New Option for Early Breast Cancer: Da Vinci Robot Enables Minimally Invasive Surgery with 3cm Scar

Shin Kong Hospital is offering a new surgical option for early-stage breast cancer patients, utilizing the single-port Da Vinci robotic system to minimize scarring and preserve the patient's appearance.

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Clinical cases have included women in their 40s who discovered abnormalities after breast cancer screening. Further ultrasound examinations confirmed tumors smaller than 2 centimeters within the breast, which the patients themselves had not yet felt.

The procedure involves entering the breast through a 3-4cm incision in the armpit. The robotic arms then precisely remove the tumor and simultaneously repair the breast tissue. This approach aims to reduce the visible scarring often associated with traditional breast cancer surgeries, which typically involve incisions directly on the breast surface.

Dr. Cheng Tsui-fen, director of General Surgery at Shin Kong Hospital, explained that this technique is not solely for aesthetic reasons. She emphasized that a patient's breast appearance is closely linked to their quality of life and self-identity, particularly for younger patients still in crucial stages of their careers, relationships, and family development.

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Traditional breast surgery usually involves an incision directly on the breast surface, like 'entering through the roof.' Post-surgery, scars are more likely. Single-port Da Vinci enters through the armpit and follows the tissue space to the breast tumor location, like 'entering from the basement,' preserving the breast's surface skin and appearance as much as possible.

However, Dr. Cheng cautioned that this robotic surgery is not suitable for all breast cancer patients. It is primarily recommended for those with early-stage, small tumors who wish to conserve their breast and have specific aesthetic concerns. For more advanced stages of the disease, traditional surgery or other appropriate treatments remain the standard. Patients with a history of keloid scarring may also be better candidates for minimally invasive approaches.

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This technology is not just for 'beauty.' Breast appearance and body self-identity are actually closely related to the patient's quality of life.

Taiwan's average age for breast cancer diagnosis is around 52, which is earlier than in Europe and the United States, with a significant portion of patients being younger. Dr. Cheng highlighted that while the overall incidence isn't necessarily increasing year by year, the peak age for breast cancer in Taiwan occurs earlier, around the age of 40, necessitating increased vigilance among younger women.

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However, Dr. Cheng reminded that single-port Da Vinci breast cancer surgery is not suitable for all patients. It is mainly suitable for some early-stage breast cancer patients, especially those with smaller tumors, who wish to preserve their breasts and have requirements for post-operative appearance.