Recent research from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that breast cancer is the most prevalent malignant tumor among women, posing a significant threat to women's health. Surgery remains the primary therapeutic modality for breast cancer. Recently, endoscopic and robotic breast surgical techniques have gained acceptance among both surgeons and patients. However, considerable variation exists in surgical approaches and outcomes. To standardize these techniques, facilitate their broader clinical adoption, and ultimately improve patient care, the Endoscopic-robotic Breast Surgery Clinical Trials Consortium (ErBSCTC) of China has developed this guideline. This document encompasses the technologies and instrumentation utilized in endoscopic and robotic breast surgery, surgical techniques, perioperative management, complication handling, long-term follow-up, and oncologic outcomes, aiming to provide evidence-based guidance for healthcare professionals involved in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of breast diseases.

Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor among women in China, with surgery being one of the primary treatment modalities. Endoscopic/robotic breast surgery (ErBS) is gaining widespread acceptance among patients and surgeons alike due to its advantages of minimal invasiveness, superior cosmetic outcomes, and accelerated recovery. However, substantial heterogeneity currently exists across China regarding patient selection, standardized operative techniques, perioperative management, and complication handling, underscoring the urgent need for evidence-based consensus guidelines. To promote standardization and ensure consistent quality of ErBS, the Chinese Endoscopic-Robotic Breast Surgery Clinical Trials Consortium (CErBSCTC) has systematically reviewed the latest high-quality evidence and formulated the "Protocol for China Endoscopic and Robotic Breast Surgery Guidelines (2026 edition)", which outlines a comprehensive methodology for guideline development.

BACKGROUND: While emotional distress, encompassing anxiety and depression, has been associated with negative clinical outcomes, its impact across various clinical departments and general hospitals has been less explored. Previous studies with limited sample sizes have examined the effectiveness of specific treatments (e.g., antidepressants) rather than a systemic management strategy for outcome improvement in non-psychiatric inpatients. To enhance the understanding of the importance of addressing mental health care needs among non-psychiatric patients in general hospitals, this study retrospectively investigated the impacts of emotional distress and the effects of early detection and management of depression and anxiety on hospital length of stay (LOS) and rate of long LOS (LLOS, i.e., LOS >30 days) in a large sample of non-psychiatric inpatients. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 487,871 inpatients from 20 non-psychiatric departments of a general hospital. They were divided, according to whether they underwent a novel strategy to manage emotional distress which deployed the Huaxi Emotional Distress Index (HEI) for brief screening with grading psychological services (BS-GPS), into BS-GPS ( n = 178,883) and non-BS-GPS ( n = 308,988) cohorts. The LOS and rate of LLOS between the BS-GPS and non-BS-GPS cohorts and between subcohorts with and without clinically significant anxiety and/or depression (CSAD, i.e., HEI score ≥11 on admission to the hospital) in the BS-GPS cohort were compared using univariable analyses, multilevel analyses, and/or propensity score-matched analyses, respectively. RESULTS: The detection rate of CSAD in the BS-GPS cohort varied from 2.64% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.49%-2.81%) to 20.50% (95% CI: 19.43%-21.62%) across the 20 departments, with a average rate of 5.36%. Significant differences were observed in both the LOS and LLOS rates between the subcohorts with CSAD (12.7 days, 535/9590) and without CSAD (9.5 days, 3800/169,293) and between the BS-GPS (9.6 days, 4335/178,883) and non-BS-GPS (10.8 days, 11,483/308,988) cohorts. These differences remained significant after controlling for confounders using propensity score-matched comparisons. A multilevel analysis indicated that BS-GPS was negatively associated with both LOS and LLOS after controlling for sociodemographics and the departments of patient discharge and remained negatively associated with LLOS after controlling additionally for the year of patient discharge. CONCLUSION Emotional distress significantly prolonged the LOS and increased the LLOS of non-psychiatric inpatients across most departments and general hospitals. These impacts were moderated by the implementation of BS-GPS. Thus, BS-GPS has the potential as an effective, resource-saving strategy for enhancing mental health care and optimizing medical resources in general hospitals.
Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Male ; Length of Stay/statistics & numerical data* ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Psychological Distress ; Inpatients/psychology* ; Aged ; Anxiety/diagnosis* ; Depression/diagnosis*

Objective:To explore the strategies and technical points for breast reconstruction using free lower abdominal skin flap transplantation through lateral chest incision.Methods:The data of patients who underwent unilateral breast reconstruction with free lower abdominal flap transplantation using lateral thoracic incision in Hunan Cancer Hospital from October 2022 to March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Lateral thoracic incision was used in the recipient area. Firstly suitable radical mastectomy was performed for patients with early onset of breast cancer or recurrence after breast-conserving surgery, and prosthetic dilator removal or breast capsule release was performed for patients with dilator removed or capsular contracture after breast cancer prosthesis reconstruction. After that, the free lower abdominal skin flap breast reconstruction was completed under the same incision. During the operation, blood vessel preparation in the recipient area, skin flap preparation in the donor area, blood vessel anastomosis and breast shaping were completed successively according to the actual situation of the patient. Postoperative observation of complications, follow-up evaluation of reconstructed breast appearance and donor site healing were carred out.Results:A total of 15 female patients were included, aged range from 24 to 57 years old, with an average of 42.3 years old. There were 9 cases of early breast cancer, 2 cases of breast cancer recurrence after breast conserving surgery, 2 cases of breast cancer with dilator removed after breast reconstruction, and 2 cases of capsule contracture after breast cancer prosthesis reconstruction. The length of the lateral chest incision was 7.5-11.2 cm, with an average of 8.7 cm. Six cases were performed with 3/4 of the lower abdominal skin flaps, using a unilateral inferior abdominal vascular pedicle. The volume of the flaps ranged from 19.0 cm × 10.0 cm × 4.5 cm to 23.0 cm × 13.0 cm × 6.0 cm. The weight ranged from 280 to 510 g, with an average of 370 g. Nine cases were performed by cutting the entire lower abdominal skin flap and using bilateral inferior abdominal vascular pedicle. The volume of the skin flaps ranged from 27.0 cm × 11.0 cm × 5.0 cm to 30.0 cm × 14.0 cm × 6.5 cm. The weight ranged from 420 to 730 g, with an average of 530 g. Nine cases were selected as the main trunk of the thoracic and dorsal blood vessels, 4 cases were selected as the anterior serratus branch of the thoracic and dorsal blood vessels, and 2 cases were selected as the main trunk of the thoracic and dorsal blood vessels combined with the anterior serratus branch. One flap experienced venous crisis and the surgery failed, while the remaining 14 flaps survived smoothly. Follow-up period was 6-17 months, with an average of 10.4 months. The reconstructed breast had a satisfactory appearance and texture, without skin flap contraction or deformation. The skin flap donor area and breast recipient area only had linear scars, and there was no significant impact on abdominal wall and shoulder joint function. There was no tumor recurrence or metastasis during follow-up.Conclusion:When the side chest incision is used to perform the related operations of breast cancer radical resection, the free lower abdominal skin flap can be transplanted into the same incision for breast reconstruction. The effect is satisfactory, and the damage of the affected area is further reduced.

