Endoscopic resection of benign breast tumors via a single axillary incision using the insufflation method: a preliminary summary report.

UNLABELLED

Conventional benign tumor excision leaves scars on the skin surface of the breast, which is unacceptable for young patients. The feasibility and clinical results of endoscopic resection of benign breast tumors through a single axillary incision via an inflatable method were evaluated.

METHODS

Clinicopathological data from 62 patients who underwent this procedure from June 2022 to July 2023 were retrospectively collected. The surgical success rate, number of tumors excised, operative time, intraoperative conditions, postoperative complications, and clinical outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 144 benign tumors were resected, and the surgical success rate was 100% (62/62). The time required to resect tumors located in the inner quadrant with larger diameters was shorter than the time to resect tumors located in the outer quadrant with smaller tumors. Sixty-two patients experienced reduced intraoperative bleeding and did not experience skin burns, incision infections, or poor healing. However, all patients experienced varying degrees of subcutaneous emphysema during the postoperative period. Fourteen patients experienced minor local effusions, and 3 patients experienced mild upper limb dysfunction, which resolved within one month. During the six-month follow-up period, there were no cases of tumor recurrence or new tumors. The ABNSW score was above 14 points, and patient satisfaction was high.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic resection of benign breast tumors through a single incision in the axilla via the inflatable method could quickly remove lesions larger than 3.0 cm. This method also results in hidden scars and good cosmetic effects on the shape of the breast. This is a new and effective treatment for benign breast tumors.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This retrospective study was registered in the National Medical Research Registry filing system ( https://www.medicalresearch.org.cn ) (No. MR-44-22-007981) and recorded in the Medical Research Division of our hospital (No. NYXJS-22-021).