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Endoscopy in transaxillary breast augmentation lengthens operating time, offers no aesthetic impact

Video-assisted endoscopy did not improve the safety or aesthetic outcome of transaxillary breast augmentation; however, use of the technology increased operating times, according to researchers.

The researchers evaluated 34 women who underwent transaxillary breast augmentation with or without the use of video-assisted endoscopy as part of a randomized, prospective study. Patients all received high-profile rounded and textured silicone implants, with sizes of the implants ranging from 205 cc to 305 cc. Average patient follow-up was 25 months.
Mean operating time for the nonendoscopic group was 70 minutes and 120 minutes for the endoscopic group. No significant difference was found between groups for postoperative pain, and all patients declared pain improvement after 1 week, according to the researchers.

Additionally, differences in satisfaction with breast shape and volume, as well as with the appearance of scars at 6 months, were not significant between groups.

No patient reported dissatisfaction with the shape or volume of their breasts or with the scars.

Symmetry of the submammary fold or position of the nipple-areola complex did not differ between groups, according to researchers. Additionally, no cases of seroma, infection or capsular contracture were reported.

The researchers concluded that the addition of endoscopy not only increased operating time by at least 1 hour, but it also increased the demand for surgical materials and staff training. - by Abigail Sutton

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.