Evaluation of the reliability of a new simple device for standardized breast volume measurements

Background Despite the breast volume being an essential metric component of any aesthetic or reconstructive breast surgery, up to date, there has been no accepted measurement technique that is globally accepted by breast surgeons. Appropriate measurement might lead to decrease of the reoperation rates. We introduced a novel technique that provides simply accurate volume measurement. Methods Thirty patients with breast cancer who were scheduled for modified radical mastectomy were included in the study. Preoperative breast volume measurement using the novel device and breast MRI studies was done for all patients; meanwhile, the gold standard technique (direct water displacement measurement of mastectomy specimen) was used to measure the volume of breast specimen following mastectomy. Results There were strongly positive correlations between the device and gold standard technique ( r = 0.957) in 23 patients, and ( r = 0.997) in 30 patients when MRI was compared to gold standard measurements. In group 1 (breast volume < 500), there is a strong correlation between the device and gold standard ( r = 0.914) and for the MRI and gold standard ( r = 0.965). In group 2 (500–1000), there was also a strong correlation between the device and gold standard ( r = 0.986) and for the MRI and gold standard ( r = 0.989) as well. Conclusions The novel device had been proven to be cost-efficient, simple, reproducible technique with minimal learning curve. It provides reliably comparable results to gold standard techniques and MRI measurement in breast volumes up to 1000 cc. It utilized simple material and basic principles that can be easily used in most settings. Level of evidence: Level IV, diagnostic study.