Value of an intraoperative real time tissue perfusion assessment system following a nipple-sparing radical mastectomy for advanced breast cancer

INTRODUCTION

Standard surgical approach for advanced breast cancer is a modified radical mastectomy with a periareolar elliptical incision. Here a unique surgical approach is presented utilizing intraoperative real time tissue perfusion technology.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 65-year old African American female was diagnosed with grade 3 papillary carcinoma on biopsy of a palpable 3.7 cm left breast mass at 12 o’clock position. Pathology showed a T2N0M0 invasive ductal carcinoma, triple negative disease, with clear margins. Patient opted for naturopathic treatment. Six months later, cancer recurred at the local site; the patient persisted with natural remedies. Nine months later, the mass had progressed to 14.5 cm with smaller adjacent nodules and nodular thickening of breast with no metastatic disease. Patient received neoadjuvant chemoradiation. Ten months later, patient underwent a nipple-sparing radical mastectomy given the persistent pectoral muscle involvement of this mass.

DISCUSSION

An elliptical incision was made in the superior aspect of the breast wall at least 6 cm above the areola. After tumor removal, the skin edges were approximated. It was decided preoperatively to use the SPY Elite™ system to assess perfusion of the flap edges. Angiography with indocyanine green showed poor perfusion of the inferior flap and an additional 2 cm of skin was resected. Final pathology showed that all margins were clear of disease and patient recovered well from surgery.

CONCLUSION

This case study shows that an individualized approach resulted in an optimal outcome for the patient. The infrequent procedure of a nipple-sparing radical mastectomy was done in coordination with SPY Elite™ to achieve good wound healing.