Breast Cancer Reconstructive Surgery
Science and Medicine have done wonders in the last few decades regarding Breast Cancer Reconstructive Surgery. Although it’s not a perfect method, surgery is the only way of dealing with breast cancer. It’s indisputable that it has some major downsides, including not being 100% effective and having negative emotional and aesthetical effects on the patient, but it’s the best that medicine can offer as of now. Moreover, since the method itself cannot be (yet) replaced, efforts have been put into reducing these negative effects and avoiding the problems they cause.
If the tumor is larger and if it is discovered in a later stage, the patient’s entire breast must be removed (process called mastectomy, as opposed to lumpectomy – where only the small cancerous lump is removed) which leaves her with some severe aesthetical problems, which in turn cause the psychological ones.
Prior to going any further in the subject, it’s important to specify that in some cases, breast reconstruction cannot be performed instantly after the surgery. The reasons are multiple and they include the fact that breast cancer surgery is not always effective from the first time. This means that although the tumor was removed, there might still be cancerous cells in the area with the risk of spreading in the adjacent tissue and a second operation is required, in case the area that is still affected is larger. If it’s not as large as to require a second operation, these cells can be destroyed with treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, but these take time, making breast reconstruction unfeasible during the treatment.
Breast Reconstruction Procedures
Breast reconstruction is seldom done with only one surgery. Even if you have the procedure started during your mastectomy, you will still need to have a second procedure. Breast reconstruction procedures include
- Breast implants
- Tissue expanders and
- Tissue reconstruction
Breast Implants
Breast implants are silicone shells filled with either saltwater or silicone. They are either tear shaped or round and it is placed behind the pectoral muscle in your chest. This is alike to the procedure when a breast expansion is done. Most women will need to have tissue expanders placed in the chest area before the implant is placed.
Tissue Expanders
Tissue expanders extend the remaining tissue to allow room for the implant. Tissue expansion will take place over more than a few months. The tissue expander has a small valve that your doctor will use to insert saline solution in with a needle. The balloon is filled gradually to allow the skin to stretch. There may be a feeling of pressure or slight discomfort while the tissues are expanding.
Once the expander has reached the correct size, the doctor performs a second operation to put in the permanent implant. Some doctors use an expander that will be permanent and a second surgery won’t be needed. An implant may be inserted into the other side of the breast area to cover both breasts are similar in size and shape.
Tissue Reconstruction
.Another procedure uses tissue reconstruction. This method is complex but does have its positive points. Using tissue from your own body removes any danger from leakage of the saline filled balloon, or any reaction from the silicone. Women are given two choices of surgical methods.
The first method transfers muscle, skin, and fat to the chest area by keeping it all attached to the blood supply. This is pedicle flap surgery. Tunnels beneath the skin carry this tissue to the chest area and its moved into a pocket your surgeon has prepared for the implant.
The second procedure removes the tissue from the area while disconnecting it from its blood supply. The surgeon then reattaches the tissue with microsurgery to the blood vessels near your chest. This procedure takes longer to perform because of the delicate nature of reattaching all the blood vessels. This procedure is called the free flap surgery.
Tissue used for the free flap surgery can be taken from donor areas from your back, buttocks, or abdomen. Taking the tissue from the abdomen can serve a duo purpose because it takes excess muscle, fat, and tissue from the abdomen and is considered a little “tummy tuck.” This may appeal to some women who have excess fat and tissue in their abdomen area. This procedure takes a small portion of the abdominal muscle to allow you to keep as much abdominal strength as possible after surgery. The appeal of the “tummy tuck” sways many women to choose for this second procedure even though it may mean a longer time in the operating room.
Consult your doctor and plastic surgeon for help in choosing the best method of reconstruction for your body.
