ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to emphasize the advantages of mastologists and plastic surgeons working together in a single surgical procedure to treat breast tumors. The authors describe their experience with 58 patients who underwent surgery in the Plastic Surgery facilities at Hospital Divina Providência and Hospital Moinhos de Vento, both in the city of Porto Alegre, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between 1998 and 2001. This surgery involved the removal of the tumor and breast reconstruction in a single surgical procedure. Patients were followed up cliniclally for at least 60 days. Follow-up included evaluation of clinical results, level of satisfaction with the physical aspect, and return to everyday activities. Breast reconstruction techniques have been described, according to the type of resection conducted by the mastologist. Authors have concluded that the combination of surgical oncologic treatment and reconstructionin a single intervention is a key factor for quick recovery and for providing breast cancer patients with a good quality of life.