Background: Robotic latissimus dorsi-flap reconstruction (RLDFR) after skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) for breast cancer (BC) has been performed through a single nipple incision. We report results of SSM with RLDFR, mainly with analysis of feasibility, morbidity, indications, and technique standardization.
Methods: We determined characteristics of patients, previous treatment of BC, and type of reconstruction. Surgical technique, duration of surgery, and complication rate were reported according to three successive periods: P1-3.
Results: Forty RLDFR, with breast implant for 16 patients, with previous breast radiotherapy in 30% had been performed. In logistic regression, factors significantly associated with duration of surgery ≥ 300 min were P2 (OR 0.024, p = 0.004) and P3 (OR 0.012, p = 0.004) versus P1. The median mastectomy weight was 330 g and 460 g for BMI < and ≥ 23.5 (p = 0.025). Length of hospitalization was 4 days. Total complication rate was 20% (8/40): seven breast complications (four re-operations) and one RLDF complication with re-operation. Periods were significantly predictive of complications (p = 0.045).
Conclusion: SSM with RLDFR is feasible, safe, and reproducible. We reported a decrease of duration of surgery, length of post-operative hospitalization, and complication rate.
Keywords: Breast reconstruction; Latissimus dorsi-flap; Robotic surgery.