title: Does post-mastectomy radiotherapy represent a contraindication to skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction: an update.
abstract: The use of skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) to facilitate breast reconstruction is increasing due to a wide acceptance of improved cosmetic outcomes and evidence of equivalence in oncologic outcomes. The rates of patients undergoing mastectomy for whom post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) will be recommended is increasing as evidence of decreased loco-regional recurrence and increased survival mounts. PMRT may adversely effect complication rates and cosmetic outcomes for patients undergoing immediate breast reconstruction and PMRT--although the evidence for this is methodologically flawed. This article summarises the above evidence and highlights a reconstructive algorithm that may be used to mitigate the possible deleterious effects of PMRT on results.
authors.affiliation: The Breast Unit, University Hospitals Leicester, 56 Stretton Road, Leicester, UK. kellylambert@hotmail.com
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lambert
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mokbel
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D000075202:Contraindications; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000379:methods*; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000209:etiology; D059351:Organ Sparing Treatments / Q000379:methods*; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011878:Radiotherapy; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D057832:Watchful Waiting