Breast Reconstruction for Malignant or Premalignant Disease

In ten patients breast reconstruction was done after surgical treatment for a premalignant or malignant breast disease. In six of these, prophylactic subcutaneous mastectomy and implant reconstruction were carried out, and in the remaining four reconstruction was done after simple or modified radical mastectomy. It is suggested that these procedures should be considered by those physicians and surgeons who undertake evaluation and treatment of breast disease in women. Breast reconstruction should be considered and offered to patients who suffer from the severe personal and emotional trauma attendant to surgical operation for breast disease.     

Reversed reconstruction in subcutaneous mastectomy: insertion of the prosthesis in advance

A new approach to reconstruction in subcutaneous mastectomy has been presented. It involves insertion of the prosthesis in advance as the first stage. After a review of 22 consecutive cases of subcutaneous mastectomy, we are convinced that it is the method of choice. In our opinion, most of the complications following subcutaneous mastectomy with augmentation can be diminished by using this technique. Another outstanding advantage is that the patient has less psychological trauma.     

Fluorescein test for prediction of flap viability during breast reconstructions.

The fluorescein test is a useful ancillary procedure for predicting the viability of breast flaps in reconstructive procedures after subcutaneous mastectomy or radial mastectomy.     

The incidence of obscure carcinoma in subcutaneous mastectomy. Results of a national survey.

A national survey of plastic surgeons has been conducted to determinr the incidence of occult breat carcinoma in patients having a subcutaneous mastectomy. The results are reported herein. We believe subcutaneous mastectomy is the most effective prophylactic procedure presently available that is acceptable to women who have a high risk of developing breast cancer.     

A breast-halving incision for subcutaneous mastectomy.

A new "breast-halving incision" for subcutaneous mastectomy is described. It has particular advantages in the large breast, where the incidence of complications is much higher. Its main disadvantage is the length of the incision, which runs across the equator of the breast. However, subcutaneous mastectomy is not primarily a cosmetic operation. The improved results in immediate reconstruction would seem to justify this approach.     

Biological basis for management of benign disease of the breast. The case against subcutaneous mastectomy.

The biology of breast disease abnormalities which are primarily the result of hormonal imbalance, and the action of hormones upon breast tissue are discussed. An understanding of the basic biological principles makes it possible to manage these patients more accurately. An accurate diagnosis is necessary to predict what changes will occur with the progression of time. Our reservations about subcutaneous mastectomy are stated.     

The effectiveness of prophylactic subcutaneous mastectomy in Sprague-Dawley rats induced with 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene

Fifty-day-old female, albino Sprague-Dawley rats were induced with DMBA, a potent carcinogen that reliably causes multiple breast tumors. Prophylactic subcutaneous mastectomy was performed 2 weeks after injection. Control animals had no breast tissue removed and developed 5.14 tumors per animal, or 1.3 tumors per quadrant. Animals subjected to 50 percent (unilateral) mastectomy developed 5.4 tumors per animal, with 0.72 tumors per surgical quadrant. Animals that underwent 75 percent (three quadrant) mastectomy developed 4.33 tumors per animal, or 0.48 tumors per surgical quadrant. The incidence of tumors was significantly reduced in the surgical areas. However, the risk of any animal developing a breast neoplasm was not reduced in direct proportion to the percentage of breast tissue removed. We believe that this model may prove valuable in evaluating prophylactic subcutaneous mastectomy.     

皮下乳腺切除术治疗乳腺增生伴癌症临床分析

目的:探讨皮下乳腺切除术治疗乳腺增生伴癌症的临床疗效和预后分析。方法:随机选取2009年1月至2012年2月在我院就诊乳腺增生伴癌症女性患者68例,均为已婚已育女性,随机分为观察组和对照组,观察组35例给予乳房切除术治疗,对照组33例给予药物保守治疗,观察并比较两组的临床疗效、美容效果和预后情况。结果:观察组临床有效率高达88.57%,显著高于对照组(66.67%)(P<0.05);观察组美容效果良好率为74.29%显著高于对照组(30.30%)(P<0.01);观察组局部复发率、再住院率和死亡率均低于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:乳腺切除术治疗乳腺增生伴癌症不但安全性高、操作简便、疗效显著、预后好,而且能满足形体要求又能保留其乳腺功能,值得临床进一步的推广和研究。     

乳腺癌保乳改良根治术与传统改良根治术临床疗效的比较

目的:对比分析保乳改良根治术与传统改良根治术治疗乳腺癌的临床疗效。方法:将行手术治疗的415例女性乳腺癌患者按手术方式分为保乳改良根治术组76例与传统改良根治术组339例,两组患者术后均接受辅助治疗。比较两组患者术后满意度,术后并发症,复发、转移及死亡率,评价保乳改良根治术的临床疗效。结果:两组患者的发病年龄,术后病理类型,失随访情况,转移、死亡及复发率比较无统计学意义(P0.05)。保乳改良根治术组皮下积液发生率明显低于传统改良根治术组(P0.05),术后满意度明显优于传统改良根治术组(P0.05),其他并发症比较无显著差异(P0.05)。结论:保乳改良根治术能得到和传统改良根治术同样的疗效,且具有损伤小、并发症少、外形美观、术后满意度高等优势。     

Alternatives to subcutaneous mastectomy.

