MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'flap'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:32:44 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029035&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FAQO_1GKh8VE%2Fbreast-reconstruction-makes-breast.html Alarmingly, 70% of American women facing surgery for breast cancer are not told about the option of breast reconstruction. Perhaps one of the best things about breast reconstruction is that it can be performed at any time….  you can never “miss the boat” so to speak. Regardless of the timing of the procedure, breast reconstruction enables women to feel whole again, not just physically but also emotionally. There are several reconstructive options ranging from breast implants to using the patient’s own tissue. Tissue (or “flap”) procedures recreate a “natural”, warm, soft breast and are associated with fewer complications than breast implants. Breast reconstruction can be performed at the same time as the mastectomy ("immediate reconstruction") or any time after mast... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029035 Fri, 15 Jul 2011 04:13:22 +0100 5029035 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4566298&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fkeep-copies-of-your-medical-records%2F I have a huge file with all the test results and pathology reports that pertain to my breast cancer. It was helpful for a while, especially when I met with the genetics counselor and the surgeons who did my reconstructive surgery. I even had my bone scans and x-rays for a while, when I carried them with me to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore to discuss prophylactic mastectomy and DIEP flap surgery. It was my oncologist’s secretary who carefully copied every test and made sure to give it to me as I left each office visit. She suggested I keep it nearby since it could prove helpful to have. Now it is just a huge file taking up room in my file cabinet. I seldom if ever look at it anymore, and it seems almost obsolete since losing both of my breasts. Truthfully though, just knowing that I have acc... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4566298 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 17:26:17 +0100 4566298 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4560523&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FUHYPvf6umVY%2Fquestions-to-ask-your-diep-flap-surgeon.html If you are considering DIEP flap breast reconstruction finding the right surgical team is key. Before choosing a DIEP flap surgeon be sure to ask the following questions: Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery? Your surgeon should be a board certified plastic surgeon. Do you have extensive experience with this type of surgery - How many have you performed? Preferably your surgeon will have performed over 100 DIEP flap procedures. What's your success rate? Top specialist centers boast a success rate of at least 98%. How long does the surgery take? This will vary between institutions based on experience. The most experienced surgeons typically take between 3-6 hours depending on whether one or both breast are being reconstructed (not including the mastectomies). How often... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4560523 Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:23:58 +0100 4560523 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4532505&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fnew-hope-for-breast-reconstruction%2F It is hard to imagine, but there is a treatment that may help women regrow breast tissue after breast cancer surgery. The procedure combines a woman’s own stem cells and fat and then injects them into a chamber in her breast to encourage the growth of new tissue to take the place of surgically removed breast tissue. This is not some futuristic science fiction; this is being done now in laboratories. The procedure is not FDA-approved, but it is being used in some countries for cosmetic purposes, and research is being done on women that have lost part of their breast to breast cancer. This is very encouraging, although there are some drawbacks. Growing new breast tissue will only work on partial breast reconstruction — as in a lumpectomy. There is no suggestion that it can work in restor... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4532505 Mon, 28 Feb 2011 18:35:33 +0100 4532505 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4429178&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FMHQlFQBaU2Y%2Ftexas-bill-mandates-breast.html Currently only 30% of breast cancer patients are informed of their breast reconstruction options before mastectomy or lumpectomy. New legislation is being proposed in Texas that aims to significantly improve that abysmal statistic for breast cancer patients. Texas House Bill 669 would mandate that doctors inform all breast cancer patients about their breast reconstruction options BEFORE having surgery for breast cancer. The bill was drafted based on similar legislation in the state of New York. PRMA Plastic Surgery is proud to announce that a former patient, Tammy Carrington, is the team leader behind this Bill.  She proactively sought out her state representative, James White, to begin drafting proposals.  The Bill was drafted and submitted January 14, 2011.  If approved,... