Journal of Long-Term Effects of Medical Implants

ISSN for PRINT: 1050-6934

For Online Access

Best Paper Award Selection - Editorial Board Site

2005, Volume15

Issue 2

138 pages

DOI: 10.1615/JLongTermEffMedImplants.v15.i2

Issue price - $175.00

Richard F. Edlich
Distinguished Professor of Plastic Surgery, Director of Trauma Prevention, Education, and Research, Trauma Specialists, LLP, Legacy Emanuel Hospital; 22500 NE 128th Circle, Brush Prairie WA 98606, USA; Phone: 360-944-7641, Fax: 360-944-7612

Kathryne L. Winters
Website Manager and Information Specialist, Trauma Specialists, LLP, Legacy Emanuel Hospital, Portland, Oregon, 1917 NE 97th St. Vancouver WA 98665, USA

Brent C. Faulkner, MD
Plastic Surgical Resident, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA

Timothy J. Bill, MD
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and Hand Surgeon, Rockingham Memorial Hospital, Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA

Kant Y. Lin, M.D.
Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery; Chief of Division of Craniofacial Surgery. Department of Plastic Surgery & Pediatrics, University of Virginia Health Systems, Charlottesville VA 22908, USA

Over the past 40 years, surgical reconstruction of the breast following mastectomy has become an important aspect of the cancer patient's rehabilitation process. While the surgical emphasis remains on a cure for the cancer, experience with breast reconstruction has not demonstrated any increased rate of cancer recurrence, even when reconstruction is performed immediately following tumor resection. Advances in surgical technique and biotechnology have made post-mastectomy reconstruction possible. The development of silicone gel and saline-filled implants as well as tissue expanders has revolutionized breast reconstruction. The elucidation of musculocutaneous flaps now provides the surgeon with the ability to transfer adequate quantities of vascularized tissue to reconstruct the surgical defects. The advent of microsurgical techniques has provided an additional reconstructive option, with free tissue transfer allowing the plastic surgeon to move musculocutaneous flaps from remote or distant sites to reconstruct the defect. The option of having the reconstruction immediately following the mastectomy procedure is now available to the patient. When reviewing the anatomy of the breast region, the surgeon must consider the mammary gland, its vascular supply, and its lymphatic system. The surgical techniques involved in reconstruction after mastectomy include the use of breast implants and tissue expansion, as well as reconstruction with autogenous tissues. Reconstruction with autogenous tissues includes the use of latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap, transverse rectus abdominus musculocutaneous flap, free flap transfer, as well as nipple-areola reconstruction. Breast reconstruction after mastectomy should be undertaken by a plastic and reconstructive surgeon with considerable training and experience with these diversified procedures.

DOI: 10.1615/JLongTermEffMedImplants.v15.i2.70 Download article, 197-208 pages

Article price - $35.00

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