Surgical techniques
A less visible incision is not the same as a smaller operation.
In selected mastectomy procedures, endoscopic or robot-assisted approaches may allow the incision to be placed away from the front of the breast, often near the side of the breast or under the arm.
The internal goal remains the same as conventional surgery: to remove the breast tissue appropriately. A less visible incision does not change that requirement.
What robot-assisted breast surgery is
Robot-assisted and endoscopic techniques are approaches to performing mastectomy, most often nipple-sparing mastectomy, through a smaller or less visible incision.
Breast tissue still needs to be removed, and reconstruction may still be required. The approach changes where the incision is placed, not the underlying goal of the operation.
What the current evidence shows
Selected Korean centers have generated multicenter evidence on newer surgical approaches. This describes early experience in appropriately selected patients rather than a direct comparison of long-term outcomes.
Who may be considered
Eligibility is similar to nipple-sparing mastectomy and depends on factors such as:
- Tumor location and distance from the nipple
- Breast size and shape
- Smoking and vascular risk
- Previous or expected radiotherapy
- The planned type of reconstruction
- Surgeon and institutional experience
What a less visible incision does not establish
Questions to ask about a robotic procedure
- Why is this approach being recommended for me?
- Am I also eligible for conventional surgery?
- How many comparable operations has the surgeon performed?
- How are complications recorded and reported?
- What is the expected operative time?
- What additional costs are associated with the robotic system?
- What follow-up data are available?
- What happens if the operation needs to be converted to an open approach?