Symmetrisation procedures in breast reconstruction patients constitute a rising workload in our DGH.
BACKGROUND
In breast cancer patients undergoing reconstructive surgery, achieving symmetry is of considerable importance. The aim of our study was to identify the proportion of breast cancer patients undergoing reconstructive surgery requiring contralateral symmetrisation procedures.


METHODS
This is a retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing reconstructive procedures following cancer surgery from April 2005 to April 2012.


RESULTS
One hundred and fifty three patients had symmetrisation procedure of the opposite side during this period. The median age was 53 years (22-79). Reduction mammoplasty was the commonest procedure (94 patients), followed by mastopexy (34 patients) and augmentation mammoplasty (25 patients). Overall, it represent approximately one third of (153/489; 31.2%) of all the major reconstruction procedures in this unit.


CONCLUSIONS
Almost half the number of patients (153/336) undergoing breast reconstruction as a part of breast cancer surgery had a symmetrisation procedure performed on the opposite side which constitutes a significant reconstructive workload in our unit. Consideration should be given to the above when planning departmental work force and training.
Breast Unit, Royal Derby Hospital, UK. Electronic address: mathewjohn9@aol.com.
J
J
Mathew
Breast Unit, Royal Derby Hospital, UK.
C A
CA
Courtney
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016526:Workload; D055815:Young Adult
Breast cancer; Reconstructive surgery; Symmetrisation procedure