It is our belief that subcutaneous mastectomy often leads to complications, with poor results. In addition, because a considerable amount of breast tissue may be left behind, its value as a prophylactic operation must be questioned. Two alternatives are presented. In our experience, these lead to fewer complications with a more thorough removal of the mammary gland, and achieve a better appearance. The alternatives are (1) simple mastectomy with secondary reconstruction; (2) the type of mastectomy described by Spira--with primary reconstruction using a subpectoral silicone prosthesis covered by muscle and an inferiorly-based dermal flap.     

The thyroid gland function assessment in women after mastectomy and chemotherapy during breast cancer therapy

INTRODUCTION: For many years much attention has been focused on an interaction between the breast disease and the thyroid gland function in the literature. In those studies the question whether disease changes in the thyroid gland can induces the breast disease was addressed. On the other hand there are a few works concerning the inverted question whether the breast cancer therapy, in particular after mastectomy and chemotherapy, can disturb the thyroid gland function. The aim of the study is to investigate the influence of the mastectomy and chemotherapy on the thyroid gland function in women after breast cancer therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 173 patients aged 30-80 (average 56) were included in this study. The studied group comprised 97 women after breast cancer therapy (average age 60). The control group consisted of 76 patients (average age 55). 75 patients after mastectomy of the studied group were additionally treated with chemotherapy, but in 22 women chemotherapy was not applied. The following methods were used to carry out the research: the USG method was applied to evaluate thyroid morphological condition in women after mastectomy and chemotherapy; the color Doppler technique was used for dynamic presentation and fine- needle aspiration biopsy: examination of the thyroid functional state by measuring the TSH, fT(3), fT(4) hormone concentration and the level of antithyroid antibodies. RESULTS: An average concentration of antithyroid antibodies: anti-TPO and anti-Tg was found significantly higher in the studied group of women after chemotherapy, comparing with the control group. The level of fT(3) hormone concentration was comparable in all investigated groups. Nevertheless, the average concentration of TSH was found higher in women after mastectomy and chemotherapy and as a consequence leading to hypothyroidism. CONCLUSION: Taking into consideration the high level of the concentration of antithyroid antibodies: (anti-TPO and anti- Tg), which lead to destruction of the thyroid gland tissue, the thyroid gland function of the women after mastectomy and chemotherapy should be monitored morphologically as well as functionally.     

Breast reconstruction utilizing subcutaneous tissue expansion followed by polyurethane-covered silicone implants: a 6-year experience

Reconstruction of the breast after modified radical mastectomy can be safely and adequately performed in the subcutaneous plane. Placement of a subcutaneous tissue expander (as either an immediate or a delayed procedure), rapid expansion over a 3- to 4-month period, capsulotomy, and placement of a polyurethane-coated implant have led to satisfactory results over a 6-year period. Breast reconstruction methods are well documented; however, the utilization of expanded subcutaneous chest wall skin has not been reported heretofore.     

Breast reconstruction using an inflatable breast implant with detachable reservoir

An inflatable breast implant having a detachable filling reservoir is described. Once in position, the implant can be filled under controlled conditions postoperatively. The implant functions either as a tissue expander or as a delayed-filling implant in the initial stages of the procedure. Once the desired breast size is achieved, the reservoir is removed, leaving the filled implant in position. This implant has been used successfully in various types of breast reconstructive procedures, including both primary and secondary reconstruction following modified mastectomy, immediate reconstruction following subcutaneous mastectomy, secondary reconstruction following radical mastectomy combined with the latissimus dorsi flap, and following the removal of silicone gel implants with associated capsular contracture. A total of 23 patients, representing 34 breasts, are reported on. The results have been encouraging over a period of 20 months of follow-up.     

Comparison of mastectomy with tamoxifen for treating elderly patients with operable breast cancer.

STUDY OBJECTIVE--Comparison of tamoxifen and mastectomy in treatment of breast cancer in elderly patients. DESIGN--Randomised trial of treatment of operable breast cancer by wedge mastectomy or tamoxifen, with median follow up 24 and 25 months respectively (range 1-63). SETTING--University hospital; most patients from primary catchment area. PATIENTS--135 consecutive patients with breast cancer aged over 70 with operable tumours (less than 5 cm maximum diameter); 68 were allocated to tamoxifen group and 67 to mastectomy group. Histological diagnosis by biopsy. Two incorrect randomisations in each group. Patient characteristics similar in the two groups and all under care of one surgical team. INTERVENTIONS--Mastectomy group received wedge mastectomy plus excision of symptomatic axillary lymph nodes. Tamoxifen group received continuous treatment with tamoxifen 20 mg twice daily. Patients in tamoxifen group received wedge mastectomy if there was sign of local progression. Those in mastectomy group received further excision or radiotherapy for locoregional recurrence and when local treatments had been exhausted or metastatic disease diagnosed they received tamoxifen. END POINT--Treatment efficacy was assessed by local control of disease and by survival. MAIN RESULTS--Mortality from metastatic cancer in tamoxifen group was 7 (10.6%) and in mastectomy group 10 (15.3%) (NS). There was no difference in survival between the two groups. In mastectomy group 70% remained alive and free of local recurrence at 24 months; in tamoxifen group only 47% remained alive and free of local progression. In mastectomy group locoregional recurrence occurred in 16 patients and metastatic disease in 13; in tamoxifen group locoregional progression occurred in 29 patients and metastatic disease in seven. CONCLUSIONS--As a high proportion of patients treated with tamoxifen eventually required surgery treatment of elderly patients with breast cancer should include mastectomy. Optimum treatment may include both mastectomy and tamoxifen.     

