Despite the many breast-sparing treatments now available for breast cancer, nearly one-third of breast cancer patients require breast removal (mastectomy). The possibility for reconstruction depends on the location and size of the tumor and the condition of remaining tissue. Education and counseling about breast reconstruction occur before mastectomy, so that informed decisions can be made about reconstruction.
Beaumont's surgical oncologists work closely with their colleagues to plan and provide the most effective treatment strategy for each woman. The surgeons demonstrate their commitment to clinical excellence through participation in the American College of Surgeons Surgical Oncology Group. During reconstruction they create a match for the opposite breast that restores symmetry. Staff at the
Comprehensive Breast Care Program diligently support women emotionally and practically in dealing with the challenges of reconstruction and rehabilitation.
What is breast reconstruction surgery?
With advances in breast reconstruction surgery, many women undergoing breast removal choose to have their breast(s) rebuilt. Even though medical, surgical, and radiation therapy treatments for breast cancer have increased the number of breast-sparing procedures available, nearly one-third of breast cancer patients still require a mastectomy - removal of the breast(s). In addition, other women have their breast(s) removed due to other diseases.
Breast reconstruction surgery involves creating a breast mound that comes as close as possible to the form and appearance of the natural breast.
The goal of reconstructive surgery is to create a breast mound that matches the opposite breast and to achieve symmetry. If both breasts have been removed, the goal of breast reconstructive surgery is to create both breast mounds approximately the size of the patient's natural breasts.
What are the criteria for breast reconstruction surgery?
In general, all women undergoing a mastectomy are candidates for immediate or delayed breast reconstruction. However, there are criteria for selecting the best candidates for the procedure:
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The size and location of the cancer - which determines the amount of skin and tissue to be removed in the mastectomy - are primary factors when making recommendations for reconstruction.
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Whether tissue has been damaged by radiation therapy or aging, and is not sufficiently healthy to withstand surgery.
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Other considerations include:
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potential for complications
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patient's desires
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the amount of tissue removed from the breast
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the health of the tissue at the planned operation site
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whether radiation therapy is part of treatment
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the patient's general health and physique
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past medical history
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co-existing illnesses
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other risk factors such as cardiac disease, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and obesity
When is breast reconstruction surgery performed?
The patient is usually educated and counseled in breast reconstructive possibilities prior to mastectomy, so that she can make the decision for or against reconstruction before going into surgery. Based on the personal medical history of each patient, a recommendation will be made for either:
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immediate reconstruction - reconstructive surgery performed at the same time as mastectomy.
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delayed reconstruction - a second operation (to reconstruct missing breast tissue) is performed after recovery from the mastectomy is complete. If chemotherapy is part of the treatment protocol, the surgeon may recommend delayed reconstruction.
What complications are commonly associated with breast reconstructive surgery?
Any type of surgery carries some risk. Patients differ in their anatomy and their ability to heal. Some complications from breast reconstruction may include:
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bleeding
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fluid collection
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infection
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excessive scar tissue
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anesthesia problems
The most common complication of breast reconstruction surgery with implants is capsular contracture, which occurs if the scar or capsule around the implant begins to tighten. Occasionally, this (and other) complications are severe enough to require a second operation.
What are the different types of breast reconstruction surgery?
The two most effective approaches available for both monolateral (one breast) and bilateral (both breasts) reconstruction are:
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expander/implant reconstruction - the use of an expander to create a breast mound, followed by the placement with a permanently filled breast implant.
Expanders are empty silicone "envelopes" placed under the pectoralis muscle, located between the breast and the chest wall. To enable the skin and soft tissues of the breast to grow, the expander is gradually filled with saline solution over a period of several weeks. The saline is injected into the expander through a valve or port in the expander. Once the expander has been completely filled, it is left in for several more weeks to months, allowing for maximal skin and soft tissue growth.
Implants are envelopes filled with liquid that are implanted into the breast tissue, and are used to form the shape of the breast. Implants may be filled with saline or silicone gel. Each type of implant has advantages and disadvantages. Your physician will discuss the types of implants with you and seek your input about the type of implant to be used.
Although there have been questions raised about the safety of silicone gel implants, the Institute of Medicine published a report in 2000 that refuted most of the claims about silicone implant hazards. After four years of extensive studies, the FDA announced in late 2006 that it had approved silicone gel-filled implants for breast augmentation for women ages 22 and older and for breast reconstruction for women of all ages.
The two manufacturers of the implants are required to conduct a large post-approval study following 40,000 women for a 10-year period after receiving implants.
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autologous breast reconstruction - the use of the patient's own tissues to reconstruct a new breast mound. The common technique is the TRAM (transverse rectus abdominous muscle) flap. A TRAM flap involves removing an area of fat, skin, and muscle from the abdomen and stitching it in place to the mastectomy wound. Beaumont also offers advanced perforator flap breast reconstruction microsurgery procedures that spare muscle tissue. One such procedure is DIEP flap breast reconstruction (deep inferior epigastric perforator).
About the procedure
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Location of procedure:
Surgery may be done in several locations depending on the type of reconstructive surgery being done, including:
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surgeon's office-based surgical facility
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outpatient surgery center
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hospital outpatient
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hospital inpatient
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Probable length of procedure:
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When performed at the time of a mastectomy, it adds about an hour or so to the surgery. Drains are put in place, and recovery time is longer due to the additional surgery, but the care afterward is the same as for mastectomy alone.
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Delayed reconstruction, as second surgery, requires more than an hour, and drains are not routinely inserted. The recovery is much quicker than it is after immediate reconstruction because the mastectomy wound has already healed.