Current Concepts in Breast Reconstruction

Abstract

As the incidence of breast cancer increases, breast reconstruction is more and more often proposed and its indications are viewed in terms of quality of life. In the past, delayed reconstruction was the rule. Progress in reconstructive techniques currently allows performing immediate reconstruction in selected cases, even when the operative field has to be irradiated. These new techniques generally improve the result of breast reconstruction. Moreover, expansion of screening techniques allows detection of small tumors for which a conservative excision is sufficient. Nevertheless, this kind of less aggressive surgery may require a reconstructive procedure in order to maximise the aesthetic result.

Key Words:

• Breast reconstruction
• surgical flap
• neo-adjuvant therapy
• breast cancer

Additional information

Notes on contributors

L. Preud’homme

L. Preud’homme service de chirurgie plastique CHU Sart Tilman-4000 Liège Tél.: [phone] Fax: [phone] E-mail: [email protected]