Objective:To explore the clinical value and therapeutic effects of endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy combined with immediate breast reconstruction using an oblique pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap(ORAMF).Methods:The data of patients admitted to Hunan Cancer Hospital from May to September 2023 who underwent breast cancer resection followed by immediate breast reconstruction with ORAMF were analyzed retrospectively. Surgical methods: firstly, axillary anterior sentinel lymph node biopsy and subcutaneous glandular excision for breast cancer were performed through a lateral chest incision using an endoscopic technique. Subsequently, a unilateral ORAMF was prepared by removing the epidermis and creating subcutaneous tunnels on the surface of the rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap under direct visualization. The subcutaneous tunnel of the flap was then extended to the deep surface of the breast with the assistance of an endoscope, allowing for the transfer of the ORAMF to reconstruct the breast. Post surgery, the flap survival was monitored, and after discharge, patients received enhanced anti-scar treatment and functional rehabilitation exercises. Follow-up assessments included the evaluation of the reconstructed breast shape, incision scarring in both the donor and recipient areas, abdominal wall function, tumor recurrence and metastasis.Results:A total of 8 female patients with unilateral breast cancer were included in this study, aged between 27 and 52 years, with a mean age of 41.7 years old. The body mass index of the patients ranged from 19.1 to 22.5 kg/m 2. All patients had early-stage breast cancer. During the operation the average mass of the resected breast was 245 g(ranging from 220 to 285 g). The length of the lateral thoracotomy incision varied from 6.9 to 9.5 cm, with a mean length of 7.7 cm. In 3 cases, the ipsilateral ORAMF was used for breast reconstruction, while in 5 cases, the contralateral ORAMF was utilized. The dimensions of the flap were as follows: length (20.4±0.7) cm, width (10.8±1.5) cm, thickness (5.4±0.9) cm, with the volume of the flap cutting ranging from 19.7 cm×9.2 cm×4.4 cm to 21.2 cm×11.8 cm×5.9 cm. All of the flaps exhibited good blood supply and survived successfully without the need for additional anastomotic vessels. The patients were followed up for a period of 8 to 10 months post-operation, with an average follow-up of 8.7 months. The reconstructed breasts maintained a good shape and texture, showing no contracture or deformation of the flap, and were generally symmetrical with the healthy breast. The incisions in both the flap donor area and the recipient area had healed well, leaving only linear scars, and the function of the abdominal wall was not significantly compromised. No recurrence or metastasis was observed during the follow-up period. Conclusion:The endoscopic technique helps to preserve the integrity of the breast skin tissue to the greatest extent possible, reducing scarring and assisting in the creation of subcutaneous tunnels to facilitate the transposition of the ORAMF for breast reconstruction. For carefully selected patients with moderately small breasts and ample subcutaneous tissue in the lower abdomen, the preparation of a unilateral ORAMF for breast reconstruction can yield superior results. This approach minimizes additional damage to the donor area, enhancing the safety of the surgery while significantly reducing the complexity of the operation.

Objective:To explore the strategies and technical points for breast reconstruction using free lower abdominal skin flap transplantation through lateral chest incision.Methods:The data of patients who underwent unilateral breast reconstruction with free lower abdominal flap transplantation using lateral thoracic incision in Hunan Cancer Hospital from October 2022 to March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Lateral thoracic incision was used in the recipient area. Firstly suitable radical mastectomy was performed for patients with early onset of breast cancer or recurrence after breast-conserving surgery, and prosthetic dilator removal or breast capsule release was performed for patients with dilator removed or capsular contracture after breast cancer prosthesis reconstruction. After that, the free lower abdominal skin flap breast reconstruction was completed under the same incision. During the operation, blood vessel preparation in the recipient area, skin flap preparation in the donor area, blood vessel anastomosis and breast shaping were completed successively according to the actual situation of the patient. Postoperative observation of complications, follow-up evaluation of reconstructed breast appearance and donor site healing were carred out.Results:A total of 15 female patients were included, aged range from 24 to 57 years old, with an average of 42.3 years old. There were 9 cases of early