Objective To explore the interaction of postmastectomy radiotherapy （PMRT） and breast reconstruction， and elucidate how to choose the type and timing of breast reconstruction. Method Literatures about PMRT and breast reconstruction were reviewed. Results PMRT might increase the incidence of complications and impair the cosmetic satisfaction of breast reconstruction. Breast reconstruction might also compromise the effect of PMRT. Conclusions In patients who will receive or have already received PMRT， the optimal approach is delayed autologous tissue reconstruction after PMRT. If PMRT appears likely but may not be required at the time of mastectomy，delayed-immediate reconstruction may be considered， or immediate autologous tissue reconstruction may be considered in case of patients awareness of the increased complications and impaired cosmetic outcomes from PMRT.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical and cosmetic outcome of patients with early breast cancer underwent oncoplastic techniques in breast conserving surgery. MethodsClinical data of 59 patients with early stage breast cancer who underwent oncoplastic techniques in the breast conserving surgery were analyzed retrospectively from January 2007 to March 2011. Cosmetic outcome score and patient satisfaction questionnaire were also assessed. ResultsThe age of the patients was (53.5±9.8) years (range, 32 to 77 years). The diameter of tumors was (1.6±0.7) cm (range, 0.5 to 4.0 cm). The foci located at upper quadrant in 38, lower quadrant in 17, central area in 4. During operation, single incision approach was used in 25 patients, two incisions approach in 34 patients. A variety of methods were used to repair breast defects including mammary gland direct suture in 9 patients, mammary gland pedicle flaps in 35, local flaps or adipofascial flap in 9, latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps in 2, and reduction mammaplasty with “J” or double ring incision in 4. The mean followup period was 30 months (range, 3 to 53 months), no local recurrence was detected. However, bone metastases was found in one patient on 14 months after operation. Fifty-three patients (89.8%) had good to excellent aesthetic results with cosmetic outcome score ≥26. Patient satisfaction questionnaire showed that 40 patients (67.8%) were excellent, 14 (23.7%) good, 3 (5.1%) fair, and 2 (3.4%) poor. ConclusionOncoplastic techniques in the breast conservative therapy for early stage breast cancer is a safe and effective procedure, with highly satisfactory cosmetic outcomes in the majority of patients.