Endoscopic Surgery for Breast Cancer

Abstract

Endoscopic breast surgery was developed originally in JAPAN. This minimally invasive technique for breast cancer has improved the cosmetic shape of breast conserving surgery by reducing the size and changing the position of surgical wounds. Each operative method is classified by the approach. At present, the transaxillary approach, periareola approach, lateral approach, and infra-mammary approach are performed. Complete endoscopic operation and endoscope-assisted surgery are performed with each approach. It is necessary to perform reconstruction in cases with a tumor diameter more than 2 cm. Recently, reconstruction using cellulose and collagen has been performed in our department, and these methods have improved the cosmetic shape after resection. Clinical results demonstrated that endoscopic breast conserving operation exhibited efficacy equivalent to the normal procedure. As a result, if the procedure is performed by an experienced endoscopic surgeon with strict regulations to protect from complications, endoscopic breast surgery can improve the cosmetic shape of breast surgery with keeping on radicality of operation. Furthermore, patients with early breast cancer will benefit by using this technique.