Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book by Susan M. Love

Author:Susan M. Love
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780738218229
Publisher: Da Capo Press
Published: 2015-09-01T16:00:00+00:00

Side Effects of Total Mastectomy

Like any operation, mastectomy has risks. In the process of removing the breast tissue, we sever a number of blood vessels. The only ones left are those that go the whole length of the flap of skin remaining when the tissue underneath is removed. These vessels can barely get to the ends of the flap. Sometimes this doesn’t supply enough blood, and the wound doesn’t heal right; a little area of skin dies and forms a scab (Figure 13.13). Once healing is complete, the scab falls off. It’s usually not a serious complication. If a big enough area of skin is involved or an infection develops, the surgeon may have to trim the dead tissue so the body can heal the wound. Uncommonly, a skin graft may be required to cover this area and can speed up the healing process.

A second possible complication occurs when fluid continues to collect under the scar after the drains are removed. You’ll know this is happening because there’s a swelling under the skin below the incision; sometimes you’ll hear a slosh when you’re walking or you’ll feel the fluid on your chest. If it’s a small amount of fluid, you can just leave it alone, and it will eventually go away by itself. If there’s a lot of fluid, it can be aspirated with a needle: it won’t hurt because the area is numb, and it usually doesn’t require local anesthesia. (We try to avoid too many aspirations, as there’s always the slight risk of transmitting infection through the needle.) Again, this isn’t a serious complication, but it can be annoying.

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