The Cleveland Clinic has become the first hospital in Ohio to perform a robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy, a milestone reached following recent clearance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This minimally invasive option is now available to patients at Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital for both breast cancer treatment and risk-reduction surgeries.
Dr. Stephanie Valente, director of the Cleveland Clinic Breast Surgery Fellowship Program, led the team that performed the inaugural procedure. Surgeons utilize the da Vinci SP Surgical System, which features a 3D camera and robotic instruments inserted through a one-inch incision typically hidden on the side of the breast. This method replaces the traditional five-inch open incision, offering improved precision, enhanced visualization, and reduced blood loss. Dr. Valente noted that the approach aims to improve cosmetic outcomes, preserve the nipple and skin, and support faster recovery times for patients.
For those eligible, breast reconstruction can be completed during the same operation. This development expands the hospital's existing minimally invasive options, such as endoscopic nipple-sparing mastectomy, and provides a new alternative for patients seeking to address both the physical and emotional aspects of breast cancer surgery.