A team of surgeons of the Breast Reconstruction Division at Ganga Hospital in Coimbatore has reconstructed through microsurgery both the breasts of a 39-year-old breast cancer patient.
The woman was diagnosed with cancer in both the breasts and Surgical Oncologist Vimala Kannan explained to her the need for complete removal of both the breasts. The woman wanted to explore the possibility of breast reconstruction. Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon Raja Shanmuga Krishnan explained to her that both the breasts could be reconstructed using tissues from the inner part of the thighs.
After undergoing mastectomy (removal of the breasts), the plastic and microsurgery team and Dr. Krishnan reconstructed the breasts.
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The tissues from the thigh were removed with its blood supply supported by small blood vessels of 1.5 mm in diameter. They were shaped like breasts and the nipples were created. They were anchored to the chest wall and brought back to life by attaching to the artery and the veins in the chest wall.
Dr. Krishnan said increased awareness and regular examination helped in early identification of breast cancer. Ganga Breast Care Centre has introduced a WhatsApp helpline -- 99526-17171 -- to assist patients.