Endoscopic extirpation of benign breast tumors using an extramammary approach

Background: Skin incision has been made directly in the breast for treatmen t of benign breast tumor in spite of the young age of the patient populatio n. Methods: Small incisions (12 mm, 5 mm, and 2 mm) were made in the extramamm ary line, and the benign tumors (diagnosed by imaging and aspiration needle cytology) were endoscopically extirpated. Results: The mean age of 36 patients was 27.6 years, and the mean mass size was 3.6 cm (7 masses at maximum). The average operation time per mass was 2.6 hours in the first 18 operations and 1.4 hours in the latter 19 operati ons. Overall blood loss was 19 mt. Postoperative complications were seen in 2 patients: an extended subcutaneous emphysema due to excessive CO, gas in flation and a mild burn, both of which were reversible. All patients were e xtremely satisfied with the cosmetic results of the procedure. Conclusions: Endoscopic removal by the extramammary approach is the best op tion for benign breast tumors considering the patient's age and the excelle nt cosmetic results. (C) 2001 Excerpta Medica, Inc. All rights reserved.