[Radical mastectomy with chimerization of the pectoral muscles]

The author describes an original technique for radical extirpation of the cancerous breast, of the covering fascia of the pectoral muscles en bloc with the claviculo-coracopectoro-axillary fascia and axillary lymph nodes. Both pectoral muscles are maintained and sutured at the ned of operation, creating a well-vascularized subcutaneous muscular layer (suture of both muscles designated as muscular chimerization). This subcutaneous muscular layer will create optimal conditions for postoperative irradiation of the prethoracic region. This technique avoids oedema of the arm, is as radical as the Halsted operation but not so mutilating. As compared to the operations proposed by Patey and Madden, Chiricuţă's operation is more radical and maintains both pectoral muscles. Sixty patients with cancer of the breast, stages I and II, were successfully operated by this method.