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Endoscopic Bilateral Nipple-sparing Mastectomy via a Single Axillary Incision with Immediate Pre-pectoral Implant-based Breast Reconstruction
Published on: May 17, 2024
Breast cancer reconstruction in the elderly
Marissa Howard-McNatt1, Clay Forsberg, Edward A Levine
1Department of Surgical Oncology, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157, USA. mmcnatt@wfubmc.edu
The American Surgeon
|January 26, 2012
Summary
Breast reconstruction after mastectomy is safe and effective for women over 60. This study shows age should not deter elderly patients from undergoing breast reconstruction.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Plastic Surgery
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- Breast reconstruction is often underutilized in women over 60 following mastectomy.
- Limited data exists on the outcomes of breast reconstruction in elderly populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the experience of breast reconstruction in women aged 60 and older.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of various reconstructive techniques in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 89 women over 60 who underwent mastectomy and reconstruction between 1998 and 2008.
- Analysis of patient demographics, disease stage, reconstructive techniques, and complication rates.
Main Results:
- Most patients (89%) had immediate breast reconstruction.
- Common techniques included two-stage implants (58%) and transverse rectus abdominus musculocutaneous (TRAM) flaps (10%).
- Complication rates were manageable, with a 12% infection rate and low rates of flap failure.
Conclusions:
- Age should not be a contraindication for breast reconstruction in elderly women.
- Mastectomy and subsequent breast reconstruction can be successfully performed in women over 60.
- Further research should focus on optimizing outcomes for this growing patient population.