To investigate the short-term efficacy of skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) combined with breast reconstruction in the treatment of early breast cancer.

Clinical data of 74 patients with early breast cancer admitted from January 2019 to September 2023 were collected and divided into the control group (n=40 cases, modified radical mastectomy combined with breast reconstruction) and the study group (n=34 cases, SSM combined with breast reconstruction) according to different surgical methods. All patients in both groups were followed up for 12 months. Statistical software SPSS 25.0 was used for data processing. Perioperative indicators, breast aesthetics, and scores of Breast Cancer Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement System were compared between the two groups by t test. Tumor markers were compared by general linear repeated measures analysis of variance. Postoperative complications and recurrence were compared by χ² test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

There were no statistically significant differences in perioperative indicators between the two groups (P>0.05). At 1 month and 12 months after surgery, the levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 15-3 (CA15-3) in both groups were significantly lower than those before surgery (P<0.05), but there were no statistically significant differences in CEA and CA15-3 levels between the study group and the control group at 1 month and 12 months after surgery (P>0.05). No recurrence was observed in both groups within 12 months after surgery. At 1 month after surgery, the study group had higher scores in bilateral breast symmetry, breast shape, breast skin elasticity and texture than the control group (P<0.05). The study group had significantly higher scores in mental health, sexual health, and breast satisfaction than the control group at 1 month after surgery (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative complications between the two groups (P>0.05).

SSM combined with breast reconstruction for early breast cancer can ensure good oncological efficacy, while improving breast aesthetics, mental health, sexual health, and breast satisfaction of patients.