Abstract

GUTIERREZ GOMEZ, C.; RIVAS LEON, B.  and  CARDENAS MEJIA, A.. Breast reconstruction with tissue expander: Indications and experience in 24 cases. Cir. plást. iberolatinoam. [online]. 2012, vol.38, n.4, pp.323-328. ISSN 1989-2055.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S0376-78922012000400003.

Nowadays, breast reconstruction is part of breast carcinoma treatment; patient's selection plays an important role in satisfactory results. The present paper reports our experience in breast reconstruction with tissue expander/implant and emphasizes the importance of choosing the candidates for this method of reconstruction. We review the breast reconstructions realized in a 10 year period (1998-2008) by the same surgeon. We analyzed factors like type of mastectomy, age, time of the reconstruction (immediate or delayed), etiology, tissue expander and implant used complications and patients´ satisfaction. All the patients except one underwent breast reconstruction in two stages, first submuscular tissue expander, and second reconstruction replacement of tissue expander with implant. A total of 24 breast were reconstructed in 19 patients using tissue expander/implant in a 10 years period, 14 unilateral and 5 bilateral. In terms of complications, they were present n 16,6 % cases. The follow up period was between 2 and 10 years. There was only 1 patient with previous quadrantectomy who received radiotherapy (4,1 %). In our opinion, breast reconstruction with tissue expander/implant remains a safe and reliable method with minimal complications and without morbidity at the donor site.

Keywords : Breast reconstruction; Tissue expander; Breast implant.

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