Mastectomy - what is it? Surgery for the removal of the breast

Oncological breast pathologies are increasingly diagnosed in young women in their reproductive years. According to WHO official data, the risk of a terrible disease is increasing every year. But today medicine does not stand still and is being actively modernized, all new technologies, methods of diagnostics and treatment are being created, which make it possible to identify the disease at an early stage and to eliminate it.

One of the effective ways to solve the problem is mastectomy. What is it? A proven surgical method that is used for breast cancer. If about ten years ago, doctors separated the entire gland together with the pectoral muscles (even at an early stage), today, thanks to modern technology and the high skill of doctors, it is possible to preserve the areola of the nipple and axillary lymph nodes.

Specialists of the 21st century are making every effort to maintain a healthy tissue and eliminate the affected one, because the complete removal of the breast causes a severe psychological blow to the woman. Let's talk in more detail about the types of operation and consequences.

Operation Madena (simple mastectomy)

The surgeon does not excise regional axillary, subscapular and subclavian lymph nodes, and also leaves the sternum muscles. In this case, the affected mammary gland is removed . It is often prescribed for preventive purposes to prevent the development of cancer cells, especially with a genetic predisposition.

Operation Paty (modified radical)

The most common and popular procedure. The gland is removed together with cartilage ends, fatty tissue (subclavian, axillary, subscapular), as well as lymph nodes and part of the sternum. This method allows you to preserve the function of the breast for a full life and personal feeling. At the same time, the modified operation is not inferior to radical mastectomy.

Operation Halstead (radical mastectomy)

The gland itself is excised with muscle tissue and lymph nodes, where cancer cells can be located. To reduce the volume of tissue removed, specialists developed several modifications of this method: according to Madden, Halstead, Peyti, Urban-Holdin, etc. Today, a radical operation for the removal of the breast is extremely rare and only at a late stage, when other methods are not permissible and inexpedient.

Reconstructive surgical intervention with mastectomy

It is carried out in several ways: with the help of own tissues and silicone implants. Simultaneous reconstruction allows to restore the volume of the breast and keep the old form. Such operations are very in demand, they are chosen by more than 75% of women with oncology. Before they are carried out, the doctor suggests that the patient for some time to walk with a special bra with inserted silicone prostheses, after which the artificial implants of the desired shape, type and brand are placed under the skin. The reconstructive method returns hope for a full life. This operation is much easier than using your own tissues.

Indications

Mastectomy - what is it? Surgical method for removing malignant seals in the mammary gland and adjacent tissue sites. Assigned to diagnosing a large tumor that is located outside the breast. Carried out to women with small breasts to avoid deformation. For medical and aesthetic indications, especially at the initial stages, an iron-preserving operation can be proposed. After it, radiotherapy is necessarily performed, as a result of which the chest is slightly deformed. Therefore, each decides what is best for him.

Complications

Although it is considered to be one of the safest surgical interventions, a mastectomy (which it was described above), after its carrying out, negative consequences are possible. Some people experience heavy bleeding, this is due to poor blood coagulability. In rare cases, there are problems in the operation of the shoulder joint. This is due to improper rehabilitation. It is possible to distinguish and such complication as infection of a wound (it is treated only antibacterial preparations).

There is also lymphostasis after mastectomy - a tangible and visible accumulation of fluid in the lymphatic vessels. But this state is relatively rare. Know that lymphedema can form even after 2-3 years after the intervention. If swelling occurs, seek medical attention immediately. In such cases, exercises are prescribed, bandaging (elastic sleeve or bandage) is used to stimulate blood flow.

Postoperative period

Breast removal is not an easy procedure, after which it is necessary to take care of your health and follow the prescribed rules. Get up on the second day and self-service. Full activity is restored only on the 20th day. Drainage is usually removed after about two weeks (it all depends on the healing). Pain relief is used to relieve the condition.

Tips for patients who underwent surgery

The first few months, doctors do not recommend going to the solarium and the beach. It should also avoid intramuscular injections in the arm and injure the hands, with special care to nurse the nails, avoiding abrasions and lesions. When working in the garden, rubber gloves should be worn. To avoid stagnation of lymph and immobilization of the shoulder joint, it is necessary to develop a hand and slightly massage the armpit daily after ten days after the operation.

I would like to say that many patients who underwent this operation were satisfied with their choice and quality of life. Of course, mastectomy (what kind of medical procedure, you now also know) is not a panacea and has its drawbacks, but still this method helps you gain self-confidence and do not be ashamed of your own body.