DOUBLE TRANSPOSITION FLAP IN THE BREAST-C ONSERVING THERAPY OF BREAST-CANCER AS A VERSATILE METHOD OF SEGMENTECTOMY OR QUADRANTECTOMY IN OLDER WOMEN

Objective: In 27 mainly postmenopausal women with breast cancer, quadr antectomy was combined with innovative immediate reconstruction using a double transposition flap. What were our experiences? Methods: Retro spective clinical case evaluation with regard to the complications, op erative risks, and cosmetic results. Results: Although 17 of the 27 ca rcinomas (63%) were larger than 2 cm, good to very good cosmetic resul ts were achieved in 62% (16/26) of the cases. One of the 2 unsatisfact ory cases was caused by partial flap necrosis, and another was the res ult of an incorrect incision. Follow-up surgery was necessary in 3 cas es: secondary mastectomy, secondary suture after partial necrosis, and excision of a cicatricial granuloma. No recurrences were observed. Co nclusions: The operating technique described permits constitution-spec ific and tumor-specific large-volume removals with good preservation o f the shape of the breast. It is particulary suitable for older women, giving also the possibility to avoid irradiation.