Experience with 50 free TRAM flap breast reconstructions

The data from the first 50 patients undergoing free TRAM flap breast reconstruction in two units were examined. Average patient age was 42 years, and average weight was 62 kg. Forty percent of patients were chronic smokers, and 26 percent had low abdominal scars. Twelve percent exercised their abdominal muscles regularly. Eighteen percent had undergone radical mastectomy, whereas 76 percent had undergone modified radical mastectomy and 6 percent had undergone subcutaneous mastectomy. Postoperative radiotherapy had been given in 16 percent of patients, and 54 percent had received postoperative chemotherapy. The average time from mastectomy was 32 months, whereas six breasts were reconstructed immediately. Average operating time was 5.6 hours, and average blood loss was 2.4 units. Average hospital stay was 11.2 days. Complications included three total flap losses (6 percent) and two partial flap losses (4 percent). Abdominal hernia occurred in two patients (4 percent).     

Consent for mastectomy.

The value of a system for reducing the number of women with breast lumps who consent unnecessarily to mastectomy was assessed. Sixty-one patients with breast lumps were divided preoperatively into three groups with benign, doubtful, and malignant lumps according to clinical, mammographic and ultrasound criteria. On the basis of these criteria written consent was requested from 29 patients for mastectomy and from 32 for only excision of the lump. Fourteen of the 29 patients who gave consent for mastectomy had carcinomas, and none of the 32 patients consenting to only lump excision. In an attempt to improve further on these results the same 61 patients were analysed retrospectively. Criteria based on age and the results of clinical examination and mammography were devised. By using these criteria only 19 women would have had to give consent for mastectomy. This new policy, which was devised to spare many women the stress of consenting unnecessarily to mastectomy, requires to be tested further in a much larger series of patients.     

Surgical management of silicone mastitis

The results of the operative treatment of 22 cases of silicone mastitis are presented. Moderate involvement can usually be managed successfully by local excision of the masses, or by a subcutaneous mastectomy with later reconstruction. Patients with severe skin infiltration and/or pectoral muscle involvement are prone to complications, however, and we now believe an aggressive approach--such as a complete mastectomy with nipple banking and excision of the infiltrated muscle, might be best. This would allow the later reconstruction to proceed in relatively uninvolved tissue, and prevent the problems of recurrent inflammation from placing bag-gel prostheses in a residual bed of silicone-infiltrated tissue.     

Intraductal extension of silicone from a ruptured breast implant.

Silicone rupture is a known complication of closed capsulotomy. Imaging of silicone within breast tissue after rupture of an implant is not uncommon. Intraductal extension of silicone on mammography is a very rare finding. This case report described the imaging features of silicone within the breast tissue and ducts that necessitated subcutaneous mastectomy for definitive treatment.     

Penile Mondor’s disease

Mondor’s disease is a rare, self-limiting, benign process with acute presentation characterized by subcutaneous bands in several parts of the body. Penile Mondor’s disease (PMD) is thrombophlebitis of the superficial dorsal vein of the penis. It is usually considered as thrombophlebitis or phlebitis of subcutaneous vessels. Some findings suggest that it might be of lymphatic origin. The chest, abdominal wall, penis, upper arm, and other parts of the body may also be involved by the disease. Although its physiopathology is not exactly known, transection of the vessel during surgery or any type of trauma such as external compression may trigger its possible development. This disease almost always limits itself. It may be associated with psychological distress and sexual incompatibility. The patients usually feel the superficial vein of the penis like a hard rope and present with complaint of pain around this hardness. Diagnosis is usually easy with physical examination but color Doppler ultrasound examination is important for differential diagnosis. Thus, a close collaboration is required between radiologist and urologist in order to determine the correct diagnosis and appropriate therapies.     

Fatal subcutaneous aspergillosis following necrotizing fasciitis: a case report

Skin or subcutaneous infection with aspergillus is uncommon. It has been described in disseminated aspergillosis, as localized infection in the immunocompromised host and as a complication of trauma and burns. Described in this paper is a diabetic patient who developed a fatal Aspergillus infection following debridement of a necrotizing fasciitis. "Fruiting bodies," rarely found in vivo, were seen on pathologic examination of subcutaneous tissue. Her course was similar to that of burn patients with invasive fungal disease, where mortality is high and radical debridement is the only chance for cure.