Introduction
Breast conserving surgery (BCS) has a postoperative morbidity up to 30%. We report the feasibility of a single‐incision approach for tumor excision and axillary sentinel node biopsy (SNB) sampling intended to minimize patient morbidity and complications.
Materials and Methods
A tertiary surgical oncology single surgeon database was retrospectively reviewed for all patients undergoing BCS and SNB between January 2013 and December 2015. The single‐incision approach used a single breast incision to resect the tumor and the Lymphazurin‐tagged SNB. The multi‐incision group used a breast incision and a separate axillary incision.
Results
The single‐incision approach was associated with shorter operative time (56 vs 64 minutes, P = 0.026). Sentinel node retrieval was achieved in 100% in both groups. The single‐incision technique was used primarily in the upper outer quadrant (N = 41, 85.4%), but was also selectively applied in other quadrants (N = 5). There was no significant difference in complication rates between the two procedures (P = 0.425), and there were no instances of conversion from single‐incision to standard BCS‐SNB.
Conclusions
Minimally invasive breast conserving surgery is feasible for patients with early breast cancer located in the upper outer quadrants. This technique may reduce postoperative morbidity and improved cosmetic result.