Journal Article

Dermoglandular Rotation Flaps for Breast-Conserving Therapy: Aesthetic Results, Patient Satisfaction, and Morbidity in Comparison to Standard Segmentectomy

Henseler, Helga, Soergel, Philipp, Makowski, Lars, Schelcher, Sophia, Hillemanns, Peter, Wojcinski, Sebastian, Kundu, Sudip, Vaske, Bernhard, Hille-Betz, Ursula

2014

Overview

We compared a dermoglandular rotation flap (DGR) in the upper inner, lower inner, and upper outer quadrant regarding similar aesthetic results, patient satisfaction, and comfort after breast-conserving therapy with standard segmentectomy (SE). Between 2003 and 2011, 69 patients were treated with breast-conserving surgery using DGR for cancers with high tumor-to-breast volume ratios or skin resection in the three above mentioned quadrants; 161 patients with tumors in the same quadrants were treated with SE. The outcome of the procedures was assessed at least 7 months after completed radiation therapy using a patient and breast surgeon questionnaire and the BCCT.core software. Symmetry, visibility of the scars, the position of the nipple-areola complex, and the appearance of the treated breast were each assessed on a scale from 1 to 4 by an expert panel and by the patients. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to evaluate the relationship between patient-, tumor-, and treatment-dependent factors and patient satisfaction. 94.2% of the patients with rotation flaps and 83.5% of the patients with lumpectomy were very satisfied with the cosmetic appearance of their breast. Younger patient age was significantly associated with a lower degree of satisfaction. DGR provides good cosmetic results compared with SE and shows high patient satisfaction despite longer scarring and higher median resection volume.

• Publisher: Hindawi Limiteds,Hindawi Publishing Corporation,John Wiley & Sons, Inc,Wiley
• Subject: Analysis / Breast cancer / Care and treatment / Health aspects / Lumpectomy / Patient outcomes / Patient satisfaction / Psychological aspects