Robot-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction with gel implant and latissimus dorsi muscle flap: Our initial experience

Int J Med Robot. 2023 Oct;19(5):e2528. doi: 10.1002/rcs.2528. Epub 2023 May 17.

Abstract

Background: This study reports the preliminary results of da Vinci robot XI robot-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy immediate breast reconstruction (R-NSMIBR) with gel implant and latissimus dorsi muscle flap.

Methods: A total of 15 patients who underwent R-NSMIBR with gel implant and latissimus dorsi muscle flap surgery for breast cancer between September 2022 and November 2022 were evaluated.

Results: Mean total operative time for R-NSMIBR was 361.9 ± 77.0 min. As the learning curve increased, the robot arm docking time decreased rapidly from the initial 25-10 min. Average total blood loss was 27.8 ± 10.7 mL and posterior surgical margin positivity rate was 0%. Perioperative complications and local recurrences or deaths were not observed at a mean follow-up of 3 ± 1 month 15 patients were satisfied with postoperative aesthetic results.

Conclusions: R-NSMIBR with a gel implant and latissimus dorsi muscle flap could be a new therapeutic option for breast reconstruction.

Keywords: breast cancer; breast reconstruction; gel implant; latissimus dorsi muscle flap; robot.

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mammaplasty* / methods
  • Mastectomy / methods
  • Nipples / surgery
  • Robotics*
  • Superficial Back Muscles* / surgery