In a first-of-its-kind surgical feat in northeast India, doctors at Dr.B Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI), Guwahati have successfully performed free-flap whole breast reconstructive surgery on a patient with breast cancer.
Breast cancer incidence is rising among women in the country, especially in urban areas, due to changing lifestyles, an increase in tobacco and alcohol consumption, and hormonal pills.
Dr.Prajyoth Reddy, Assistant Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH), Mumbai was the visiting expert surgeon. Dr.Reddy said that this procedure is called a deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEP) free flap transfer, which involves reconstruction of the removed breast with abdominal fat. This surgical procedure redefines the meaning of survivorship of patients with breast cancer.
According to Dr.Pompi D. Buragohain, Assistant Professor of Breast Services under the Surgical Oncology department, BBCI, this development is a beacon of hope for patients with breast cancer where breast conservation is not possible.
This reconstructive surgery allows cosmetically comparable breasts to normal breasts. The psychological advantage of waking up with a new breast after surgery can give a sense of completeness to the woman. Furthermore, the procedure is oncologically safe, which means, it does not compromise the patient’s safety in terms of cancer recurrences, further added Dr.Buragohain.
The BBCI is supported by TMH, Mumbai in the transfer of technological expertise and manpower training for the benefit of patients with cancer from northeast India.
( Image Credit: Google)
