WHAT IS RECONSTRUCTIVE CANCER SURGERY?
Cancer surgery aims to excise cancer from the affected body part. The procedure involves excising cancer tissue, for example, breast, head and neck, and skin cancer, by the oncological surgeon, followed by reconstructive surgery done by the plastic and reconstructive surgeon.
HOW DO YOU PERFORM RECONSTRUCTIVE CANCER SURGERY?
Reconstructive breast surgery aims to rebuild the breast after the cancer is excised.
Breast reconstruction options consist of the following:
- Implant and flap (tissue) reconstructive surgery: Flap and or implant techniques are combined or used individually to redevelop the breast. For several types of breast reconstruction, there’s always an option to tweak the breast after the initial reconstruction through scar revision and fat grafting. Furthermore, breast reconstructive surgery aims to rebuild the nipple-areolar region, which is done through minor surgery, tattooing or simultaneously through a single surgical procedure.
- Nipple-areola reconstruction is designed to reconstruct the areola after a lumpectomy or mastectomy. The surgery consists of surgical variations such as cartilage grafts, skin grafting, local flap transfers and nipple-sharing procedures.
Reconstructive surgery following the treatment of head and neck cancer consists of the following:
- Microvascular reconstruction involves using and transferring harvested tissue from one area of the body to the part where the surgical defect is present. Using a microscope, Dr Botha can reconnect the tissue's blood vessels to the neck's blood vessels.
- Surgical reconstruction of the head and neck is a surgery to treat head and neck cancer. The surgery focuses on rebuilding the appearance and restoring the function of the mouth, throat, face, head and neck.
- Bone reconstructive surgery aims to rebuild the lower and upper jawbone in people who have neck and head cancer.
Dr Botha will discuss corrective surgical options with you to find out which method suits you most.
FAQ
1. What should I consider before having breast reconstructive surgery?
The following should be considered before going under the knife:
- Your current health status
- The precise place of the cancer within the breast
- The size of your breast
- The type of reconstructive surgery selected
2. What does reconstructive surgery involve?
Reconstructive surgery is a form of plastic surgery that involves restoring parts of the body affected by a tumour, disease, infection or injury.
3. How long does it take to recover from reconstructive surgery?
A full recovery can be anticipated between six to eight weeks.