Breast reconstruction at the tumor center of the University of Brussels. A three year report.

In 80 cases, breast reconstruction was performed as a secondary procedure at least one year after mastectomy for cancer. The prerequisite was absence of local recurrence and distant metastasis, good general condition and careful information on the result to be expected. In the majority of the cases reconstruction was accomplished in two stages: volume replacement with a prosthetic implant was followed after 3 months, by nipple-areolar reconstruction-usually from the opposite side. Capsulotomy or replacement of the prosthesis in case of asymmetry could be performed at this time. If necessary, skin replacement was done as a first procedure by means of a thoraco-epigastric or a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap. Aesthetic results are improving with experience and the positive psychological response of the patients is an encouragement to proceed in helping also patients with a rather poor prognosis.