Breast conservation and reconstruction Flashcards
Breast conservation therapy
Definition
Consists of removal of the breast while maintaining normal breast shape and requires post operative radiotherapy
Breast reconstruction
Definition
Surgical procedure aimed at re-establish normal shape of the breast post mastectomy due to breast cancer
What are the indications for breast conservation therapy
Stage 1 and 2 breast cancer
Patient agreeable to BCT
Patient must be willing to undergo radiotherapy post surgery
What are the contra-indicatiosn for BCT
Previous radiotherapy
Serious connective tissue disorder
Pregnancy
Multifocal disease
Large tumour
Inflammatory breast cancer
What are the advantages of BCT
Allows for additional sampling of breast tissue
Improved breast shape
Preserves breast tissue, nipple sensation
Better patient satifaction
What are the disadvantages of BCT
8-10% recurrence rates vs 3-5%
Breast radiation is mandatory
Additional scars
What are the contra-indications of breast reconstruction
Advanced cancer stages
Smoking - affects wound healing
Medical comorbidities
Obesity
Previous radiation
Previous surgery in the area of the donar site
Pedicle flap
Definition
Tissue remains attached to its blood supply and is transferred from one part of the body to another
Free flap
Definition
Tissue that is transferred from one part of the body to another and revascularized by microvascular anastomose to a recipient vessel
Lipomodeling reconstruction
Definition
Use of patients own adipose tissue to reconstruct a breast
What are the advantages of prosthetic reconstruction
Technical ease
No additional scars
Shorter operative times
What are the disadvantages of prosthetic reconstruction
Potential capsular contraction
Potential implant rupture
Potential infection
Increased probablility for future surgery
Difficult to achieve symmetry
