Risk reducing-mastectomy. Experience of the Hospital Universitario Austral Breast Center

Abstract

Background: The number of risk-reducing mastectomies (RRM) has increased over the past years as genetic testing has become more readily available.
Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the experience of our institution with RRM.
Material and methods: The analysis included healthy patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral RRM and those with a history of breast cancer who underwent contralateral RRM. Patients with mastectomies performed as treatment of breast cancer were not considered, but those with contralateral mastectomies were included.
Results: Seventy RRM were performed in 49 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria for the analysis. Mean age was 44 years (range: 34-64). The nipple-areola complex was preserved in 60 cases. In 50 cases, a prosthesis was implanted for breast reconstruction during the same procedure. The breast was approach through a radial incision in the upper outer quadrant in 57 patients. Fifty-seven patients did not present complications, and in the rest of the cases the implant failed in only one (1.4%) case.
An occult breast cancer was detected in only one patient. During follow-up, one patient developed a small carcinoma in the operated breast.
Conclusion: RRM is a valid and safe option for women at high risk for breast cancer, since it significantly reduces the probability of developing the disease, with good aesthetic results and a high level of patient satisfaction.