Aim: To evaluate the local dermo-glandular flap as a new reconstructive oncoplastic technique after removal of central malignant tumors of the breast, in terms of patient satisfaction and local recurrence.
Patients and methods: This study included 60 females with centrally located breast cancer who underwent central quadrantectomy and local dermo-glandular flap with either sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary clearance.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 49.68 ± 8.52 years. The duration of the operation ranged from 68-105 minutes, with a mean of 79.77 ± 9.41 minutes. Local recurrence was observed in three patients (5.00%) with no distant metastasis. Forty-seven patients (78.33%) reported satisfaction after the operation. Ugly scarring and the existence of tissue defects were the main factors affecting patient satisfaction. Correction of these complications increased overall satisfaction to 88.33%.
Conclusions: For small- and medium-sized breasts, the use of a local dermo-glandular flap for the management of centrally located malignant tumors seems to be a simple and easy technique with good oncological outcomes and acceptable few minor complications. This technique offers an immediate reconstruction of a new areola with fewer scars that will be hidden later after areola tattooing. Most of the patients reported satisfaction three months after areola reconstruction.
Keywords: Breast cancer; conservative breast surgery; dermo-glandular flap.