[Initial results of immediate reconstruction of the breast following mastectomy].

[OBJECTIVE] Evaluation of the results of immediate reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer by means of a silicone implant.

[DESIGN] Retrospective analysis.

[SETTING] Department of Surgical Oncology of the Dr Daniël den Hoed Cancer Centre and Department of Surgery of the Zuiderziekenhuis, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

[METHOD] From September 1990 till July 1993, 37 immediate reconstructions of the breast after mastectomy were performed in 35 patients by means of a silicone implant. Indications for the treatment, consequences for further oncological treatment, additional plastic surgery, and complications of the reconstruction were evaluated.

[RESULTS] The indications for mastectomy and immediate reconstruction were local recurrence after breast conservative treatment (6 operations), multifocal disease (8), extensive in situ carcinoma (8), non-radically removed tumour at lumpectomy (5), anticipated poor cosmetics after breast conservative treatment (6), prophylactic ablation of the breast (2), and patient preference (1). 5 patients received adjuvant systemic chemotherapy, which could be administered without delay, and without negative influence on the result of the breast reconstruction. Additional plastic surgical treatment consisting of reconstruction of the areolar complex and correction of the breast symmetry, was performed in 5 and 3 patients respectively. In 8 of the 37 reconstructions (22%) complications were encountered. The main complications were haematoma (2), infection (4), implant removal (3), capsular contracture (2), skin necrosis (2), and luxation of the implant (1).

[CONCLUSION] Immediate reconstruction after mastectomy is a valuable treatment modality in breast cancer.