[Autotransplantation of nipple-areolar complex in a modified radical mastectomy--indications and three-stage breast reconstruction].

Necessity of breast reconstruction after mastectomy has been increasing in recent years. For better reconstruction, we preserve a nipple-areolar complex (NAC) by transplanting it temporarily onto the lower abdominal wall and retransplant it to the restored breast mound in a subsequent operation. Indications for NAC preservation are as follows: (1) by palpation the tumor is found to be smaller than 3.0cm in diameter without apparent regional and distant metastasis, (2) neither abnormal nipple discharge nor nipple retraction is observed, (3) tumor is remote more than 3.0cm from the areolar margin, (4) no abnormal shadows are seen below the nipple and areola in the mammogram, (5) no microscopic extension of the cancerous cells is detected beneath the resected NAC. We have performed 18 transplantations using this procedure with good cosmetic results. There were no recurrent cases due to NAC preservation. It is concluded that this technique for preserving the NAC by autotransplantation is easy to perform and useful for breast reconstruction because of low risk of recurrence and better cosmetic results.