strategies was available (24). Such observed quality of life improvements may be attributable to the benefits of reduction mammaplasty performed in patients with macromastia, but this theoretical advantage is not definitively proven. Di Miccio et al. compared 87 cases of BCS alone with 32 cases of BCS with bilateral reduction in patients with macromastia and early stage breast cancer. Although no statistically-significant benefit with reduction mammaplasty was found, there was a trend towards improved satisfaction with the breast amongst the reconstruction cohort (61).
Ojala et al. surveyed 293 patients who underwent BCS alone and 86 who received oncoplastic treatment using the Breast Cancer Treatment Outcome Scale for assessment of aesthetic outcome. Patients in the oncoplastic cohort had significantly larger cancers, greater likelihood of multifocal tumors, bigger resection specimens, and frequency of node-positive disease. Aesthetic results were better in the BCS-only patients, likely reflecting the more aggressive disease profile in the oncoplastic group. After adjustment, multifocality remained a predictor of poor aesthetic outcome for patients with BCS alone, but was not associated with adverse aesthetic result in the oncoplastic cohort (62).
Kelemen et al. evaluated 350 cases of oncoplastic reconstruction and 350 cases of conventional BCS using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer- Quality of Life Questionnaire. At one year after surgery, patients treated with oncoplastic reconstruction reported significantly better quality of life outcomes including emotional and social functioning and body image compared with those following conventional BCS (43).
Using the Danish Breast Cancer Cooperative Group registry, Rose et al. compared quality of life outcomes as measured by the BREAST-Q BCT postoperative module amongst a cohort of 200 patients treated with oncoplastic breast reconstruction 1,304 patients with BCS alone. Oncoplastic treatment was associated with a significantly improved psychosocial well-being [odds ratio (OR) 2.15, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.25–3.69] compared with BCS only. While both satisfaction with breast (OR 0.95, 95% CI: 0.57–1.59) and sexual wellbeing (OR 1.42, 95% CI: 0.78–2.58) were similar in both groups, the addition of oncoplastic surgery was not associated with more physical discomfort as measured by reported physical well-being (OR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.50–1.39) (63).
BCT has been shown to confer significant long-term quality of life advantages over mastectomy (64,65). While emerging evidence appears to support benefits associated with the addition of oncoplastic reconstruction to the BCT paradigm, direct comparison of patient-reported outcomes using this approach with results following mastectomy is limited. Kelsall et al. evaluated 286 patients with oncoplastic reconstruction and 281 patients with mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. Patients were matched for age, tumor size, and date of surgery. Overall, oncoplastic reconstruction was associated better body image score, self-rated breast appearance, greater return to work and improved function. Once stratified by breast size, case-matched women with larger breasts treated by the oncoplastic method reported better body image and self-rated breast appearance scores compared with their mastectomy counterparts. No significant difference was observed for women with smaller breasts (66). Overall, long-term follow-up studies including patient-reported measures are necessary.
Conclusions
Surgeons may use a wide variety of oncoplastic techniques for partial breast reconstruction at the time of segmental mastectomy to deliver effective breast conserving treatment for women with breast cancer. A growing body of literature affirms the oncologic safety of this approach. Future directions for research include long-term follow-up data with emphasis on outcomes from patient perspectives.
Acknowledgments
Funding: None.
Footnote
Provenance and Peer Review: This article was commissioned by the Guest Editors (Charles E Butler, Carrie Chu, and Margaret Roubaud) for the series “New Frontiers in Breast Reconstruction” published in Gland Surgery. The article was sent for external peer review organized by the Guest Editors and the editorial office.
Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at http://dx.doi.org/10.21037/gs-20-380). The series “New Frontiers in Breast Reconstruction” was commissioned by the editorial office without any funding or sponsorship. Dr. CKC served as the unpaid Guest Editor of the series. The authors have no other conflicts of interest to declare.
Ethical Statement: The authors are accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.
Open Access Statement: This is an Open Access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0), which permits the non-commercial replication and distribution of the article with the strict proviso that no changes or edits are made and the original work is properly cited (including links to both the formal publication through the relevant DOI and the license). See: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/.
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