Background
In conservative breast surgery, the achievement of a satisfactory cosmetic result could
be challenging; oncoplastic techniques may be helpful in many cases. A comparative analysis was performed
among 3 groups of patients undergoing oncoplastic techniques plus external radiation therapy
or intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) and breast conservative surgery plus external radiation therapy;
long-term oncologic results in terms of disease relapse and aesthetic outcomes were compared.
Methods
Ninety-six patients were considered: 32 patients treated with oncoplastic surgery, 16 then subjected
to radiotherapy (group 1) and another 16 treated with IORT (group 2); 64 patients treated by conservative
surgery and radiotherapy formed the control group (group 3). Patients were asked to give a judgment on the
cosmetic result considering the following parameters: breast symmetry, appearance of the residual scar, symmetry
between the 2 nipple-areola complexes, global aesthetic judgment, and satisfaction about the result.
Results
With respect to the oncological and aesthetic outcome, the statistical significance of the results
obtained in the 3 groups was calculated using the chi-square test. The results, processed by the chisquare
test, were not statistically significant; however, the overall judgments expressed by the patients of
all 3 groups were more than satisfactory (scores greater than or equal to 6).
Conclusions:
In our experience, when the inclusion criteria are satisfied and the equipment is available, oncoplastic
techniques associated with IORT should be considered the treatment of choice for breast cancer in early
stage. The excellent cosmetic results and patient’s satisfaction encourage us to continue on this way. (Plast
Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2015;3:e339; doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000000309; Published online 30 March 2015.)