title: Mastectomy technique using a self-designed self-retaining retractor system.
abstract: Mastectomy is one of the most common procedures for treating breast cancer. It is often performed by a breast surgeon with an assistant holding the retractor to provide adequate tension for dissection of the skin flap. However, the technique is highly dependent on the retraction from the assistant. We herein describe a novel technique using a self-retained retractor system with a specially designed retractor ring and elastic stay hooks to allow adequate and constant tension of retraction throughout the entire mastectomy procedure. This new technique was introduced at our breast center in 2008, and the skin flap necrosis rate and time required for skin flap dissection remain comparable to those in other regions. The retractor ring costs less than $200 USD, and the disposable elastic hooks cost around $50 USD. In conclusion, this new technique is simple, versatile, and effective.
authors.affiliation: Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong. mcth@hotmail.co.uk.|Department of Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong. mcth@hotmail.co.uk.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Co
authors.affiliation: Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong.|Department of Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Ava
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kwong
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*
keywords: Mastectomy; Retractor; Surgical technique