Knowledge gap

As long-term survival for breast cancer increases, so does the importance of achieving good cosmetic results (Baildam et al, 2007; Baildam, 2008). The use of additional OPS may address this need. The ultimate role of these additional techniques in breast cancer surgery remains to be established. After all, good/acceptable results are currently achieved without the use of OPS in 60 to 70% of patients. That is why prospective, randomized clinical trials investigating the following aspects are desirable:

• clear indications: developing a decision algorithm;
• uniformization of surgical techniques;
• standardized photographic documentation preoperatively, postoperatively and during follow-up;
• development and use of validated questionnaires for this patient category.