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4429178 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 13:39:03 +0100 4429178 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4305067&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FR0rsEzbPJp4%2Fbreast-reconstruction-with-tummy-tissue.html DIEP flap? TRAM flap? SIEA flap? With so many breast reconstruction options available these days it's difficult to understand what these terms really mean and what the differences are between all these "tummy flap" procedures. It is important for women considering these reconstructive options to realize that not all tummy tissue options are created equal. For example, a DIEP flap is not the same as a TRAM flap just because both provide the benefit of a tummy tuck. Many women are now rejecting breast implants preferring to use their own abdominal tissue for reconstruction after mastectomy. A breast that has been reconstructed with the patient's own tissue typically looks and feels more natural than an implant reconstruction, will last longer without the long-term complications that can be... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4305067 Mon, 03 Jan 2011 14:09:00 +0100 4305067 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4003392&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fsurgical-solutions-for-lymphedema%2F I am so happy with the results of my recent DIEP flap revision. Dr. Studinger is detailed and very attentive, and I am so fortunate to have found her. She does other plastic surgery and reconstructive procedures as well. I had the opportunity to discuss lymph node surgery with her when I had my follow-up appointment last week. Until I read her brochure, I didn’t even know that there was relief for lymphedema through surgery. Dr. Studinger is one of only a few doctors worldwide who perform successful surgery for lymph node reconstruction in the treatment of lymphedema. Every now and then I sense a little numbness in my right arm. Generally it is around the elbow and radiates to the upper arm. I know that it is because I had lymph nodes removed when I had a mastectomy of the right breast. ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4003392 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:13:16 +0100 4003392 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3933233&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbonding-over-surgery-with-other-breast-cancer-survivors%2F I went to a follow-up appointment with my doctor for the reconstructive surgery I had a few weeks ago. I am still very concerned about everything healing up with minimal scarring, so I am taping the scars while they heal and being careful not to get anything near the wounds. It is such a task. Anyway, while I was in the waiting room I got to meet another woman who was considering DIEP flap surgery and was there to consult with my doctor. Speaking to her reminded me of what a huge decision breast reconstruction is — not getting the breasts, but settling on the type of surgery. There are still far fewer doctors performing a DIEP flap than there are who do implant surgery or TRAM flap. While each surgery has its benefits, I chose DIEP flap as it seemed to have the best outcome. For example,... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3933233 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:39:03 +0100 3933233 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3885516&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FL4wFXFOKP_Q%2Ftram-flap-vs-diep-flap-whats-difference.html Up until a few years ago, the TRAM flap was the gold standard in breast reconstruction after mastectomy. The TRAM has now been surpassed by the DIEP flap for that honor. For patient's researching their reconstructive options after mastectomy, it is important to understand the concept of TRAM surgery and how it has evolved into today's cutting edge DIEP procedure. There are three main forms of the TRAM flap operation commonly performed by plastic surgeons: 1) The Pedicled TRAM flap: this was the first operation to describe use of one of the rectus abdominus muscles (sit-up muscle) for breast reconstruction. The surgery begins with an incision from hip to hip. Then, the lower abdominal tissue below the belly button (skin, fat and one of the abdominal muscles) is tunneled under the upper ab... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3885516 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:37:57 +0100 3885516 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3868773&cid=t_289760_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FImQW612Rv_g%2Flimberg-flap-in-treatment-of-pilonidal.html MDLinx has once again pointed me to an article I might never have seen.  This one is in the journal Surgery Today and deals with the treatment of pilonidal sinus disease using one of two type of Limberg flap:  the classic and the modified. Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) occurs in the cleavage between the buttocks.  The diagnosis of a pilonidal sinus is made by identifying the epithelialized follicle opening (the sinus). The name pilonidal taken from the Latin, meaning literally 'nest of hairs'. The onset of PNS is rare both before puberty and after the age of 40. Males are affected more frequently than females. It is also common in obese people and those with thick, stiff body hair. The article does a good review of the management of PSD which remains controversial. There is ... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3868773 Mon, 16 Aug 2010 11:12:00 +0100 3868773 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3767277&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FJSl7sQEK-54%2Fare-you-diep-flap-candidate.html The DIEP flap procedure has rapidly become the "gold standard" in breast reconstruction today. While not every woman is a candidate for DIEP flap surgery, many are turned away when in fact they needn't be. The most common areas of confusion include: 1) Previous Abdominal Surgery While some types of previous abdominal surgery can make the DIEP flap procedure impossible to perform, most of the time previous abdominal surgery really isn't an issue. Many women these days have had a previous c-section or hysterectomy. It is possible for these procedures to cause damage to the blood vessels needed for DIEP flap surgery, but this is rare. A previous c-section, hysterectomy, or tubal ligation is not a contra-indication to having the procedure. If your surgeon is worried about potential damage... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3767277 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:24:42 +0100 3767277 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3560443&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fsomething-is-missing-from-my-reconstructed-breasts%2F A breast without a nipple is like a car without an engine — it is beautiful to look at but you can’t turn it on! I miss my real nipples. Talking to several women at the BRCA conference I attended in Toronto, many of them had the same lament. Regardless of the reconstructive procedure, we all miss the sensation we used to get from our nipples. I can’t conjure up that same feeling, and I have to honestly say sex is not the same. It is still great, don’t get me wrong, but that special effect that came from sensitive breasts is — well, regretfully gone. I have tried to view all the new changes to my body and psyche that came from breast cancer with curiosity. It compels me to research and study the effects of surgery and the drugs on my body and mind. I find it interesting ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3560443 Wed, 12 May 2010 19:14:34 +0100 3560443 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3552510&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FY0f6m7CWOLc%2Fhow-much-does-breast-reconstruction.html The two most common questions among breast cancer patients considering breast reconstruction are "how much does breast reconstruction cost?" and "will my insurance cover it?". The good news is that even though breast reconstruction is performed by plastic surgeons, it is NOT considered cosmetic surgery. If the mastectomy is for breast cancer then the law states it must be covered by insurance. If the mastectomy is covered, the reconstruction will be too. The bad news is that even though insurance covers breast reconstruction, there are still some costs that the patient will be responsible for. Patients much research this ahead of time to limit the risk of a nasty financial surprise down the line. While the degree of coverage varies based on the insurance plan, there are some things that ... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3552510 Tue, 11 May 2010 01:30:43 +0100 3552510 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3542605&cid=t_289760_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fa-look-at-the-history-of-microsurgery%2F2010.05.06 Facial transplants, hand replants, and free flaps are only possible in large part due to microsurgery.  I finally got around to reading the “History of Microsurgery.” The article is good reading for anyone interested in the history of microsurgery. The article, written by Susumu Tamai, M.D., Ph.D., (Japan) was received for publication in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery on June 14, 2007. Microsurgery is relatively young, and Dr. Tamai breaks down the history into four periods. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Suture for a Living* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3542605 Thu, 06 May 2010 18:00:00 +0100 3542605 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3490834&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FfQb_7cBGe4o%2Ftoo-thin-for-diep-flap.html I've spoken to several ladies recently who have had the same misconception about DIEP flap surgery. They were scared they were "too skinny". The truth of the matter is that you don't need to be overweight to be a candidate for DIEP flap surgery. What matters is the distribution of the fat that you do have. Unfortunately that can't be determined over the phone. Sometimes it can't even be determined by emailing pictures. I can say that we have successfully performed DIEP flap reconstructions on women with BMI's of 20 and even less. In instances where the reconstruction ends up too small, many women are candidates for autologous fat grafting. This involves liposuction of fat from another part of the body, purifying this fat, and then re-injecting it into the reconstructed breast for addition... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3490834 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:17:08 +0100 3490834 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3338406&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FVR4siiHP4KM%2Ftammys-breast-reconstruction-journey.html By Tammy Carrington After deciding to pursue immediate breast reconstruction I went online and requested information from the PRMA website on a Saturday. By Monday morning Mistie (the nurse) called me back to see what information I needed. She was so kind and nice. She really listened to what I was saying and took my medical information and then verified my insurance. After I gave Mistie my medical information, the ball started rolling in the right direction. Mistie spoke with Dr. Chrysopoulo directly about my case and an appointment was scheduled. Once I met him I had an incredible peace about the whole thing. I knew that I found the right doctor and the right place to have my surgery. When I arrived for my initial appointment, Dr. Chrysopoulo made me feel at ease immediately. He was ki... