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Reconstructive surgery in operable breast cancer. Critical evaluation
L Di Martino1, G Murenu, B Demontis
1Department of Experimental Surgery, Oncology Hospital, Cagliari, Italy.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|November 30, 1993
Summary
Breast reconstruction (BR) offers good esthetic and psychological outcomes for breast cancer patients, improving quality of life. This oncological reconstruction does not negatively impact disease recurrence or diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Radical mastectomy for breast carcinoma often compromises patient quality of life.
- Breast reconstruction (BR) presents an alternative to radical operations, addressing both oncological and patient well-being concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the esthetic-functional, psychological, and oncological characteristics of breast reconstruction.
- To evaluate the outcomes of BR in a large cohort of breast cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of data from 500 patients undergoing BR.
- BR timing and techniques were tailored based on tumor histology and disease stage.
- Evaluation of immediate BR with prostheses or tissue expanders, and delayed BR using flap techniques (e.g., latissimus dorsi, TRAM, free flap).
Main Results:
- Breast reconstruction provides favorable esthetic and psychological results.
- BR demonstrates a low incidence of complications and sequelae.
- Breast reconstruction does not adversely affect the natural history of breast cancer, including local recurrence rates or early diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- When performed with proper evaluation and technique, breast reconstruction significantly enhances patient quality of life.
- BR allows for adequate multidisciplinary treatment of breast cancer without compromising oncological safety.