Since its introduction in 1991, skin-sparing
mastectomy has emerged as an acceptable surgical technique in the management of
breast cancer patients, providing optimal oncological safety and efficacy with favorable aesthetic results. Rates of native skin flap
ischemia and
necrosis after skin-sparing
mastectomy are 2%-30% and result in a decreased aesthetic outcome and delay of necessary adjuvant treatment.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been advocated for the management of various compromised flaps, and when instituted immediately postoperatively, may prevent progression of
ischemia into
necrosis. We report the case of a 41-year-old female who developed skin flap
ischemia after undergoing skin-sparing
mastectomy and was immediately treated with hyperbaric
oxygen. The patient received a total of five
hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions, achieving full resolution of the
ischemia without any complications. Further research is essential to determine the role of
hyperbaric oxygen therapy in managing skin flap
ischemia post skin-sparing
mastectomy. Until such studies exist,
hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be considered a preferred option in the management of native skin flap
ischemia after skin-sparing
mastectomy.