Reconstruction of the breast as a primary and secondary procedure following mastectomy for carcinoma.

During a period of 8 years over 200 cases of carcinoma of the breast have had replacement procedures carried out as either a primary or a delayed procedure. The end results do not appear to be in any way inferior to those of conventional treatment of this condition. Selection of cases is important, but equally vital is meticulous dessection technique, haemostasis and planning of incisions together with preservation of the blood supply. Recurrence locally appears to be somewhat less than anticipated when compared with other methods of treatment. It can be treated by irradiation or excision without removal of the prosthesis.