Restorative prosthetic mammaplasty in mastectomy for carcinoma and benign lesions.

It is possible to reconstruct the normal shape of the female breasts at the time of operation for carcinoma of the breast or benign lesions where the whole breast tissue is removed. This is done by the insertion of an inert silicone plastic prosthesis. This procedure avoids the mutilating effect normally associated with mastectomy. The criteria for this operation must be strictly applied if it is to be successful and if cure of the disease is not to be prejudiced. These principally involve local characteristics of the tumour and the nutrition of the skin flaps which will remain after the ablation procedure has been completed. The importance of strict adherence to the minutiae of the surgical technique is to be stressed. Failure to observe these will result in failure of the operation. It is also possible in cases with adequate skin to perform the operation as a secondary procedure where there has been an earlier mastectomy.