Single Incision for Quadrantectomy and Laparoscopic Axillary Lymph Node Dissection in the Treatment of Early Breast Cancer: Initial Experience of 5 Cases

Abstract

Abstract

Purpose:

Quadrantectomy with multiple-incision laparoscopic axillary clearance for the treatment of early breast cancer is already well established. With the aim of reducing the axillary scar, we shared our 5 cases to demonstrate the safety and feasibility of quadrantectomy with laparoscopic axillary clearance through a single incision.

Patients and Methods:

From May 2010 to January 2013, single-incision quadrantectomy and laparoscopic axillary clearance were performed on 5 patients with early breast cancer by using conventional laparoscopic instruments. Surgical techniques and short-term outcomes were summarized and analyzed retrospectively.

Results:

All the operations were successful with operative duration of 85–120 minutes, intraoperative blood loss of 20–50 mL, and hospital stay of 4–6 days. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were recorded. The incision wound healed uneventfully, with no scar in the axillary fossa.

Conclusions:

The combination of single-incision quadrantectomy and laparoscopic axillary clearance in the treatment of early breast cancer appears to be a technically safe and feasible alternative to the standard laparoscopic procedure and can be performed using conventional laparoscopic instruments.