Mastectomy Information
A mastectomy is a medical procedure that consists of the partial or complete removal of breast tissue. This procedure is ordinarily used to treat breast cancer, but some patients choose to undergo surgery to prevent breast cancer, as well. Referred to as a "local" therapy for breast cancer patients, it is often chosen over chemotherapy and radiative medicine.
Risks and Care
A vast amount of care is taken during the procedure to assure a speedy and healthy recovery. Doctors keep blood pressure cuffs and EKG monitors to observe the patient's vital statistics while undergoing a mastectomy. The operating room is kept completely sterile and the patient is even draped in protective material to prevent infections. There are also risks involved in getting a mastectomy, like necrosis of the scar tissue, which is remedied with an additional surgery, usually.
Recovery
After undergoing this procedure, it is extremely important to avoid heavy lifting, as it could split the stitches or staples in the incisions, which hinders the healing process. Ordinarily, patients remain hospitalized for up to seven days after the operation, but some return home the following day. After the hospital stay, it could take up to 12 weeks for the area to completely heal.
Tags: breast cancer