breast cancer, 2 cases of breast cancer recurrence after breast conserving surgery, 2 cases of breast cancer with dilator removed after breast reconstruction, and 2 cases of capsule contracture after breast cancer prosthesis reconstruction. The length of the lateral chest incision was 7.5-11.2 cm, with an average of 8.7 cm. Six cases were performed with 3/4 of the lower abdominal skin flaps, using a unilateral inferior abdominal vascular pedicle. The volume of the flaps ranged from 19.0 cm × 10.0 cm × 4.5 cm to 23.0 cm × 13.0 cm × 6.0 cm. The weight ranged from 280 to 510 g, with an average of 370 g. Nine cases were performed by cutting the entire lower abdominal skin flap and using bilateral inferior abdominal vascular pedicle. The volume of the skin flaps ranged from 27.0 cm × 11.0 cm × 5.0 cm to 30.0 cm × 14.0 cm × 6.5 cm. The weight ranged from 420 to 730 g, with an average of 530 g. Nine cases were selected as the main trunk of the thoracic and dorsal blood vessels, 4 cases were selected as the anterior serratus branch of the thoracic and dorsal blood vessels, and 2 cases were selected as the main trunk of the thoracic and dorsal blood vessels combined with the anterior serratus branch. One flap experienced venous crisis and the surgery failed, while the remaining 14 flaps survived smoothly. Follow-up period was 6-17 months, with an average of 10.4 months. The reconstructed breast had a satisfactory appearance and texture, without skin flap contraction or deformation. The skin flap donor area and breast recipient area only had linear scars, and there was no significant impact on abdominal wall and shoulder joint function. There was no tumor recurrence or metastasis during follow-up.Conclusion:When the side chest incision is used to perform the related operations of breast cancer radical resection, the free lower abdominal skin flap can be transplanted into the same incision for breast reconstruction. The effect is satisfactory, and the damage of the affected area is further reduced.

Objective:To explore the clinical value and therapeutic effects of endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy combined with immediate breast reconstruction using an oblique pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap(ORAMF).Methods:The data of patients admitted to Hunan Cancer Hospital from May to September 2023 who underwent breast cancer resection followed by immediate breast reconstruction with ORAMF were analyzed retrospectively. Surgical methods: firstly, axillary anterior sentinel lymph node biopsy and subcutaneous glandular excision for breast cancer were performed through a lateral chest incision using an endoscopic technique. Subsequently, a unilateral ORAMF was prepared by removing the epidermis and creating subcutaneous tunnels on the surface of the rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap under direct visualization. The subcutaneous tunnel of the flap was then extended to the deep surface of the breast with the assistance of an endoscope, allowing for the transfer of the ORAMF to reconstruct the breast. Post surgery, the flap survival was monitored, and after discharge, patients received enhanced anti-scar treatment and functional rehabilitation exercises. Follow-up assessments included the evaluation of the reconstructed breast shape, incision scarring in both the donor and recipient areas, abdominal wall function, tumor recurrence and metastasis.Results:A total of 8 female patients with unilateral breast cancer were included in this study, aged between 27 and 52 years, with a mean age of 41.7 years old. The body mass index of the patients ranged from 19.1 to 22.5 kg/m 2. All patients had early-stage breast cancer. During the operation the average mass of the resected breast was 245 g(ranging from 220 to 285 g). The length of the lateral thoracotomy incision varied from 6.9 to 9.5 cm, with a mean length of 7.7 cm. In 3 cases, the ipsilateral ORAMF was used for breast reconstruction, while in 5 cases, the contralateral ORAMF was utilized. The dimensions of the flap were as follows: length (20.4±0.7) cm, width (10.8±1.5) cm, thickness (5.4±0.9) cm, with the volume of the flap cutting ranging from 19.7 cm×9.2 cm×4.4 cm to 21.2 cm×11.8 cm×5.9 cm. All of the flaps exhibited good blood supply and survived successfully without the need for additional anastomotic vessels. The patients were followed up for a period of 8 to 10 months post-operation, with an average follow-up of 8.7 months. The reconstructed breasts maintained a good shape and texture, showing no contracture or deformation of the flap, and were generally symmetrical with the healthy breast. The incisions in both the flap donor area and the recipient area had healed well, leaving only linear scars, and the function of the abdominal wall was not significantly compromised. No recurrence or metastasis was observed during the follow-up period. Conclusion:The endoscopic technique helps to preserve the integrity of the breast skin tissue to the greatest extent possible, reducing scarring and assisting in the creation of subcutaneous tunnels to facilitate the transposition of the ORAMF for breast reconstruction. For carefully selected patients with moderately small breasts and ample subcutaneous tissue in the lower abdomen, the preparation of a unilateral ORAMF for breast reconstruction can yield superior results. This approach minimizes additional damage to the donor area, enhancing the safety of the surgery while significantly reducing the complexity of the operation.