Current concepts in breast reconstruction.
As the incidence of breast cancer increases, breast reconstruction is more and more often proposed and its indications are viewed in terms of quality of life. In the past, delayed reconstruction was the rule. Progress in reconstructive techniques currently allows performing immediate reconstruction in selected cases, even when the operative field has to be irradiated. These new techniques generally improve the result of breast reconstruction. Moreover, expansion of screening techniques allows detection of small tumors for which a conservative excision is sufficient. Nevertheless, this kind of less aggressive surgery may require a reconstructive procedure in order to maximise the aesthetic result.
Preud'homme
L
L
Department of plastic surgery, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium. doc_lau_g@hotmail.com
Lemaire
V
V
Nizet
J L
JL
D018427:Breast Implants; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors