Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42591986›Full record

ArticleGland surgery2026

The endoscopic-assisted triple-plane technique: a technical refinement for complete autologous prosthesis coverage in subpectoral implant-based breast reconstruction.

Wenfei He, Yue He, Mingzhi Xia, Zhihua Liu, Zhaoyang Zhu, Zhaoyun Wu, Zhijie Gao, Xiaobo Hu

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Gland surgery, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Wenfei He *Department of Breast Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.
Yue He *Department of Breast Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.
Mingzhi XiaDepartment of Breast Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.
Zhihua LiuDepartment of Breast Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.
Zhaoyang ZhuDepartment of Breast Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.
Zhaoyun WuDepartment of Breast Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.
Zhijie GaoDepartment of Breast Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.
Xiaobo HuDepartment of Breast Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

The triple-plane technique offers complete autologous prosthesis coverage in subpectoral breast reconstruction without requiring mesh. Its integration with endoscopic assistance allows for precise dissection through a concealed incision. Achieving complete implant coverage without mesh in subpectoral reconstruction remains a technical challenge. This study evaluates the feasibility and early outcomes of this novel endoscopic-assisted triple-plane technique. In this prospective case series, we describe and evaluate an integrated approach utilizing a single axillary incision under endoscopic visualization to dissect three anatomical planes: the subpectoral plane (pectoralis major, A-plane), the serratus anterior fascia (B-plane), and the deep superficial fascia (C-plane). These layers are combined to create a mesh-free pocket ensuring complete autologous prosthesis coverage. In our preliminary series, the procedure was successfully performed in 89 patients. The mean operative time was 90.28±14.95 minutes, with an average blood loss of 44.21±13.40 mL. The mean incision length was 5.47±0.52 cm, and the average hospital stay was 7.56±1.78 days. Postoperative breast appearance was rated as excellent in 86 patients (96.63%) and good in 3 patients (3.37%). All patients reported high satisfaction, with BREAST-Q (a validated patient-reported outcome measure for breast surgery) scores ranging from 80 to 100 and a mean score of 87.28. No major perioperative complications, such as prosthesis loss or total flap necrosis, were recorded. The endoscopic-assisted triple-plane technique is a safe and reproducible mesh-free method that combines the benefits of complete autologous coverage with the advantages of minimally invasive surgery. This integrated approach appears to be a promising refinement for subpectoral breast reconstruction, supported by favorable early aesthetic outcomes and high patient satisfaction. These preliminary findings warrant further validation in comparative studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up.

Indexed as

autologous coveragebreast reconstructionEndoscopy-assisted surgeryimplant-based reconstructiontriple-plane technique

Identifiers

PMID42591986
PMCPMC13462864

What Socratic holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.