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Major chest wall resection for recurrent breast carcinoma
R Kluiber1, S Bines, C Bradley
1Department of General Surgery, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois 60612.
The American Surgeon
|August 1, 1991
Summary
Full-thickness chest wall resection can effectively control symptomatic local breast cancer recurrence. This procedure offers low morbidity, improved quality of life, and potential for long-term disease-free survival.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Local recurrence of breast cancer is common.
- Management may require extensive chest wall resection.
- Local control is crucial for patient comfort and hygiene.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility and morbidity of full-thickness chest wall resection for symptomatic local breast cancer recurrence.
- To assess functional outcomes and survival rates following this procedure.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 12 patients undergoing full-thickness chest wall resection for recurrent breast carcinoma.
- Analysis of resection extent (ribs, sternum), reconstruction techniques, and postoperative outcomes.
- Follow-up assessment of function, complications, and survival.
Main Results:
- Resections involved an average of three ribs and, in 70% of cases, part or all of the sternum.
- Ten of 11 follow-up patients reported good overall function.
- No postoperative deaths occurred; one major complication required prolonged hospitalization.
- Mean survival was 27 months; 40% were disease-free with a mean survival of 36 months.
Conclusions:
- Full-thickness chest wall resection is a viable option for managing symptomatic local breast cancer recurrence.
- The procedure demonstrates low morbidity and improves quality of life.
- It offers the possibility of long-term, disease-free survival in select patients.