Minimally Invasive Surgery in Breast Reconstruction: The Past and Future

Abstract

Restoring breast aesthetics and minimizing morbidity while providing excellent oncologic control has been the driving force in the evolution of both breast cancer and breast reconstructive surgery. This chapter will discuss recent developments using minimally invasive techniques to further move the needle towards even better patient outcomes. We outline the technical considerations and evidence behind minimally invasive breast reconstructive procedures including laparoscopic deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap harvest, robotic DIEP flap harvest, and robotic latissimus dorsi flap harvest. We also introduce minimally invasive breast cancer surgery including robotic mastectomy. Finally, this chapter discusses future applications of emerging technology and the controversies surrounding the widespread adoption of minimally invasive techniques in breast cancer and breast reconstructive surgery.

The Full Continuum of Robotic Breast Surgery: Robotic-assisted Mastectomy, Robotic DIEP Flap, and Robotic Supermicrosurgery

“…4,5 The field of plastic surgery, however, has taken more time to integrate robotic-assisted surgery into routine procedures. [6][7][8] Robotic-assisted surgery has gained popularity in oncologic and reconstructive breast surgery, with the development of robotic-assisted procedures such as nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM), latissimus dorsi muscle flap harvest, deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction, and microsurgery with arterial and venous anastomosis being done with robotic assistance routinely. 2 With the advancements in the field of robotic plastic surgery, it will soon be possible for patients to undergo an extirpative breast surgery with immediate reconstruction utilizing robotic assistance.…”