J.Jpn. Surg. Soc.. 101(8): 535-538, 2000

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Feature topic

ENDOSCOPIC EXTIRPATION FOR BENIGN BREAST TUMOR

Endoscoplc extirpation using a fine endoscope and related devices via the extramammary approach (mainly the transaxillary approach) has been applied for benign breast tumors since 1997 in the Second Department of Surgery, Kyushu University. The operative procedures, morbidity, and mortality are presented here. We have treated 37 patients with a mean age of 27.6 years, whose tumors had been diagnosed as benign ; average tumor diameter was 3.6 cm. Seven patients had multiple tumors, including 4 with bilateral lesions. The transaxillary approach was chosen in 35 patients and the inframammary approach, which was a procedure in the early phase, was chosen in the remaining 2 patients. Patients with benign tumors can thus avoid direct incision on the breast by endoscopic extirpation via the extramammary approach. We recommend this preocedure as a new option instead of direct excisional biopsy for benign breast tumors.

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