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3338406 Sat, 06 Mar 2010 14:49:51 +0100 3338406 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3208631&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FXBrMf3nIj-c%2Fbreast-reconstruction-surgery-options.html Every woman has a right to breast reconstruction surgery after breast cancer. This has been a federal mandate for some time and insurance companies have to pay for breast reconstruction surgery by law. There is no age limitation for breast reconstruction and there are many different options available. "Immediate" breast reconstruction is performed at the same time as the mastectomy. Advantages include: preserving most of the patient's breast skin, a shorter/less obvious mastectomy scar and waking up with the new breast already in place (and avoiding the experience of a flat chest). It also generally provides the best cosmetic results particularly when combined with nipple-sparing or skin-sparing mastectomy.

 "Delayed" reconstruction generally takes place after the mastectomy has hea... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3208631 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 03:04:41 +0100 3208631 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012591&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FivJfga5eg24%2Fgrow-breasts-from-fat-future-of-breast.html A new form of breast reconstruction that allows women to re-grow breasts from their own fat cells after a mastectomy could be offered to British and Australian breast cancer patients for the first time in 2010. A human trial of the new technique is being planned by plastic surgeons at a London hospital. The trial will study whether fat cells can be induced to multiply and fill a breast-shaped mold implanted under the chest skin to recreate a breast after mastectomy. Australian scientists also recently announced that they would start similar treatments on women within six months, following animal studies involving mice and pigs that successfully re-grew breasts from fat. If the human trials are as successful, this new technique could transform breast reconstruction surgery,... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012591 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:39:12 +0100 3012591 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2995996&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FivJfga5eg24%2Fgrow-breasts-from-fat-future-of-breast.html A new form of breast reconstruction that allows women to re-grow breasts from their own fat cells after a mastectomy could be offered to British and Australian breast cancer patients for the first time in 2010. A human trial of the new technique is being planned by plastic surgeons at a London hospital. The trial will study whether fat cells can be induced to multiply and fill a breast-shaped mold implanted under the chest skin to recreate a breast after mastectomy. Australian scientists also recently announced that they would start similar treatments on women within six months, following animal studies involving mice and pigs that successfully re-grew breasts from fat. If the human trials are as successful, this new technique could transform breast reconstruction surgery,... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2995996 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:21:25 +0100 2995996 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2855806&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2F3vw07VfWBpo%2Fbreast-reconstruction-report-i-wanted.html By Lisa BernhardI was 29 years old when my gray-haired surgeon looked at me from across his desk and said, "I'd recommend a mastectomy." My dad, seated to my left, exhaled hard. To my right, my mom sat in silence. Family history had repeated itself: My grandmother underwent a mastectomy at age 39. Now it would be me. But in the four days since my diagnosis, I had researched and stumbled upon a choice my grandmother never had."It's OK," I said to my dad. "They can rebuild me."They did. In one nine-hour procedure, a cancer surgeon performed a skin-sparing mastectomy, removing the nipple and tissue inside my right breast but leaving most of the skin intact. Then a plastic surgeon performed a free-flap reconstruction, extracting a portion of my stomach skin and fat and microscopically reconnec... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2855806 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:47:30 +0100 2855806 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2667647&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FrXvUqkqWggc%2Fbreast-cancer-reconstruction-and-health.html By Sharon LaceyWhat does health care reform mean for patients with breast cancer and how will it affect you? Well, it could mean...Even though you or your loved one could benefit from advanced breast reconstructive surgery after mastectomy (like the DIEP flap procedure for example), your plastic surgeon might well have to say “no”. While this may sound extreme to many of you, this would happen if comparative-effectiveness research rules that the benefits of the surgery for the average patient just don't justify its price tag, especially when compared with yesterday's treatments (like tissue expanders for example). Unfortunately, medical advances and "cutting-edge" procedures do come at a price. Though this does mean certain procedures are more expensive, it has also ensured the United ... