Minimally Invasive Breast Surgery: A Modern Approach to Safe and Scarless Healing

Breast surgery has evolved significantly with advances in technology and surgical precision. Today, minimally invasive breast surgery is transforming the way breast cancer and other breast conditions are treated.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a globally recognized surgical oncologist in India, is a pioneer in robotic and laparoscopic cancer treatments. At MACS Clinic, he has refined the approach to breast surgery in India, delivering safe, cosmetically superior outcomes for patients.

As Dr. Nayak explains, this advanced technique “achieves the same oncological goals as open surgery but through a much smaller incision, preserving both form and function.”

Minimally invasive breast surgery (also called endoscopic breast surgery) is an advanced procedure performed through small incisions, typically around 3 cm, often hidden in the armpit. Specialized instruments and an endoscopic camera allow the surgeon to view and operate precisely inside the breast tissue.

This technique can be used for breast lump removal, breast cancer excision, or even lymph node sampling from the axilla (armpit). It provides excellent cancer control while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues.

Unlike conventional open procedures that require larger cuts on the breast, minimally invasive methods aim to remove the tumor or affected tissue without visible breast scars, hence often called scarless breast surgery.

Minimally invasive surgery can be adapted for different breast conditions:

• Endoscopic Breast-Conserving Surgery: Removal of the cancerous lump while preserving the rest of the breast.
• Endoscopic Mastectomy: Complete breast removal using endoscopic tools, usually combined with reconstruction.
• Endoscopic Axillary Surgery: Lymph node biopsy or clearance through the same small incision in the armpit.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak emphasizes that the oncological outcomes are as effective as traditional open surgery, but with added patient-centered advantages:

• Scarless healing: The incision is discreetly placed in the armpit, leaving the breast surface unscarred.
• Preserved breast sensation: Minimal tissue disruption helps retain natural sensation.
• Reduced complications: Smaller incisions lower the risk of infection and postoperative pain.
• Faster recovery: Most patients return to routine activities sooner.
• Better cosmetic results: Patients maintain breast shape and symmetry.

These benefits make it a preferred choice for eligible patients seeking both medical safety and aesthetic satisfaction.

Minimally invasive breast surgery is suitable for many individuals, but certain conditions determine eligibility. Ideal candidates include:

• Patients diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer are suitable for breast-conserving surgery.
• Those requiring breast lump removal for benign conditions.
• Individuals with small to moderate tumor sizes relative to breast volume.
• Patients are seeking scarless breast surgery for better cosmetic results.
• Cases requiring axillary lymph node dissection or biopsy through minimal access.

The final decision depends on tumor size, location, spread, and overall health status.

The operation is performed under general anesthesia. A 3 cm incision is made discreetly in the armpit. Through this, an endoscopic camera and specialized instruments are inserted.

The tumor or lump is carefully removed using advanced visualization. At the same time, the axillary lymph nodes, which play a key role in staging breast cancer, can be sampled or cleared through the same incision.

As Dr. Nayak explains, “The surgical steps are identical to open surgery lumpectomy and lymph node removal, but the approach is entirely different. We achieve the same goal with far less visible impact.”

Once the tumor and necessary tissues are removed, the incision is closed with fine sutures, leaving minimal external marks.

Because of the minimal incision and reduced tissue trauma, patients typically experience:

• Shorter hospital stay, many go home within 1–2 days.
• Less postoperative pain compared to open surgery.
• Faster wound healing and minimal swelling.
• Early return to normal activities, often within a week.

Follow-up visits focus on wound assessment, pathology review, and planning any additional therapy, such as radiation or chemotherapy, if required.

While endoscopic breast surgery offers numerous advantages, it may not be suitable for all patients. Possible limitations include:

• Large or multiple tumors requiring extensive tissue removal.
• Advanced cancer with skin or chest wall involvement.
• Previous radiation or scarring that may limit access.

As with any surgery, there are small risks of bleeding, infection, or fluid collection, but these are considerably reduced due to the minimal incision size.

Reference

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5351487/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6989909/

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