Personalized Surgical Strategies in Breast Cancer: Preliminary Evaluation of the Alexis® Retractor for Reducing Postoperative Complications and Improving Operative Efficiency

TL;DR

This paper explores using the Alexis® retractor in breast cancer surgery to reduce complications and improve efficiency, with promising early results.

Contribution

The study evaluates the Alexis® retractor's potential in axillary breast cancer surgery for personalized, complication-reducing outcomes.

Findings

Seromas occurred in 10.8% of patients and were managed with ultrasound-guided aspiration.

Wound dehiscence occurred in 5.4% of patients and was treated with advanced dressings.

No infections, hemorrhages, or systemic complications were observed in the study.

Abstract

Background: Personalized medicine in breast cancer surgery aims to tailor therapeutic strategies not only to tumor biology but also to patient-specific risk factors and surgical outcomes. The Alexis® retractor, originally designed for abdominal and pelvic surgery, may represent an innovative tool to optimize axillary surgical procedures in selected patients. Its atraumatic design and protective sheath provide enhanced visibility, minimized tissue trauma, and a potentially lower risk of postoperative complications, thus contributing to individualized surgical care. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, single-center study at Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS between January 2024 and April 2025. Patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy with axillary access were included. The Alexis® retractor was used for axillary tissue retraction in procedures such as sentinel lymph node biopsy and axillary dissection. Outcomes were assessed at 7, 14, and 30 days postoperatively, with particular focus on complication rates and surgical efficiency. Results: Thirty-seven patients (38 procedures) were analyzed. Seromas occurred in four patients (10.8%) and were managed with ultrasound-guided aspiration. Wound dehiscence occurred in two patients (5.4%) and was treated with advanced dressings. No infections, hemorrhages, or flap necrosis were observed. No systemic complications occurred. Conclusions: The preliminary results suggest that the Alexis® retractor may support a more personalized approach to axillary surgery in breast cancer, by reducing early postoperative complications and improving surgical ergonomics. Its atraumatic design and protective sheath may help tailor surgical management to individual patient risk profiles, minimizing tissue damage and infection risk while enhancing intraoperative visibility and efficiency. Further prospective, controlled studies with larger cohorts are needed to confirm its role in precision breast surgery and to define which patient subgroups may benefit the most.

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