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2667647 Tue, 04 Aug 2009 03:01:19 +0100 2667647 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2326595&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2Fz_T32al9RyI%2Fimpact-of-radiation-on-breast.html Radiation therapy is often recommended as part of breast cancer treatment. Patients undergoing lumpectomy receive radiation routinely once they've healed from surgery. Some mastectomy patients also need radiation after surgery depending on the characteristics of the tumor.I think it is fair to say that most reconstructive breast surgeons, myself included, are not particularly fond of radiation because of the way it impacts the patient's tissues (and breast reconstruction in general.) Nonetheless, it is important to remember that "life comes before breast" and in certain situations there is a definite benefit for the patient in having radiation therapy.So what's the problem with radiation therapy (from a plastic surgeon's perspective)? For starters it can cause toughening (fibrosis) and shr... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2326595 Thu, 09 Apr 2009 02:52:13 +0100 2326595 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2236186&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FssPZ_yEqbyo%2Ftexas-plastic-surgeons-offer-innovative.html San Antonio, TX (PRWEB) February 23, 2009 -- Plastic, Reconstructive & Microsurgical Associates (PRMA) of South Texas, a leading breast reconstruction surgery practice in San Antonio, is now offering women the Transverse Upper Gracilis (TUG) flap procedure to restore their breasts after mastectomy. PRMA plastic surgeons specialize in breast reconstruction after breast cancer, with particular expertise in advanced microsurgical techniques using the patient's own living tissue."Increasingly, women facing mastectomy prefer new breasts sculpted from their own skin and fat, thereby avoiding the problems that often occur with implants," says Dr Chrysopoulo. Breasts shaped from living tissue have a natural look and feel that can't be achieved using implants or temporary prostheses. "While most pa... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2236186 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 04:34:16 +0100 2236186 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2175272&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.prma-enhance.com%2Fdocuments%2FDrC_Blog_Talk_Radio_Interview.mp3 It was an absolute pleasure to talk to DeLeon and Travis on "DeLeon Dialogue" last night.Breast cancer survivor DeLeon and cervical cancer survivor Travis talk frankly with their guests about quality of life as cancer survivors in remission. They discuss side effects, spirituality, mastectomy, sexuality, health and wellness, self-esteem, food, exercise, relationships, and everything else in between.Last night the one-hour show was about "breast reconstruction after mastectomy". We managed to cover a lot of ground - we talked about the various cutting edge breast reconstruction options currently available, breast implants, the impact of radiation therapy on reconstruction, recovery from surgery, and insurance coverage for reconstruction. Please click on the link below to listen to the show:... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2175272 Wed, 11 Feb 2009 02:30:04 +0100 2175272 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512756&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2F72Z2i8eyaUM%2Fbreast-reconstruction-surgery-part-iii.html The ideal breast reconstruction technique is one which allows reconstruction of a “natural”, warm, soft breast with the least impact on the patient’s body. While breast reconstruction with stem cells may not be too far off, until it becomes a reality we are limited to using the patient’s own tissue to achieve these goals. As discussed in the previous posts in this breast reconstruction series, until fairly recently the only “tissue reconstruction” options involved sacrificing muscle. This made recovery from the surgery difficult and painful, not to mention the risk of long-term muscle function loss and weakness. Perforator flap techniques use skin and fat from various parts of the body. All muscles are preserved. Since no muscle is sacrificed recovery is much easier and muscle ... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512756 Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:52:05 +0100 2512756 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512755&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FJRoEzt_XnDE%2Fbreast-reconstruction-surgery-part-ii.html Women interested in breast reconstruction after mastectomy have several reconstruction options to choose from. In Part I of this series we discussed tissue expanders, breast implants and Alloderm.Though implant reconstruction remains the most common method of breast reconstruction in the US, many women are now steering away from this option, opting instead to use their own tissue for more “natural” results. Muscle flaps have, until fairly recently, been the only choice available for these tissue reconstructions. The most commonly offered muscle flaps are the latissimus and TRAM flap procedures.Latissimus Dorsi Flap:The latissimus procedure uses muscle from the back of the shoulder blade which is brought around to the breast mound to help create a new breast. During the procedure a sect... