Breast reconstruction complication

In a new study of breast cancer patients who had breast reconstruction, researchers examine complications across the different types of surgeries. For many women facing treatment for breast cancer, breast reconstruction after mastectomy is a quality of life issue. But choosing the type of reconstruction is a complex process, and the decision can be difficult and stressful. A new study from a multicenter research consortium sponsored by Michigan Medicine aims to help breast cancer patients make these decisions while armed with important data about the risks and rewards associated with each surgical option. How do you know what to choose? In this study, Wilkins, along with a team of researchers from the Mastectomy Reconstruction Outcomes Consortium MROC , followed more than 2, women who had breast reconstruction surgery at one of the 11 participating centers.

Breast reconstruction is the surgical process of rebuilding the shape and look of a breast , most commonly in women who have had surgery to treat breast cancer. It involves using autologous tissue, prosthetic implants, or a combination of both with the goal of reconstructing a natural-looking breast. This process often also includes the rebuilding of the nipple and areola, known as nipple-areola complex NAC reconstruction, as one of the final stages. Generally, the aesthetic appearance is acceptable to the woman, but the reconstructed area is commonly completely numb afterwards, which results in loss of sexual function as well as the ability to perceive pain caused by burns and other injuries. Breast reconstruction can be performed either immediately following the mastectomy or as a separate procedure at a later date, known as immediate reconstruction and delayed reconstruction, respectively. The decision of when breast reconstruction will take place is patient-specific and based on many different factors.

Deep inferior epigastric artery perforator DIEP flap is one of the most common breast reconstruction procedures done after a mastectomy. A DIEP flap is done for aesthetic reasons and is a voluntary procedure. With this method, skin and tissue are removed from the belly to create the new breast. Research published in shows that DIEP flap surgery is safe and the risk for complications is low. When both breasts are reconstructed, however, the risks increase.

Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that restores shape to your breast after mastectomy — surgery that removes your breast to treat or prevent breast cancer. One type of breast reconstruction uses breast implants — silicone devices filled with silicone gel or salt water saline — to reshape your breasts. Breast reconstruction with breast implants is a complex procedure performed by a plastic surgeon. The breast reconstruction process can start at the time of your mastectomy immediate reconstruction , or it can be done later delayed reconstruction.