Reconstructive surgery in primary breast cancer treatment.
The goal of breast reconstruction is achievement of symmetry and preservation or restoration of a positive body image. The two methods of reconstructive breast surgery are implantation of a prosthesis or a flap procedure using skin, with or without autologous tissue from a donor site. Factors that determine which method is most appropriate are based on predicted outcome, patient expectations, and patient risk factors associated with complications of surgery.
School of Nursing, Yale University, New Haven, CT.
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D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001828:Body Image; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D003657:Decision Making; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D013524:Surgical Flaps