Background: Since 2004 in the Department of Oncological Integrated Surgery at the National Institute for Cancer Research of Genoa, we have applied different techniques of reduction mammaplasty for a subgroup of 26 patients with medium- to large-sized and ptotic breasts who are candidates for conservative surgery.
Methods: In this series of patients, the choice between different techniques of breast reduction (superior or inferior pedicled or with free areola-nipple graft) depended only on cancer position. The chosen technique minimized reshaping and displacement of residual glandular flaps. In September 2009, the radiotherapists at the Institute began to apply intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) to early breast cancer, and at the time of this report, more than 200 patients have been treated.
Results: This report describes two cases of reduction mammaplasty associated with this new and easily performed radiotherapy option (IORT) and discusses its advantages and cautions.
Conclusions: Close collaboration between surgical oncologist, plastic surgeon, and radiotherapist is essential before and during surgery to obtain adequate tumor resection and good aesthetic results and to minimize postoperative complications.