ASO Author Reflections: Oncologic Outcome of Endoscopic-Assisted Breast Surgery Compared with the Conventional Approach in Breast Cancers

Excerpt

Minimal invasive/access surgery has become the mainstream of surgical practice in recent decades. Endoscopic-assisted (or video-assisted) breast surgery (EABS) performed through minimal axillary and/or periareolar incisions has become the representative of minimal invasive/access surgery in breast operations.1 The advantages of EABS are shortening of the operation scar and the scar being hidden in inconspicuous locations, which increased the aesthetic outcome and patients’ satisfaction.1‐4 However, the widespread use of EABS in the management of breast cancer was not supported by some critiques due to the limited space, superficial nature of the breast lesion, and the relatively low morbidity of breast surgery.1 Furthermore, the oncologic safety of EABS, in terms of surgical margin clearance, recurrence and survival, in the management of breast cancer was the major concern for surgeons and patients. Few studies with adequate sample size and comparable disease characteristics of patients for comparison of EABS with conventional breast surgery (CBS) were available for oncologic safety evaluation. …