Oncoplastic Breast Surgery: A Guide to Clinical Practice

The initial idea to write a book on oncoplastic techniques was raised through a meeting on breast cancer treatment in Saalfelden, A- tria two years ago. Contrary to the rather minor role breast surgery is conceded today compared to other treatment modalities the s- geons role on the further outcome of the disease is crucial and never compensated by radiation or adjuvant therapy. Whereas surgery a decade ago was merely excision of the cancer and closure of the wound leaving behind a mutilated breast in many women, the advent of oncoplastic surgery completely changed the modern surgical approach to breast cancer. The concept of oncoplastic breast surgery combines oncologic - mor resection - either breast conservation or mastectomy - with t- ditional or less traditional plastic surgical techniques. The primary goal is to achieve an optimal cosmetic result with long time local tumor control. Some (non – randomized) studies available in patients following breast conservation oncoplastic surgery showed tumor resection to be associated with wider free margins, less patients needing re-operation surgery for involved or close margins, a widening of the indications for breast conser- tion surgery, a low complication rate and at least an equal local recurrence rate. There is no doubt that oncoplastic breast surgery experienced a r- id rise with more patients demanding this kind of surgery. However, a profound knowledge of the different oncoplastic techniques is - sential for the outcome.

This teaching atlas is designed for breast surgeons specialized in breast cancer therapy including general surgeons, gynecologists and plastic/reconstructive surgeons. It contains more than 400 high quality photos and illustrations and step-by-step lectures from experienced and well known surgeons in Europe and the US. Its first part presents reviews about the most important and recent published articles regarding breast conserving therapy and oncoplastic surgery. The second part focuses on special operation techniques to improve the cosmetic outcome after breast conserving surgery and mastectomy using small parenchyma flaps, breast reduction techniques and pedicled or free flaps. The text highlights indications, contraindications and preoperative drawings of more than 15 different techniques.