At AZ Sint-Lucas Bruges, a breast cancer patient has successfully undergone a groundbreaking scarless mastectomy using keyhole surgery – a first in Belgium. The innovative procedure, performed by Dr Femke Delporte and Dr Pieter Vermeulen, offers breast cancer patients a safe alternative with a more natural aesthetic result.
Minimally invasive procedure with major psychological benefits
The patient was specifically seeking a technique that would leave no visible scar on the breast. “This procedure can only be offered to cancer patients in very specific cases,” explains Dr Femke Delporte. “She was delighted when, after a careful evaluation by international experts, her case was deemed suitable.”
The patient underwent an endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy (eNSM), a minimally invasive surgery in which the skin, areola and nipple are preserved. The operation is performed through a small incision just a few centimetres wide, made at the side of the chest, near the armpit. During the same procedure, the breast gland tissue is completely removed and the breast is reconstructed with a prosthesis.
“For many women, the prospect of a mastectomy is extremely challenging, both physically and emotionally,” says plastic surgeon Pieter Vermeulen. “By using this technique, we can preserve the natural shape of the breast and avoid a scar on the front. This makes a huge difference to psychological recovery.”
Now also available to breast cancer patients
The technique of endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy (eNSM) has been used internationally for some time, including in France, Italy, Spain, Poland and several Asian countries. In Belgium, early adopters at the Imelda Hospital had already applied it in preventive procedures for women at high risk of breast cancer. AZ Sint-Lucas Bruges is now successfully offering it to breast cancer patients as well.
“The oncological safety of this technique appears comparable to that of traditional surgery, according to studies,” adds gynaecologist Dr Femke Delporte. “But the benefits in terms of aesthetics, fewer complications and faster emotional acceptance are considerable. We’re proud to be able to offer this procedure at AZ Sint-Lucas Bruges.”
Dr Femke Delporte from the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics and Dr Pieter Vermeulen from the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery both trained in this technique through international programmes, supported by medical technology partner Applied Medical.
Nu ook voor borstkankerpatiënten
De techniek van endoscopische nipple-sparing mastectomie (E-NSM) is internationaal al langer bekend, onder meer in Frankrijk, Italië, Spanje, Polen en diverse Aziatische landen. In België pasten de pioniers in het Imeldaziekenhuis de techniek al toe bij preventieve ingrepen bij vrouwen met een verhoogd risico op borstkanker. AZ Sint-Lucas Brugge past de methode nu ook met succes toe bij borstkankerpatiënten.
“De oncologische veiligheid van deze techniek lijkt in studies vergelijkbaar met die van klassieke operaties,” licht gynaecologe Femke Delporte toe. “Maar de voordelen op vlak van esthetiek, minder complicaties en versnelde aanvaarding voor de patiënte zijn aanzienlijk. We zijn trots dat we deze techniek ook in AZ Sint-Lucas Brugge kunnen aanbieden.”
Dr. Femke Delporte van de dienst Gynaecologie-Verloskunde en Dr. Pieter Vermeulen van de dienst Plastische en Reconstructieve Heelkunde specialiseerden zich in deze techniek via internationale opleidingen, met ondersteuning van medische technologiepartner Applied Medical.
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