What is a Mastectomy?
A mastectomy is an operation to remove part or all, of your
breast, usually because of breast cancer. A total mastectomy is an
operation to remove the cancer, the breast tissue, some skin and
the nipple. If the cancer has spread into the underlying muscle,
this may have to be removed as well.
What does this involve?
A mastectomy is usually done under general anaesthetic and you
will need to stay in hospital for several days
Your surgeon will make a diagonal or horizontal cut across the
skin of your breast and the tissue will be removed. The skin
is the reshaped and the cut is closed up with very fine stitches.
Sometimes, a breast reconstruction operation may be performed at
the same time and your surgeon can discuss your options with
you.
Following the procedure you will be taken from the operating
theatre into the Recovery Suite where you will be looked after
until you are fully awake following the anaesthetic. After this,
you will return to your room, where nursing staff will check your
dressings and monitor your pulse and blood pressure at regular
intervals.
Your anaesthetist is likely to prescribe painkillers to reduce
any potential discomfort and you should take these regularly for
the first few days. Pain can slow down your recovery, so it is
important to discuss any discomfort with the nursing staff.
You will also have wound dressings in place.
Until the affects of the anaesthetic have passed, you will need
to rest. In the meantime you will be visited by your surgeon who
will assess your progress and answer any questions or concerns you
may have.
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When will I recover?
After surgery, the area around your breast will feel tender and
tight. Your arm and shoulder will also feel sore and stiff,
especially if you've had all your lymph nodes removed. You
will be given a set of exercises by your physiotherapist after your
operation to help you regain strength and movement in your arm and
speed up your recovery.
You will need to stay in hospital for several days although the
length of your stay will depend on the extent of your surgery and
how you feel afterwards.
At your post-operative follow-up appointment your surgeon will
assess your progress and give advice on when you can resume your
normal activities.
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What risks should I know about?
Mastectomy is generally a safe operation but, like all surgery,
there are some risks. Removing lymph nodes can cause fluid to
build up in your arm, making it swollen and painful. This is called
lymphoedema. Your breast care nurse will give you advice about how
to prevent lymphoedema.
Some women still feel pain and sensations where the breast used
to be, even though the breast has been removed and this can last
for some years.
The chance of complications depends on the exact type of
operation you are having and other factors such as your general
health. Your surgeon will explain in more detail how any risks
apply to you.
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Circle care
Mastectomy is carried out at CircleBath, our state of the art
hospital, which provides you with the best facilities and superb
patient care. We have a dedicated team of surgeons and nurses
who will guide you through the process from first consultation to
after-care and will be available to answer any questions or queries
you may have.
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