Robotic Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy
An Advanced Surgical Option for Women Facing Mastectomy
Overview
When a woman learns she may need a mastectomy, she is often thinking about her treatment options, recovery, reconstruction and life after surgery.
Robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy (RNSM) is an advanced surgical approach that combines robotic technology with nipple-sparing mastectomy. For eligible patients, the procedure may help preserve the nipple, breast skin envelope and natural breast appearance while maintaining the primary goal of effective cancer treatment.
AtlantiCare is the first and only healthcare system in the region to offer robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy.
What Is a Robotic Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy?
A robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy removes breast tissue while preserving the nipple, areola and natural breast skin envelope.
Using the da Vinci Single Port (SP) surgical system, surgeons perform the procedure through a small incision that may be placed away from the breast. The robotic platform provides enhanced visualization and precision during surgery.
Because the nipple and breast skin envelope are preserved, many patients may be candidates for immediate breast reconstruction, helping support a more natural appearance following surgery.
Benefits of Robotic Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy
For eligible patients, robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy may offer several potential benefits, including:
- Preservation of the nipple and breast skin envelope
- Smaller incisions that may be less visible
- Improved visualization during surgery
- Support for immediate breast reconstruction
- Potential improvements in appearance following reconstruction
- Potential preservation of breast and nipple sensation
Who May Be a Candidate?
Robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy may be an option for some women with breast cancer as well as women considering preventive mastectomy because of an inherited cancer risk.
Candidates may include women who:
- Have early-stage breast cancer
- Have ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
- Carry BRCA or other hereditary cancer mutations
- Are considering preventive or risk-reducing mastectomy
- Desire nipple preservation
- Plan immediate breast reconstruction
Not every patient is a candidate. Eligibility depends on several factors, including tumor location, breast anatomy, overall health and reconstruction goals.
Breast Cancer Care at AtlantiCare
AtlantiCare Cancer Care Institute provides comprehensive breast cancer care, including advanced breast surgery, breast reconstruction, medical oncology, radiation oncology, genetic counseling, survivorship services and access to multidisciplinary cancer specialists.
Our team works closely with each patient to develop an individualized treatment plan focused on achieving the best possible outcomes while supporting physical, emotional and long term well-being.