Volume Displacement (Grisotti)

Tumours situated behind or close to the nipple-areola have traditionally been treated by mastectomy. Using oncoplastic tecniques though a removal of the tumour and surrounding tissue is possible with reconstruction of the nipple-areola. This provides optimal local removal with a durable cosmetic result.

The Grisotti flap is a local rotation flap containing skin and breast tissue which is used to fill the defect resulting from the partial removal of breast tissue during breast conservation surgery. This procedure, which is performed during the same operation as the lumpectomy surgery can allow you to avoid the necessity for further operations to reconstruct the breast. The size of the tissue flap excised from the inferior part of the breast will depend on the extensiveness of your breast cancer and the amount of tissue that is to be removed during the surgery.

Avoiding a Full Mastectomy

Conservative breast cancer surgery is becoming more readily available and an excellent treatment option if you wish to avoid a full mastectomy. The Grisotti flap was devised to remove, where possible, the requirement for extensive tissue excision and reconstruction, and offers a good aesthetic outcome for your breasts after surgery.

Breast Cancer Removal and Reconstruction All in One Surgery

You may also consider immediate reconstruction preferable to undergoing further surgery after you have recovered from your breast conservation surgery. This can also avoid delays in surgery due to required radiotherapy or further chemotherapy and avoid the problems of poor surgical outcome after radiotherapy treatment. If reconstruction is delayed and radiotherapy is indicated then the tissue in the breast is more likely to be problematic in healing after reconstruction. A Grisotti flap can effectively reconstruct the breast immediately after the removal of the malignant tissue and allow you to pursue treatment options as required without the need to worry about limiting your options for reconstruction after radiotherapy.

Minimise Scarring with No Muscular Damage

The Grisotti volume displacement procedure is suitable for some women and does minimise scarring and avoid the major reconstruction that occurs in latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap (LDMF) reconstruction after mastectomy. As the breast tissue itself is used for the Grisotti flap there is no muscular damage or resulting possibility of muscle weakness. If you are an active, sporty, woman then you may prefer this option, particularly if you play tennis, enjoy swimming a lot, or are an avid rock climber.

If you have larger breasts there is a slight chance that the lateral end of the scar after a Grisotti flap procedure may be visible as it exceeds the submammary fold. In most cases, however, your scarring will be minimal and hidden underneath the breast.