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effects of combined tissue flap transplantation in repairing giant chest wall defects.Methods:This study was a retrospective observational study. From August 2013 to December 2020, 31 patients with chest wall tumor or radiation ulcer after radical resection of chest wall tumor and conformed to the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Department of Breast Oncoplastic Surgery of Hunan Cancer Hospital, including 12 males and 19 females, aged 25-71 years. After resection of tumor or ulcer and wound debridement, the area of secondary chest wall defect was 300-600 cm 2 with length of 16-35 cm and width of 16-32 cm. According to the actual situation of the patients and the preoperative design, the chest wall defects were repaired with the flexible combination of perforator flaps and myocutaneous flaps from different donor sites, and the area of the combined tissue flap was 260-540 cm 2 with length of 20-30 cm and width of 13-20 cm. Free posteromedial thigh perforator flap+free anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap were used in 2 patients, free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap+free anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap were used in 5 patients, free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap+pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap+free anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap were used in 7 patients, free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap+pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap+pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap were used in 2 patients, and bilateral free anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flaps were used in 15 patients. For the remaining small area of superficial tissue defect after being repaired by combined tissue flaps, skin graft was used to repair or delayed local flap transfering was performed after the tissue flaps survived and edema subsided. The appropriate blood vessels in the donor and recipient sites were selected for anastomosis to reconstruct the blood supply of tissue flaps. The wounds in the donor sites of tissue flaps that can be directly sutured were sutured directly; for those that cannot be sutured directly, the skin grafting or delayed suture was performed. The anastomosis of blood vessels in the recipient sites, operation length, and postoperative hospital stay were recorded. The survivals of tissue flaps and skin grafts, the shape and texture of reconstructed chest wall, the wound healing, scar formation, and function of donor sites of tissue flaps, and the scar formation of the donor sites of skin grafts were observed after operation. Tumor recurrence and death of recurrent patients were followed up after operation. Results:The blood vessels in the recipient sites were anastomosed as follows: proximal internal thoracic vessels for 24 times, distal internal thoracic vessels for 12 times, trunk of thoracodorsal vessels for 4 times, anterior serratus branches of thoracodorsal vessels for 8 times, and thoracoacromial vessels for 12 times. The operation length was 6.0 to 8.5 hours, and the postoperative hospital stay was 9 to 21 days. Necrosis at the edge of partial tissue flaps occurred in 4 patients after operation, which healed after dressing change, and the tissue flaps and skin grafts of the other patients survived completely. The shape and texture of the reconstructed chest wall were good. Four patients had poor wound healing in the donor sites of abdominal tissue flaps, which healed after dressing change and local drainage. Only linear scar was left in the donor sites of all tissue flaps, and there was no obvious dysfunction in the donor sites of tissue flaps. Mild hypertrophic scar was left in the donor sites of skin grafts. During follow-up of 9 to 36 months after operation, 6 patients had tumor recurrence, and the recurrence time was 5 to 20 months after operation. After comprehensive treatment for patients with tumor recurrence, 3 patients died.Conclusions:Transplantation of combined tissue flaps in repairing the giant chest wall defects can shorten the time of total operation and hospital stay, and avoid multiple operations. After operation, patients had good chest wall appearance, with reduced tumor recurrence in patients with chest wall tumor.

