Optimizing breast cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic poses current and future challenges in the maintenance of surgical operating capacity. In the United Kingdom surgery has continued—in a reduced capacity—through the establishment of regional ‘cancer hubs’ using independent sector facilities to treat public healthcare patients. It is essential that these scarce operating facilities available are optimally utilized and that logistical challenges that result from remote operating away from the surgeon’s primary hospital site are considered. These issues are best addressed through the application of currently available medical technology and enhanced training in advanced oncoplastic techniques, which extend the limits of breast conservation.