• The patient experienced minimal post-operative discomfort with a rapid recovery, being discharged just one day after surgery, reflecting the procedure’s safety and effectiveness.

Mumbai : In a groundbreaking advancement in breast cancer treatment, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre in Mumbai has successfully performed a pioneering Endoscopic Skin and Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy (E-NSM). The procedure was immediately followed by implant-based reconstruction using TiLoop mesh. This first-of-its-kind “scarless” mastectomy, performed only once before in India, was conducted on a 27-year-old unmarried woman, ensuring both oncological safety and an exceptional scar-minimised outcome.

When the patient first arrived at Jaslok Hospital, she had a sizeable lump measuring around 4–5 cm in the left breast. The medical team began treatment with chemotherapy to shrink the lump. During this phase, genetic testing revealed she was BRACA gene positive, significantly increasing long-term cancer risk. Given this development, she was recommended an advanced surgical approach.

Conventional mastectomies usually involve a 10–12 cm incision across the breast, often leaving visible scars and impacting body image. Given the patient’s age and personal concerns, Dr. Sandip M. Bipte suggested an endoscopic mastectomy with immediate reconstruction as the best approach. This technique uses a small 3–4 cm incision discreetly placed on the lateral chest wall, outside the breast mound, ensuring better sensory preservation and an enhanced cosmetic result without compromising cancer clearance.

Dr. Sandip M. Bipte, Oncoplastic and Robotic Breast Surgeon, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, said, “For young women diagnosed with breast cancer, the emotional toll of surgery can be just as significant as the physical. Our patient was extremely concerned about the visible scar and body image after surgery. After evaluation, we suggested endoscopic skin- and nipple-sparing mastectomy. This advanced minimally invasive surgical procedure ensures both oncological safety and aesthetic integrity, helping restore their confidence, self-image, and quality of life. I’ve seen firsthand how transformative it can be. Its success here at Jaslok Hospital is a testament not just to surgical innovation but to the unwavering support and coordination of our entire team. I’m especially grateful to Dr. Sadashiv Choudhary, nursing team and the entire Jaslok Hospital staff for standing by me throughout this journey.”

The procedure was completed without complications, resulting in minimal post-operative discomfort and a swift recovery. The patient was discharged just one day after surgery.

Speaking about the case Dr Milind Khadke, Chief Medical Officer said “This milestone marks a proud moment for Jaslok Hospital. Performing Western India’s first scarless endoscopic mastectomy with immediate reconstruction showcases our commitment to innovation and patient-centered care. The young patient’s swift recovery highlights the procedure’s safety, precision, and promise for better outcomes in breast cancer treatment.”

Expressing her deep satisfaction, Vaibhavi (Name changed) said, “Choosing surgery was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, but I felt completely supported every step of the way. The care I received went beyond just medical; it gave me emotional strength and confidence I didn’t know I had. Today, I look in the mirror and feel whole, not just healed. That means more to me than I can express.”

With this breakthrough, Jaslok Hospital has once again reaffirmed its commitment to innovation, patient-centered care, and excellence in cancer treatment, offering new hope to women facing breast cancer during one of the most vulnerable phases of their lives.