Use of immediate postoperative mastectomy prostheses

Area of Science:

• Surgical innovation
• Patient care

Background:

• Post-mastectomy patients require breast prostheses for symmetry and comfort.
• Immediate postoperative needs include support for skin flaps and psychological adjustment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the creation of a temporary breast prosthesis using readily available operating room materials.
• To evaluate its suitability for immediate postoperative use.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing common materials found within the operating room environment.
• Fashioning a prosthesis to fit a brassiere cup and apply gentle pressure.

Main Results:

• The fabricated prosthesis offers good shape and form.
• It effectively fills the brassiere cup and provides necessary pressure on skin flaps.
• The prosthesis aids in managing patient body image and asymmetry.

Conclusions:

• A functional temporary breast prosthesis can be quickly constructed from operating room supplies.
• This method addresses immediate aesthetic and psychological needs of post-mastectomy patients.