Breast Reconstruction with Submuscular Prosthesis After Modified Radical or Simple Mastectomy : Surgical Technique and Early Complications

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Abstract
A series of 100 women who underwent breast reconstruction is reviewed. They had been treated for breast cancer with modified radical or simple mastectomy. The technique and early results of reconstruction are presented. The same surgeon performed all these operations; the technique was not varied. Emotional need for reconstruction was the main factor in patient selection. The interval between mastectomy and reconstruction was as a rule at least 1 yr after removal of stage I cancer and 2.5 yr in stage II cases. Scar correction was required significantly more often after oblique than after horizontal mastectomy incision. A submuscular pocket was created to accomodate the prosthesis and a muscle and fascia flap was used to add tissue and contour. No major early complications occurred. The submuscular implantation of prothesis facilitated clinical follow-up. In a background population of breast cancer patients, the overall frequency of breast reconstruction was 4%. The figure for premenopausal patients with stage I breast cancer treated with modified radical mastectomy was 18%.