Abstract
Background: Accurate breast volume measurement is essential for breast and plastic surgeons in surgery planning. Though the use of plastic cups is an inexpensive and non-invasive method for measuring breast volume, its validation has been infrequent. The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability of breast volume measurements using plastic cups.
Methods: From January 2019 to May 2019, we conducted preoperative breast volume measurements on all female patients undergoing skin- or nipple-sparing mastectomy and primary reconstruction with breast implants at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark. Plastic cups were used for these measurements. During surgery, the mastectomy specimen’s weight was measured, and its volume was estimated through fluid displacement. Breast density data were obtained from preoperative mammography reports, and volume was subsequently calculated using density and weight.
Results: Seventeen breasts were analyzed. There was poor agreement between the volume measured with plastic cups and the volume estimated through water displacement, with a correlation coefficient of only 0.73 (P<0.01). The mean difference in measured volume between the two methods was −12 mL, suggesting that the plastic cups tended to overestimate the volume. Likewise, there was a poor agreement between the volumes measured with plastic cups and those calculated from weight and density, with a correlation coefficient of 0.87.
Conclusions: Our study revealed a significant discrepancy between breast volumes measured by plastic cups and those determined by water displacement techniques or calculated by breast density and weight. In general, the plastic cups method overestimated breast volume. However, plastic cups remain an inexpensive and non-invasive means for breast volume measurement and may still serve as a valuable tool when taking this volume overestimation into account.
Methods: From January 2019 to May 2019, we conducted preoperative breast volume measurements on all female patients undergoing skin- or nipple-sparing mastectomy and primary reconstruction with breast implants at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark. Plastic cups were used for these measurements. During surgery, the mastectomy specimen’s weight was measured, and its volume was estimated through fluid displacement. Breast density data were obtained from preoperative mammography reports, and volume was subsequently calculated using density and weight.
Results: Seventeen breasts were analyzed. There was poor agreement between the volume measured with plastic cups and the volume estimated through water displacement, with a correlation coefficient of only 0.73 (P<0.01). The mean difference in measured volume between the two methods was −12 mL, suggesting that the plastic cups tended to overestimate the volume. Likewise, there was a poor agreement between the volumes measured with plastic cups and those calculated from weight and density, with a correlation coefficient of 0.87.
Conclusions: Our study revealed a significant discrepancy between breast volumes measured by plastic cups and those determined by water displacement techniques or calculated by breast density and weight. In general, the plastic cups method overestimated breast volume. However, plastic cups remain an inexpensive and non-invasive means for breast volume measurement and may still serve as a valuable tool when taking this volume overestimation into account.
| Originalsprog | Engelsk |
|---|---|
| Artikelnummer | 25 |
| Tidsskrift | Annals of Breast Surgery |
| Vol/bind | 8 |
| Antal sider | 7 |
| DOI | |
| Status | Udgivet - 2024 |
| Udgivet eksternt | Ja |
Bibliografisk note
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