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512755 Sat, 10 Jan 2009 17:43:38 +0100 2512755 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512757&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FqfGMMFMK6GQ%2Fbreast-reconstruction-with-tissue-much.html This study involved the largest reported series of patients who sequentially underwent mastectomy, immediate reconstruction and postmastectomy radiation therapy. Ninety-two patients were observed for a period of 38 months following breast reconstruction and radiation therapy. Researchers found that autologous breast reconstruction is better tolerated by breast cancer patients because it is associated with fewer long-term complications and better cosmetic results than tissue expander/implant reconstruction.None of the 23 patients reconstructed with their own tissue required further surgery while 33% of tissue expander/implant patients needed surgery to correct a problem with their reconstruction. Eighty-three percent of autologous reconstruction patients reported acceptable cosmetic results... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512757 Mon, 29 Dec 2008 23:14:25 +0100 2512757 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512759&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FHm93VdEYnNI%2Favoiding-denervation-of-abdominal.html Conclusions: Nerves innervating the rectus abdominis are at risk during DIEP flap harvest. Small, type 1 nerves have overlapping innervation from adjacent nerves and may be sacrificed without functional detriment. However, large type 2 nerves at the level of the arcuate line innervate the entire width of rectus muscle without adjacent overlap and may contribute to donor-site morbidity if sacrificed.******Here's my take....The long and the short of it is that for DIEP flap surgery to be considered successful several things need to happen (in my opinion):1) the tissue (flap) transferred to the chest to create the new breast must survive. ie the new breast must live. Obvious.2) the patient must not suffer any ill-effects from removal of the tissue ("flap") from the abdomen. This is what we ca... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512759 Mon, 22 Dec 2008 16:13:42 +0100 2512759 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512758&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FUvv9n0Edy3g%2Fbreast-cancer-recurrence-not-related-to.html One of my breast cancer patients called me today. She recently underwent bilateral mastectomies and immediate breast reconstruction with DIEP flaps. She recovered very well from the surgery but unfortunately her pathology results showed that she had cancer extending almost to the edge of the mastectomy specimen. The exact medical jargon used by the pathologist was.... "invasive carcinoma extending to 1mm from the margin". She also had DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) "extending to 0.2mm from the margin."From a purist's perspective, these results still represent "clear margins". In other words, no tumor was found at the edge of the mastectomy specimen so there is no reason to believe there is any cancer left in my patient's breast. BUT, it's very close and that is certainly worrisome.She cal... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512758 Mon, 22 Dec 2008 16:12:25 +0100 2512758 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1970951&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2F457936417%2Favoiding-denervation-of-abdominal.html Conclusions: Nerves innervating the rectus abdominis are at risk during DIEP flap harvest. Small, type 1 nerves have overlapping innervation from adjacent nerves and may be sacrificed without functional detriment. However, large type 2 nerves at the level of the arcuate line innervate the entire width of rectus muscle without adjacent overlap and may contribute to donor-site morbidity if sacrificed.******Here's my take....The long and the short of it is that for DIEP flap surgery to be considered successful several things need to happen (in my opinion):1) the tissue (flap) transferred to the chest to create the new breast must survive. ie the new breast must live. Obvious.2) the patient must not suffer any ill-effects from removal of the tissue ("flap") from the abdomen. This is what we ca... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1970951 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:48:30 +0100 1970951 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512764&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FkDdBuAHlYXk%2Fplastic-surgeon-using-new-technology-in.html Wendy Rigby- KENS 5 Eyewitness NewsSan Antonio's Methodist Hospital is one of only two facilities in the country offering a new technology to help in breast reconstruction surgery — a system that gives doctors a more precise way to see what they are operating on.Plastic surgeon, Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo is a man on a mission. He wants more breast cancer patients to know that when they face a mastectomy, they can have their breast reconstructed at the same time. Dr. Chrysopoulo performs the new procedure at the Methodist Hospital.It's a specialized form of breast reconstruction surgery called the "DIEP flap", where doctors take skin and fat from the patient's abdomen, and use it to form a natural-looking breast by using Novadaq's new imaging system called "SPY…" the doctor is able to prese... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512764 Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:02:58 +0100 2512764 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512767&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FOEhSSHVKhik%2Fcomparison-of-donor-site-morbidity-of.html A study published in September's edition of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery examined the abdominal recovery rates and patient satisfaction after breast reconstruction with different abdominal flaps: the DIEP, SIEA and muscle-sparing free TRAM. The SIEA (superficial inferior epigastric artery) flap is the least invasive method of lower abdominal flap breast reconstruction; however, there are no published reports comparing the donor-site morbidity of SIEA flaps to that of TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous) flaps or DIEP (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator) flaps. A description of how these abdominal flap breast reconstruction procedures differ is available here. The authors of the study used a 12-question patient survey and retrospective chart review to compare donor-... