Excision of Fibroadenomas through inframmary fold incision (IFI)

Introduction:

Fibroadenomas (FA) are common benign breast tumours, that typically affect women in their second and third decades of life. FA are traditionally managed by FA excision through an overlying skin incision.

Fig. 1: präoperatives Bild

Fig. 2: intraoperatives Bild

Fig. 3: postoperatives Bild

Materials and methods:

We present our surgical approach to fibroadenoma excision through an inframammary fold incision (IFI). The incision is made at the inframammary fold, to a length of 3 – 4 cm, in a similar fashion as for a subglandular augmentation mastopexy. Dissection is made as for a subglandular augmentation mastopexy. A narrow subglandular pocket is thus created through which the fibroadenoma can be reached and enucleated. A meticulous haemostasis of the FA cavity is paramount. Closure is in two layers.

Conclusion:

Our method, developed as an adaptation of an approach commonly utilised in breast plastic surgery, achieves optimal cosmetic results and is very well received by patients. It can be employed to excise fibroadenomas in any quadrant of the breast. It is especially suited for relatively larger lesions (e.g. > 2 cm) in small/moderate sized breasts, although we have used it successfully for smaller tumours and also in larger breasts. We recommend that surgeons are familiar with breast plastic surgical techniques before introducing this technique in their practice.