The Use of Absorbable Surgical Mesh after Partial Mastectomy for Improving the Cosmetic Outcome

Purpose: Partial mastectomy without immediate volume replacement can be associated with cosmetic failure. The aim of the present study was to assess cosmesis achieved in patients who underwent partial mastectomy and recon- struction using absorbable surgical mesh. Methods: We used absorbable surgical mesh (Polyglactin 910, Vicryl ) to repair defects after performing partial mastectomy in 25 patients. Endoscopy-assisted partial mastectomy was performed with conservation of the whole skin of the breast and areola. A tailored fan-shape mesh was inserted into the postoperative defect. The cosmetic appearance was evaluated using a simplified five-grade for five-items scoring system at 3 and 6 months after the operation. Results: An excellent or good cosmetic result was obtained in 82.6% of the patients (19/ 23) after 3 and 6 months, and no major complications were noted. Conclusion: This procedure can be easily performed by general surgeons. Insertion of an absorbable surgical mesh into the postoperative defect could be an effective modality for reconstructing a defect after breast surgery.