Oncoplastic Surgery Versus Lumpectomy: Analysis of Oncological Outcomes and Surgical Complications in 1290 Breast Cancer Patients

This 12-year retrospective study compared oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery (OBCS) with lumpectomy without reconstruction (LNR) to evaluate surgical and oncological outcomes. OBCS combines tumour removal with tissue reshaping to preserve breast contour, but concerns about treatment delays and recurrence limit its use. Among 1880 patients reviewed between 2008 and 2020, 1290 met the inclusion criteria—307 (24%) underwent OBCS and 983 (76%) underwent LNR. Women receiving OBCS were younger (mean 56 vs. 61 years, p < 0.0001) with similar BMIs. OBCS was associated with a slightly longer time to radiotherapy (3.93 vs. 3.57 months, p = 0.01) and higher rates of minor complications such as wound infection (7.17% vs. 3.66%), dehiscence (4.89% vs. 0.92%), and fat necrosis (11.73% vs. 1.12%) (all p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in positive margins, mastectomy conversion, recurrence, or disease-free survival. Despite a modest delay in adjuvant therapy and increased minor complications, OBCS demonstrated equivalent oncologic safety to standard lumpectomy. These findings support OBCS as a safe breast-conserving option that maintains esthetic outcomes without compromising cancer control, encouraging its broader use in appropriately selected patients.