[Primary reconstruction in breast-saving cancer surgery]

Breast-conserving therapy in mammary carcinoma is an alternative to the more radical forms of therapy when the tumors are small. The cosmetic results obtained are not always satisfactory. Correction of deformities of this kind in breasts which have been subjected to post-operative radiation is difficult and dangerous. Consequently, reconstruction of the mammary gland should be included in the primary operation. The technical possibilities for doing so are listed. It seems to be justifiable from an oncological point of view.