Comparison between endoscope-assisted partial mastectomy with filling of dead space using absorbable mesh and conventional conservative method on cosmetic outcome in patients with stage I or II breast cancer.

Background: Studies comparing cosmetic outcome between conventional conservative method (CCM) and endoscope-assisted partial mastectomy (EAPM) are scarce.

Patients And Methods: A total of 111 patients with stage I or II breast cancer who underwent CCM (n=51) or EAPM (n=60) were reviewed. Evaluation of cosmetic outcome consisted of a 3-level scoring method; breast retraction assessment (0-2), nipple deviation (0-2), atrophy (0-2), skin change (0-2), and scar (0-2). Total scores ≥7 were considered satisfactory. Score 2 was considered satisfactory for analysis by each scoring criterion.

Results: EAPM had a higher rate of satisfactory results compared with CCM (71.7% vs. 52.9%; P=0.042), particularly for atrophy (55.0% vs. 29.4%; P=0.007), and scar (55.0% vs. 31.4%; P=0.012) and for location B (70.0% vs. 12.5%; P=0.025).

Conclusions: EAPM is superior to CCM for postoperative cosmetic outcome with respect to atrophy, scar, and lower tumor location.