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512767 Wed, 24 Sep 2008 01:29:23 +0100 2512767 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1819377&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2F401310115%2Fcomparison-of-donor-site-morbidity-of.html A study published in September's edition of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery examined the abdominal recovery rates and patient satisfaction after breast reconstruction with different abdominal flaps: the DIEP, SIEA and muscle-sparing free TRAM. The SIEA (superficial inferior epigastric artery) flap is the least invasive method of lower abdominal flap breast reconstruction; however, there are no published reports comparing the donor-site morbidity of SIEA flaps to that of TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous) flaps or DIEP (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator) flaps. A description of how these abdominal flap breast reconstruction procedures differ is available here. The authors of the study used a 12-question patient survey and retrospective chart review to compare donor-... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1819377 Wed, 24 Sep 2008 01:17:34 +0100 1819377 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512775&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FTDJh8qBtPE0%2Fdiep-flap-reconstruction-and-breast.html Can DIEP flap breast reconstruction prevent detection of breast cancer recurrence? This is a very important issue that is often not discussed.A handful of studies have shown that breast reconstruction (with any reconstructive technique) does not impact local recurrence or long term survival in patients with early breast cancer (stage I and II). The rate of local recurrence and length of survival is the same in patients with stage I and II disease whether they undergo immediate breast reconstruction (ie reconstruction at the same time as mastectomy) or not. For this reason most institutions (including ours) offer breast cancer patients with early disease immediate breast reconstruction whenever possible.Patients diagnosed with advanced disease are more likely to be candidates for delayed br... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512775 Sun, 21 Sep 2008 16:56:50 +0100 2512775 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1819397&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2F331329103%2Fhype-around-diep-flap-breast.html If you are a woman facing mastectomy you have a decision to make: do I want breast reconstruction? If the answer is “yes”, plastic surgery holds the key. Although reconstruction cannot replace the breast(s) you were born with or allow you to breastfeed, it can restore your natural silhouette and make you feel “whole” again following mastectomy. Depending on your health, breast reconstruction can be performed immediately after your mastectomy surgery so you can wake up with new breasts already in place. While the cosmetic results with immediate reconstruction are generally superior, breast reconstruction can also be performed at a later time once the cancer treatment has been completed.The DIEP flap breast procedure is today’s gold standard in breast reconstruction. Advances in br... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1819397 Sun, 21 Sep 2008 01:16:58 +0100 1819397 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512771&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2FxdCP2_sX-NM%2Fprevious-abdominal-surgeries-increase.html Conclusions: With minor technical modifications, DIEP flaps can be performed successfully without increased flap complications in patients with preexisting abdominal incisions. Despite these design modifications, patients should be informed of an increased risk for donor-site complications.*****Here's my take...While we have not seen such a high rate of complications in our practice, I agree with the conclusions of this study completely. There is no question that the DIEP flap procedure is associated with far fewer abdominal complications than the TRAM flap. However, that does not mean that DIEP surgery is free of risk.The complexity of any surgery and the potential complications increase when operating on parts of the body that have undergone previous surgeries. The abdomen is no differen... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512771 Sun, 21 Sep 2008 01:12:25 +0100 2512771 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512768&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2Fye5LDKO2r3k%2Fchristina-applegate-mastectomy-calls.html Actress Christina Applegate’s public disclosure of her breast cancer, her decision to have a double mastectomy, and plans to go forth with breast reconstruction surgery, calls attention to the need for a medical “team” approach in the treatment and recovery from breast cancer.“A decision to have breast reconstruction is a decision to have plastic surgery. And, that ought to be done by a plastic surgeon. This is what we train for and do everyday. Plastic surgeons have pioneered and refined all of the state-of-the-art techniques in breast reconstruction including implant approaches and autologous tissue (natural) transfers,” said Richard D’Amico, MD, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).The methods for treating women with breast cancer have evolved and we ... