Breast Reconstruction by Pectoralis Major Muscle Transfer with Implants after Skin Sparing Partial Mastectomy

ABSTRACT

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in woman. Unfortunately, the frequency of breast cancer and mastectomy are increasing in Korea. This paper introduces the breast reconstruction by use of pectoralis major muscle transfer with breast implant for small size defect after skin sparing mastectomy for more satisfaction. We reviewed 24 consecutive patients who underwent breast reconstruction by pectoralis major muscle transfer with implant and only breast implant in Dong-A University from April 2002 to March 2004. The patient's age ranged between 29 and 54 years with mean of 42.3 years. We used pectorals major muscle transfer with breast implant in 12 patients and breast implant alone in 12 patients as control. The follow-up period of patients ranged from 10 months to 3 years with mean of 18.5 months. The points of comparison with control group reconstructed by breast implant alone were doctor and patient satisfaction score, operation time, duration of admission, amount of drainage, complication and satisfaction according to mass location. In conclusion, there is no difference with control group in the point of operation time, mount of drainage, duration of admission. And there is higher level of doctor's and patient's satisfaction in group reconstructed by pectoralis major muscle transfer with breast implant than implant only group. Especially, pectoralis major muscle transfer with breast implant was especially necessary for the defect in upper lateral quadrant of the breast to get more satisfaction. The advantage of pectoralis major muscle transfer with breast implant is prevention of the protruding and palpability of implant and aesthetically satisfactory result by intraoperative modification of breast shape.