Usefulness of Glucose Measurement To Assess Tissue Perfusion of the Nipple-Areola Complex in Conservative Mastectomy: A Prospective Cohort Study Protocol

In recent decades, the mastectomy technique has undergone progressive adaptations in order to preserve the integrity of the breast structure and the nipple-areola complex (NAC), allowing reconstruction to be performed immediately after ablation. However, mastectomy flap necrosis or NAC has become a common complication, with an incidence between 2% and 22.3%. Blood glucose measurement to monitor microsurgical flaps has been reported as a simple method for the early detection of venous compromise. In this scenario, we propose the need to use an alternative, cost-effective method to assess the vitality of NAC in conservative oncological mastectomies. This protocol describes a prospective cohort study and was approved by the Research Protocols Ethics Committee of our institution. Patients will be included after signing informed consent. The anonymity and confidentiality of the information collected will be respected according to the Declaration of Helsinki and according to local and national guidelines. HIGHLIGHTS: The rate of flap necrosis or nipple-areola complex (NAC) after mastectomy with reconstruction ranges from 2% to 22.3%. Glucose measurement has been reported in microsurgical flaps. This protocol seeks to determine the use of glucose as an early predictor of NAC necrosis. Participants will be recruited from a high-volume breast pathology hospital.