RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Options and considerations in the timing of breast reconstruction after mastectomy
JF Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine
JO Cleve Clin J Med
FD Cleveland Clinic
SP S30
OP S33
VO 75
IS 3 suppl 1
A1 Djohan, Risal
A1 Zins, James E.
A1 Rolston, David K.
A1 Hermann, Robert
A1 Ananthakrishnan, Preya
A1 Lucas, Armand
YR 2008
UL http://www.ccjm.org/content/75/3_suppl_1/S30.abstract
AB Timing of breast reconstruction after mastectomy is determined primarily by patient factors and the need for postmastectomy radiation therapy. If the risk of needing postmastectomy radiation is low, then immediate reconstruction produces the optimal aesthetic result. If the risk of needing postmastectomy radiation is high, then delayed reconstruction is preferable to optimize both radiation delivery and aesthetic outcome. For patients with an increased risk of needing postmastectomy radiation, “delayed-immediate” reconstruction, which involves placing a tissue expander at the time of mastectomy and awaiting pathology results to determine the need for radiation and guide reconstruction scheduling, is a viable approach. Thorough and informed physician counseling about the pros and cons of these options is critical for all women undergoing mastectomy.