Robotic Assisted Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy

What is robotic assisted nipple sparing-mastectomy?

A traditional mastectomy is a type of surgery that removes the whole breast tissue . If both breasts are removed, it is called a double mastectomy. The aim is to remove breast tissue in women who have breast cancer or who have a high risk of developing the disease due to a family history or certain genetic mutation. A mastectomy is an effective way to cure cancer and/or to prevent it. When we keep the nipple and skin we call

It Nipple Sparing Mastectomy.

Advanced surgical techniques and new technology mean that today, there are different types of mastectomies available to patients. A robotic assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy allows surgeons to remove all of the breast tissue while sparing the nipple. This advanced surgical technique allows for better preservation of breast blood supply and sensation, minimizes scarring, and allows women to recover physically and emotionally from their cancer journey.

A robotic assisted mastectomy represents one of the most significant breakthroughs in surgical oncology. Using precise robotic technology, a small incision is made under the armpit, preserving nerves and their function around the breast, while allowing for tissue removal and reconstruction in a single procedure. This is in contrast to a traditional mastectomy which requires larger incisions, leading to visible scarring, loss of sensation, and longer recovery period.

When is a robotic mastectomy performed?

Robotic assisted mastectomies are not suitable for all patients and patient selection is critical to planning the surgery. Eligibility will depend on several factors including tumor size, tumor location, patient body size and overall health.

Robotic breast surgery differs significantly from traditional surgical techniques. Surgeons must undergo rigorous, specialized training to perform these procedures.

What are the advantages of a robotic mastectomy?

A robotic mastectomy provides surgeons with enhanced precision, flexibility, and control during complex breast procedures. Robotic surgery does not replace the role of the surgeon but acts to enhance their skills and aids them during the surgery. A surgeon controls very precise instruments via robotic arms, which are guided by a console and a camera, allowing automated surgery to be performed through much smaller incisions. The camera offers highly magnified, 3D images on a high definition monitor with a more detailed image than the naked eye could provide.

The minimally invasive techniques that robotic mastectomies offer not only improve recovery and outcomes for patients undergoing breast surgery, they also support improved aesthetics and patient experience. Making just a small incision under the armpit, the procedure preserves nerves and their function around the breast and allows for tissue removal and reconstruction in a single procedure. The procedure is nipple-sparing and breast shapes can be restored with immediate implant-based breast reconstruction, providing both physical and emotional benefits.

What are the benefits of robotic breast surgery?

• Enhanced precision: Robotic systems allow surgeons to operate with finer accuracy and control, which is critical when working with breast tissue. More precision can minimize tissue trauma, leading to better aesthetic outcomes and more effective cancer resection.
• Less complications: The quality of the skin flap and blood supply are improved, which decreases the risk of skin/nipple necrosis and complications.
• Smaller incisions: Smaller surgical incisions allow nerves around the breast, and their function, to be preserved.
• Reduced scarring: With smaller incisions, robotic breast surgery reduces visible scarring and improves aesthetic results.
• Reduced recovery time: Minimally invasive approaches are associated with less pain and recover faster times. The risk of infection is also lowered, and hospital stays are shorter, allowing patients to return to daily life sooner.
• Improved aesthetics and sensation: The procedure allows for immediate implant reconstruction. It is nipple-sparing and breast shapes are restored, providing aesthetic and emotional benefits due to improved appearance and sensation of the skin.

Robotic breast surgery is transforming breast cancer care, offering patients minimally invasive, precise procedures with improved cosmetic and recovery outcomes. It is important to remember that the procedure is not suitable for all patients. Always discuss all available treatment options with your breast oncology team.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is the first center in the UAE to perform a robotic mastectomy, supporting efforts to reduce the burden of breast cancer on patients. Learn more.