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512768 Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:19:04 +0100 2512768 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512774&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2F0vJdt7fHJWY%2Fbreast-reconstruction-advances-fix.html ASPS Report Examines Reconstruction Innovations for Breast Cancer Patients Including Partial and Full MastectomiesFor Immediate Release: April 2008ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – Lumpectomy or breast conservation surgery is the most common type of breast cancer surgery currently performed. A benefit of the surgery is that only part of the breast is removed, but a drawback can be the resulting physical appearance of the breast, which may be disfigured, dented or uneven. A report in April’s Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® , the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), examines advances plastic surgeons have made in breast reconstruction to repair the damage left when cancer is removed.“Although breast conversation therapies are a huge advance in the t... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512774 Sun, 14 Sep 2008 23:34:05 +0100 2512774 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1819404&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2F331329106%2Fwill-insurance-pay-for-my-diep-breast.html "Will insurance pay for my DIEP flap breast reconstruction?"This is a question I am repeatedly asked. The easy answer is "they should". However, some women have experienced difficulties with their insurance companies in terms of getting their DIEP flap procedure covered. The good news is that there are a handful of plastic surgeons across the country that do routinely offer these advanced procedures and to my knowledge, many of them accept insurance. Unfortunately most women will have to travel to gain access to them.Our group, Plastic, Reconstructive & Microsurgical Associates (PRMA) is located in San Antonio, Texas. We perform over 300 microsurgical breast reconstructions per year, the vast majority of which are covered by insurance. We have staff specifically for dealing with insurance ... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1819404 Sun, 14 Sep 2008 23:27:08 +0100 1819404 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1819396&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2F331329102%2Fprma-sponsors-bold-diep-flap.html For Immediate Release: September 24, 2007PRMA of South Texas, a leading cosmetic and plastic surgery practice in San Antonio, Texas is sponsoring a unique effort to inform and educate breast cancer patients about their options after mastectomy.“Life is a Carnival,” a bold approach to mastectomy and breast cancer reconstruction education, is a 14-month calendar featuring photos of women who had breast reconstruction after mastectomy and those who didn’t. The calendar is published by Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE), the only national nonprofit organization for families affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. “More than just a calendar, ‘Life is a Carnival’ is an intimate collection of real women courageously sharing their bodies and their experiences to help... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1819396 Sun, 14 Sep 2008 23:03:41 +0100 1819396 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1819392&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2F331329097%2Fmicrosurgical-breast-reconstruction.html So what are "perforator flaps"?Pioneered in the early 1990's, perforator flap breast reconstruction represents the state of the art in breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomy. The tissue removed at the time of mastectomy may be replaced with the patient's own warm, soft, living tissue to recreate a "natural" breast.Skin, fatty tissue, and the tiny blood vessels that supply nutrients to the tissue ("perforators") can be taken from the patient's abdomen (SIEA flap and DIEP flap procedures) or buttocks (GAP flap procedure).Unlike conventional tissue reconstruction techniques (like the TRAM flap), these microsurgical perforator flap techniques carefully preserve the patient's underlying musculature. The tissue is then transplanted to the patient's chest and reconnected using microsurger... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1819392 Sun, 14 Sep 2008 23:00:16 +0100 1819392 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1423765&cid=t_289760_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fbreast-cancer%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fa-left-over-problem-from-a-mastectomy%2F When a woman has a mastectomy, there often is a funny thing that happens to the tissue that is left. For these women, the tissue or fat pad that was the tail of the breast that remains after surgery migrates to the area under the arm. The result is an uncomfortable mound of flesh that makes you look like you have a bulge of fat on the side of your body. I noticed this when I went to buy a bra for my prosthesis before I had reconstruction. It was difficult to just buy a bra in my usual size because I now had this extra bit that had to be tucked in somewhere from under my arm; it ended up just bulging through the side band of the bra. Fortunately for me, I was able to address this during reconstruction. After the initial surgery to create the breasts through the DIEP flap procedure, I still... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1423765 Mon, 05 May 2008 22:48:02 +0100 1423765