Technique Provides New Option for Breast Reconstruction After Radiation Therapy

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., Jan 30, 2012 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- For breast cancer patients who have undergone radiation therapy, a new technique consisting of fat injection followed by implant placement may provide a much-needed alternative for breast reconstruction, reports a study in the February issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery(R), the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). 

"Fat grafting seems to reduce the radiation-induced complications in implants," according to the authors of the new study, led by Dr. Salgarello Marzja of University Hospital "A. Gemelli" in Rome. With further study, the combination technique may offer women who have undergone radiation therapy an effective new reconstructive option. 

Fat Grafts Provide a 'Bed' for Implant Reconstruction 

Dr. Marzja and colleagues investigated the use of fat grafting to achieve better results with implant-based breast reconstruction after surgery plus radiation therapy for breast cancer. Because of an increased risk of complications, women who have undergone radiation therapy are usually not considered for reconstruction using implants. 

Over a three-year period, researchers used the combination technique in 16 patients who underwent surgery followed by radiation therapy for breast cancer.

source: MarketWatch