A STUDY OF DIFFERENT MODALITIES OF BREAST RECONSTRUCTION AFTER MASTECTOMY

Abstract

The female breast is one of the most important physical expressions of femininity. Removal or deformity of this sexual organ can induce severe psychological effects. Therefore, breast reconstruction is an element of prime importance to mastectomized women. The goals of breast reconstruction are creating a breast that looks and feels like the normal breast, with achievement of symmetry by correction of the contralateral side. The aims of this thesis are to review the different modalities of breast reconstruction after mastectomy and to identify the causes of refusal of Egyptian women to reconstruct their breasts after mastectomy and to evaluate their compliance for breast reconstruction. Breast reconstruction either can be immediate at the time of mastectomy, delayed (secondary breast reconstruction) after six months or late up to five years after mastectomy. Oncologically, there is no reason preventing immediate breast reconstruction unless the patient refuses the operation or the prognosis Is very poor. Immediate breast reconstruction has many advantages. For the patient, it is easier, less expensive and psychologically more convenient. For the surgeon, it facilitates the reconstruction and improves aesthetic results. Disadvantages of immediate breast reconstruction are minimal and consist of prolongation of duration of the surgery, more severe postoperative pain and a higher complication rate. Delayed breast reconstruction is considered three to six months after mastectomy as by this time the soft tissue will have recovered from the operative trauma, also, adjuvant chemotherapy is usually finished.