Application of downward wrapping method for implant placement in
single-port access laparoscopic breast reconstruction through the
axillary approach
Abstract
Objective: To explore the application of the downward flap
patch technique in single-port axillary endoscopic breast reconstruction
with implants. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted
on the clinical data of patients who underwent single-port axillary
endoscopic breast cancer radical resection with implant-based
reconstruction at the Department of Oncology Surgery, Ningxia Medical
University General Hospital from August 2020 to March 2023. The
patients’ postoperative drainage volume, early complications, and breast
reconstruction satisfaction were analyzed using the BREAST-Q
questionnaire. Results: The average total drainage volume was
235 ml on the second day after surgery. A total of 8 patients (15.38%)
experienced complications, including 7 cases of incision infection, 5
cases of incision dehiscence, and 2 cases of flap necrosis. There were
also 2 cases of local flap ischemic necrosis. Seven patients had wound
infections, including 3 cases of simple infection, 2 cases of flap
necrosis, and 2 cases of combined incision dehiscence. All 52 patients
completed the 3-month follow-up without any loss to follow-up. During
the follow-up period, no adverse events such as recurrence, metastasis,
or death occurred in any of the patients. The BREAST-Q scores of
patients who experienced complications were significantly lower than
those who did not. Patients with higher postoperative drainage volumes
were more likely to develop wound infections. The incidence of flap
necrosis and incision dehiscence was not related to postoperative
compression dressing or TNM staging, while the incidence of wound
infection was related to compression dressing and regional lymph node
metastasis. The breast reconstruction satisfaction score was not related
to TNM staging. Conclusion: Single-port axillary endoscopic
breast cancer radical resection with implant-based reconstruction
achieved good results in breast cancer treatment and shaping. The
downward flap patch technique is simple to operate, has good implant
coverage, and can achieve good breast reconstruction satisfaction.