Saturday, 28 January 2012

Reconstruction Boosts Emotional Well-Being in Breast Cancer Patients, Study Shows

Westchester County, NY (PRWEB) December 06, 2011

Women who had a mastectomy and underwent breast reconstruction using tissue from their own abdomen showed rapid improvements in psychological, social and sexual health after the procedure.* The women in this study had the procedures between June 2009 and November 2010. They completed questionnaires before surgery and three weeks and three months afterward. They reported significant improvements in psychological, social and sexual well-being as soon as three weeks after the procedure. "While the author of this study singles out a specific type of breast reconstruction, it's been my experience overall that all women who have had successful reconstructive surgery experience improved psychological and sexual well-being," commented Dr. Philip Bonanno, director of the Institute of Aesthetic Surgery and Medicine at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, NY


A breast cancer diagnosis can be terrifying, so it is gratifying to know that experts at The Breast Institute at Northern Westchester Hospital work together to provide women with a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer treatment. Along with access to oncological breast surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, radiologists and pathologists, The Breast Institute?s unique model of Aesthetic Oncology enables patients to access the Institute of Aesthetic Surgery and Medicine for breast reconstruction.


Patients diagnosed with breast cancer have the opportunity to collaborate with highly skilled, board-certified oncological breast surgeons and reconstructive plastic surgeons so they receive the best cancer care, while simultaneously optimizing their aesthetic outcomes. The Institute of Aesthetic Surgery and Medicine is the only hospital-based cosmetic surgery center in the region and offers advanced reconstruction techniques not available at many community hospitals.


?We are committed to providing the highest quality care for our patients who are undergoing aesthetic, reconstructive, and breast surgical procedures,? says Michael H. Rosenberg, M.D., FACS, Chief of Plastic Surgery. ?It?s well documented that a key component to breast cancer surgery is the ability to access breast reconstruction resources early on,? he says. ?We provide women the opportunity to have breast cancer surgery at the same time as they receive reconstructive treatment. Treating breast cancer is significant, but we believe the ability for women to access reconstructive surgery immediately after their cancer is removed plays a critical role in helping these women overcome many of their fears.?


Advanced Breast Reconstruction Options


Patients have access to highly experienced breast reconstruction surgeons who provide the latest options and techniques. ?Whenever possible, we perform immediate breast reconstruction after the cancer has been removed. We use the latest implants or flap techniques to reconstruct the breast while preserving the strength and integrity of the abdominal muscles.?


?Our expert breast oncology surgeons offer nipple sparing surgery and skin sparing surgery so they can preserve as much of the patient?s tissue as possible,? explains Dr. Rosenberg. ?One of the latest techniques we?re employing is the use of allograft to create a sling to provide improved inferior and lateral support for breast implants,? he adds.


?Interoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT) is also used to boost the amount of radiation to the site where the cancer is found. This approach to radiation therapy for breast cancer limits the cancer from spreading to other areas in the body.


?We combine many of the aesthetic techniques as part of our breast cancer treatment for women,? adds Dr. Rosenberg. ?For example, if a woman is a good candidate for breast reduction surgery and the cancer is located in only part of her breast, we?ll design our approach to encompass oncology surgery and aesthetic surgery at the same time so that there is symmetry in both breasts. Our ability to seamlessly coordinate patient interaction with oncologists, plastic surgeons, and imaging professionals provides our patients with greater peace of mind. There are few things more rewarding than taking care of cancer patients, and we think our comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach is truly unique.?


About Northern Westchester Hospital

Northern Westchester Hospital (NWH) provides quality, patient centered care that is close to home through a unique combination of medical expertise, leading edge technology, and a commitment to humanity. Over 600 highly skilled physicians, state-of-the-art technology and professional staff of caregivers are all in place to ensure that you and your family receive treatment in a caring, respectful and nurturing environment.


NWH has established extensive internal quality measurements that surpass the standards defined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Hospital Quality Alliance (HQA) National Hospital Quality Measures. Our high quality standards help to ensure that the treatment you receive at NWH is among the best in the nation. For a complete list of our services, please visit http://www.nwhc.net.


USNews: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/cancer/articles/2011/10/24/breast-reconstruction-boosts-womens-emotional-well-being-study

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