Options for Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy for Carcinoma of the Breast: An Observational Experience at MSKCC, New York under UICC Fellowship

The first Author went to visit The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, USA on UICC ICRETT Fellowship to observe as many clinical situations of options of breast reconstruction after mastectomy for carcinoma breast during a period of 1 month in June 2014. The second Author was the Supervisor for such clinical observation at the Plastic and Reconstructive Service, Department of Surgery at MSKCC. The main objective of this project was to gain a deeper understanding of the various options for reconstruction and specific operative skills and techniques needed for reconstruction after surgical resections for breast carcinoma. The gained experience would benefit our Regional Cancer Center’s physicians, patients, and families. All patients treated by the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) who underwent surgical resection and reconstruction of their breast mounds were observed during the period between June 1, 2014 and June 30, 2014. It was observed that a vast majority of patients who underwent a mastectomy at MSKCC were offered primary breast reconstruction. They underwent thorough counseling and teaching about the various options, and feasibility with regard to their specific case. Patients eventually made the final choice on type of reconstruction, type of implant, and type of nipple/areola reconstruction. A majority of patients underwent implant reconstruction at MSKCC. This was partly related to the high rate of bilateral mastectomies (close to 50 %) as well as a significant rate of post mastectomy radiation (15 to 20 %).