Breast reconstruction following mastectomy

ESY Chan, PC Kuo, WWK King, AKC Li
Division of Head and Neck--Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong

Breast reconstruction following mastectomy is a feasible and viable option to help restore the body shape and image of a patient. There are multiple surgical procedures for the reconstruction of the female breast, including the use of a mammary saline prosthesis or various autogenous tissues with myocutaneous flaps. These different approaches, together with possible risks and complications, should be discussed with the patient before the mastectomy is performed. A consensual approach must be taken that best fits the patient� s needs and expectations, either as an immediate reconstruction or as a delayed procedure, should the patient opt for reconstruction. Breast reconstruction is a common procedure in North America. As Hong Kong patients become better informed, the demand for breast reconstruction can be expected to increase.

Hong Kong Med J 1996;2:56-61

Key words: Breast neoplasms; Mastectomy; Implants, artificial