DefinePK

Abstract

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies around the world. In a developing country like Pakistan the patients may present late or be unreliable/irregular in follow up. Hence mastectomy and implant based reconstruction are a typical form of management. Our aim is to summarize the principles of patient assessment, types of breast prostheses their common indications as well as the limitation of implant based breast reconstruction.
 DISCUSSION Ability to deconstruct the defect in smaller subunits (e.g. using the “three step principle”) helps understand the defect and plan appropriate management for any breast defect. Management starts with choosing an appropriate type of prosthesis. Physical dimensions of the implant are chosen to achieve symmetry with the contralateral side (or an idealized shape, in case of bilateral reconstruction). Different implant characteristics may be chosen to “fine tune” the reconstruction to the individual patient. The technique however, does has its limitations.
 CONCLUSIONS Implant based reconstruction is just one tool in the surgeon’s toolbox to manage defects resulting from resection of breast cancer. A knowledge and competence in all possible options can help the surgeon individualize management for each of their patients.