Circum-areolar mastectomy with immediate reconstruction (CAMIR)

Aims: To develop an oncologically safe and aesthetically acceptable technique for mastectomy using a myocutaneous flap and tissue expander for patients with neoplastic involvement of the nipple. Methods: Fourteen consecutive patients (mean age 40 years) underwent a circum-areolar mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap and tissue expander. Assessment of cosmesis was by review of pre- and post-operative photographs by an independent observer. Results: During a mean follow-up of 11.4 months there have been no local recurrences. There were two deaths: pulmonary embolus (one) and distant metastatic disease (one). Assessment of cosmesis gave a score of 47 out of 56 (84%). Conclusions: In patients with tumours involving the nipple, mastectomy with immediate reconstruction may be used to achieve a good cosmetic result. The replacement nipple is fashioned from a circle of skin attached to the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous harvest.