Partial Mastectomy with Breast Reconstruction
Say Goodbye to Compression Garments after Dr. Cheng's Lymphedema Microsurgery
Treatment Instructions
Anderson,
Your safe choice
Medical Center Specifications and Equipment
The operating room is equipped with Mitaka microscopes, of which there are only four in Taiwan. They have a resolution of up to 16 million pixels and can magnify 42 times optically. They are very suitable for the anastomosis of lymphatic vessels and veins of 0.5 mm and are often used in lymphatic venous anastomosis, such as preoperative evaluation and intraoperative evaluation of the permeability of sutures, making the operation more stable and safe.
What Conditions Are Suitable for Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy?
In the past, nipple-sparing mastectomy was limited to patients with small tumors located far from the nipple. However, with the aid of intraoperative nipple radiation therapy, patients with tumors located within 2 centimeters of the nipple may now be considered for this procedure. This decision depends on a preoperative evaluation by the breast surgeon using ultrasound to assess suitability. If deemed appropriate, intraoperative nipple radiation therapy can be used to enhance the safety of preserving the nipple.
Additionally, a critical safeguard during the surgery is the frozen section biopsy of the nipple tissue. This ensures that the nipple is free of malignant tumor invasion before it is preserved. For patients with tumors closer to the nipple, intraoperative nipple radiation therapy is essential to maximize safety and ensure optimal outcomes.
Does Preserving the Nipple Increase the Risk of Recurrence?
The preoperative evaluation process is highly rigorous, yet some patients still feel uneasy, primarily due to concerns about tumor recurrence in the nipple area and complications associated with nipple preservation. In fact, nipple-sparing surgery has been performed for many years, and when performed under suitable conditions, the risk of tumor recurrence after surgery is very low. Studies have shown that the recurrence rate is comparable to that of traditional mastectomy.
Are There Any Complications with Nipple Preservation?
Another common concern is whether the preserved nipple will maintain adequate blood circulation or if it might become necrotic. This largely depends on the surgeon's skill. Experienced surgeons can typically achieve excellent outcomes, but complications may still occur. For example, poor blood circulation in the nipple could lead to partial or complete necrosis, requiring nipple removal.
To enhance surgical safety, specialized imaging devices are used during the procedure to monitor and evaluate blood flow. If any issues are detected, a single-stage reconstruction may be adjusted to a two-stage reconstruction to balance the goals of reconstruction and surgical safety.
Contact Dr. Cheng For A Consultation
If you have Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema and would like to know more about the most advanced treatments, contact Dr. Cheng. Internationally recognized as a leading lymphedema specialist, Dr. Cheng can discuss treatment options, based on your individual case. Dr. Cheng is a member of the American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery and has performed numerous VLN surgeries on breast cancer survivors and other lymphedema patients.