Claimed to be first in South Asia, the cutting-edge procedure could be a boon for young women suffering from breast cancer
The Apollo Cancer Centre, Chennai has successfully performed a robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction on a 37-year-old woman suffering from breast cancer. The surgeons were able to remove the entire breast while preserving the nipple through tiny hidden incisions, enabling aesthetic outcomes for the patient.
Performed by Apollo Cancer Centres’ esteemed team of robotic surgical oncologists, led by Dr. Venkat P and Dr. Priya Kapoor, this innovative procedure marks a significant advancement in the field of breast cancer surgery.
The patient from Assam was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and a BRCA1 mutation and given her condition, a bilateral mastectomy with removal of both her ovaries prophylactically was required. However, considering her age and the importance of preserving the natural appearance of her breasts, the approach chosen was a nipple-sparing mastectomy.
This technique aims to minimize the impact on the patient’s quality of life by preserving an essential body marker for women and ensuring a more positive post-treatment experience.
“The clinicians at Apollo Cancer Centre facilitated a remarkably swift recovery, enabling me to resume my normal routine within a week after a life-altering procedure. The team allowed me to reclaim my life with dignity, preserving my natural appearance while conquering cancer.”
Patient on condition of anonymity
The surgeons followed specific protocols to successfully execute this surgery. Following neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the patient opted for bilateral mastectomy and prophylactic oophorectomy. The innovative Robotic Nipple Sparing Mastectomy (NSM) with Risk-Reducing Oophorectomy was performed, utilizing tiny incisions and leveraging the advantages of robotic surgery.
“The clinicians at Apollo Cancer Centre facilitated a remarkably swift recovery, enabling me to resume my normal routine within a week after a life-altering procedure. The team allowed me to reclaim my life with dignity, preserving my natural appearance while conquering cancer. Today, I emerge stronger and with renewed hope,” said the patient on condition of anonymity.
Senior Consultant – Surgical Oncology Dr. Venkat P said, “In our commitment to preserving the patient’s natural breast contour, we embraced the revolutionary approach of robotic bilateral mastectomy with risk-reducing oophorectomy. This robotic-assisted technique not only provided superior visualization but also minimized blood loss, improved ergonomics, and delivered outstanding cosmetic outcomes. The patient’s successful & faster recovery aided for a discharge within 24 hours’ post-procedure.”
“This robotic-assisted technique not only provided superior visualization but also minimized blood loss, improved ergonomics, and delivered outstanding cosmetic outcomes. The patient’s successful & faster recovery aided for a discharge within 24 hours’ post-procedure.”
Senior Consultant – Surgical Oncology Dr. Venkat P
Dr. Priya Kapoor, Consultant – Surgical Oncology, ACC Chennai, added that the procedure not only removes the entire breast through discreet incisions but also increases the likelihood of preserving sensation in breast skin and nipple. “The innovation goes beyond, leaving the nipple, skin, and breast intact even after surgery, preserving the entire shape of the breast. By introducing this new technique, we aim to provide our patients with the best possible cosmetic outcomes and ensure a better quality of life post-surgery.”
Dr. Preetha Reddy, the Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited said the exceptional results of this innovative surgery herald the inauguration of RoBreaS, India’s premier robotic breast surgery program. Breast cancer remains as the most prevalent cancer in women globally, and it ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.