Transaxillary endoscopic partial mastectomy for comparatively early-stage breast cancer. An early experience.

For optimal cosmetic results in breast cancer surgery, we developed an alternative operation using endoscopy to remove tumors through a small single incision remote from the breast itself. The tumor is endoscopically resected with electrocautery and low constant suction through a short incision in the axilla, 5 cm long, after which axillary dissection is performed through the same wound in the usual manner, under visualization by the naked eye. Primary reconstruction of the breast is performed with the remaining mammary gland and a subcutaneous fat flap on the serratus muscle. Seven patients underwent this surgery. The postoperative shape of the breasts was judged to be cosmetically satisfactory, and the surgical wounds were not visible from the front in all cases. This operation has the same therapeutic oncological effect as a standard lumpectomy and, in addition, offers a greater cosmetic advantage in cases of early breast cancer.