ANALYSIS | RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY | with the UK in mind, but their tenor
applies in international markets requiring a catalyst for research and development on more efficient methods of data collection. Breast reconstruction can take place
immediately post-mastectomy, but there are a range of issues for the patients to consider, at what is a very strange time for them. The UK report notes that during the period of the 2011 audit, 16 485 UK women underwent mastectomy, of which 3389 (21%) had a concurrent immediate reconstruction, and 1731 (10.45%) underwent a delayed breast reconstruction. These 2011 data were collected from all
150 NHS acute trusts in England that provide mastectomy and
breast
reconstruction surgery; 114 independent sector hospitals; and six NHS trusts in Wales and Scotland. The results showed that the overall experience of care for women undergoing mastectomy and breast reconstruction in England was very good in what is the first national data collection to demonstrate the positive effects of breast reconstruction on quality of life following mastectomy. The authors recommend that women
diagnosed with breast cancer should be informed of these findings, and clinicians should ensure that they are supported in making informed decisions about whether or not to have breast reconstruction surgery. The results should also be used to inform women undergoing mastectomy of the likely outcomes of the different types of reconstruction, and what to expect when undergoing these procedures. UK practice can now be benchmarked
against the figures, and hospitals should identify areas in which local improvements are required, and 'act to improve the outcomes of surgery in this group of women', say the authors. This is clearly a significant step forward
in clinical terms, and with regard to choices that women are able to make and, indeed, demand.
16 ❚
More advice needed In the UK, mastectomy as part of cancer treatment is available on the NHS. The procedure is also available privately. The Macmillan Cancer Support charity says NHS centres should make available the full range of breast reconstruction options, including advice on saline and silicone implants. This is in view of any ongoing nervousness about the remaining silicone
September 2012 |
prime-journal.com
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