Initial experience of intramammary prostheses inbreast conservation surgery

AimsWe assessed the cosmetic and psychological effects of prosthetic intramammary breast reconstruction on women undergoing complete local excision for breast cancer.MethodsTwenty-two women (mean age 54) underwent insertion of a Nagor silicone prosthesis into the breast cavity immediately following complete local excision. Following surgery, patients were assessed (range: 6 weeks to 1 year) by a postal questionnaire and independent photographs.ResultsEighteen out of twenty-two (81.8%) women completed and returned the questionnaire, and 14 out of 22 (63.6%) women were photographed. Thirteen out of eighteen (72.2%) women were either satisfied or very satisfied with the prosthesis, and 10 had experienced no problems since surgery. From the group of patients who were either satisfied or very satisfied, the total photograph assessment score was 135 out of a possible maximum score of 165. Five patients (27.8%) were very dissatisfied and requested removal of the prosthesis.ConclusionsWhen performing a complete local excision for carcinoma of the breast, insertion of an intracavity prosthesis should be considered when this would significantly improve the cosmetic outcome.