Objective:To summarize the serious complications and salvage methods and experience of breast reconstruction with free flap transplantation.Methods:Different techniques of free flap transplantation were used for breast reconstruction in 395 breast cancer patients who came to Hunan Cancer Hospital from September 2015 to December 2021. 45 complications occurred during and after surgery, including 21 serious complications. Corresponding salvage method was used for complications and flap failure. Salvage methods included free gracilis myocutaneous flap combined with adductor magnus perforator flap, free adductor magnus perforator flap transplantation, pedicled rectus abdominis flap transplantation, pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap, prosthetic replacement, vascular grafting, vascular reanastomosis and release of vascular tension area.Results:The specific causes and salvage methods in 21 cases of reoperation included: 3 cases of excessive tension or compression of vascular pedicle, of which 1 case was successfully salvaged; in 2 cases flap failure was occurred, of which 1 case was replaced with prosthesis, and 1 case was salvaged with free gracilis myocutaneous flap combined with adductor magnus perforator flap; one case of vascular embolism caused by poor quality of vascular anastomosis was successfully salveged by vascular re anastomosis. One case had poor recipient vessels, and the flap failure was salvaged with pedicled latissimus dorsi flap. Three patients had poor compliance, of which one case was successfully salvaged, and the other two cases had total flap failure, which were repaired by free adductor magnus perforator flap and free gracilis myocutaneous flap combined with adductor magnus perforator flap respectively. Two patients had menstrual postoperatively, resulting in flap failure. Free gracilis myocutaneous flap combined with adductor magnus perforator flap and free adductor magnus perforator flap were used for breast reconstruction respectively. In 1 case, the blood supply was affected by excessive flap trimming, and the flap failure was salvaged by free adductor magnus perforator flap. 10 cases of subcutaneous hematoma were treated with debridement and exploration, and all were successfully salvaged.Conclusions:The complications and failure of free flap for breast reconstruction cannot be completely avoided. It is very important to master the corresponding salvage methods.

Objective:To explore the causes of blood supply disorder of the pedicled rectus abdominis flap.Methods:Between January 2019 and May 2021, a cohort of 61 female patients, aged 25 to 70 years with a mean age of (46.9±2.1) years, underwent surgical repair for extensive thoracic wall defects at Hunan Province Cancer Hospital. These defects, resulting from thoracic wall tumor resection, were addressed using a combination of pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps and free inferior abdominal artery perforator flaps. The patient cohort included 39 cases of locally advanced breast cancer, 12 cases of recurrent breast cancer, 6 cases of lobular cell sarcoma, and 4 cases of soft tissue sarcoma. The patients were divided into two groups according to the order of revascularization sequence of free inferior abdominal artery perforator flap: 31 cases in the group of anastomosing the artery first and then the accompanying vein (group A), and 30 cases in the group of anastomosing the vein first and then the artery (group B). The main reasons for the blood supply disorders of the pedicled rectus abdominis flap were analysed in the two groups.Results:In all 61 patients, the pedicled rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap showed immediate red and purple plaques and other blood supply disorders. Further anastomosis of the free inferior abdominal wall artery perforating the flap vessel tip was conducted to achieve pressurization. The vascular selection for the recipient area included the intrathoracic vessels in 26 cases, the thoracic acromion vessels in 15 cases, the thoracodorsal vessels in 9 cases, the anterior serratus branch of the thoracodorsal vessels in 7 cases, and the lateral thoracic arteries and veins in 4 cases. The flap length measured (29.1±0.6) cm, while the width of the skin island was (12.9±0.6) cm. The follow-up period was from 9 to 16 months, with a mean of 12.7 months.In the Group A, the flap blood supply was significantly relieved before further anastomosing the vein in 7 cases, and the flap blood supply returned to normal in the other 24 cases after further anastomosing the vein. In the Group B, the flap blood supply was significantly relieved before further anastomosing the artery in 27 cases, and the flap blood supply returned to normal in the other 3 cases after further anastomosing the artery.61 flaps survived completely, the shape of reconstructed chest wall was satisfactory, and there was no flap contracture and deformation; only linear scar was left in the donor area of the flap, and there was no significant effect on the function of the abdominal wall. The patients were followed-up for 9-16 months, with an average of 12.7 months.Conclusions:The main reason for the blood supply obstacle of the rectus abdominis flap is the venous return obstacle, in order to ensure the reliable blood supply of the flap, the venous return should be increased as a priority.