• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.84-91
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• 1999

The female breast is a potent symbol of maternity, sexuality, and feminity. Unfortunately, the frequency of breast cancer and mastectomy are increasing in Korea, so the reconstruction of breast becomes a important surgical procedure. The purpose of this study is to analyze the results of breast reconstruction using free TRAM flap and to suggest the operative techniques for more successful results. This study is based on a series of 39 cases of breast reconstruction using free TRAM flap in mastectomized patients. Among these cases, 21 patients underwent immediate reconstruction and 18 patients underwent delayed reconstruction. 2 patients underwent immediate bilateral reconstruction. The postoperative courses of these cases are uneventful. Breast reconstruction following mastectomy is one of the most challenging problems in plastic surgery. Nowadays the free TRAM flap is accepted as an excellent method of autogenous tissue breast reconstruction. We conclude that this technique has advantages as follows. The free TRAM flap has not associated with the complications of implant-based reconstruction. It provides sufficient volume for ptotic and natural breast, easily concealed donor site, and secondary aesthetic benefit of abdominoplasty. Unlike conventional pedicled TRAM flap, it has superiority in blood supply, and can make liberal setting of flap and sparing of rectus muscle. So it can provide more satisfaction about the final result of breast reconstruction.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.1675-1682
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• 2012

Aim: The study aim was to determine the frequency with which women decline clinicians' treatment recommendations and variations in this frequency by age, cancer and service descriptors. Design: The study included 36,775 women diagnosed with early invasive breast cancer in 1998-2005 and attending Australian and New Zealand breast surgeons. Rate ratios for declining treatment were examined by descriptor, using bilateral and multiple logistic regression analyses. Proportional hazards regression was used in exploratory analyses of associations with breast cancer death. Results: 3.4% of women declined a recommended treatment of some type, ranging from 2.6% for women under 40 years to 5.8% for those aged 80 years or more, and with parallel increases by age presenting for declining radiotherapy (p<0.001) and axillary surgery (p=0.006). Multiple regression confirmed that common predictors of declining various treatments included low surgeon case load, treatment outside major city centres, and older age. Histological features suggesting a favourable prognosis were often predictive of declining various treatments, although reverse findings also applied with women with positive nodal status being more likely to decline a mastectomy and those with larger tumours more likely to decline chemotherapy. While survival analyses lacked statistical power due to small numbers, higher risks of breast cancer death were suggested, after adjusting for age and conventional clinical risk factors, (1) for women not receiving breast surgery for unstated reasons (RR=2.29; p<0.001); and (2) although not approaching statistical significance $p{\geq}0.200$), for women declining radiotherapy (RR=1.22), a systemic therapy (RR1.11), and more specifically, chemotherapy (RR=1.41). Conclusions: Women have the right to choose their treatments but reasons for declining recommendations require further study to ensure that choices are well informed and clinical outcomes are optimized.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.627-635
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• 2011

Purpose: Advanced breast cancer traditionally has been perceived as a contraindication to immediate breast reconstruction, because of concerns regarding adjuvant treatment delays and the cosmetic effects of radiotherapy to breast reconstruction, so delayed reconstruction is usually preferred in advanced breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy. However, with the improved outcome using multimodality therapy, consisting of perioperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy, immediate breast reconstruction is now being performed as surgical option for selected advanced breast cancer patients. Additionally, advanced breast cancer patients may be needed soft tissue coverage of an extensive skin and soft tussue defect after mastectomy. Current authors have experienced several types of immediate breast and chest wall reconstruction for advanced breast cancer. Methods: From December of 2007 to June of 2009, 14 women performed for immediate breast and chest wall reconstruction for advanced breast cancer. They had been treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy followed by modified radical mastectomy or radical mastectomy. Four different techniques were used immediate breast and chest wall reconstruction, which are pedicled TRAM flap (4 cases), extended LD flap with STSG (3 cases), thoracoabdominal flap (4 cases) and thoracoepigastric flap (3 cases). Results: The mean age was 53 years and mean follow up period was 9 months. Patients' oncologic status ranged stage IIIa to stage IV. Two patients had major complications: partial flap necrosis of TRAM flap and one distal necrosis of thoracoabdominal flap. Three patients with stage IV disease died from metastases. Conclusion: The result of this study suggests that immediate breast and chest wall reconstruction can be considered as surgical option for advanced breast cancer. But we need long term follow up and large prospective studies for recurrence and survival.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.106-113
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• 2021

Background: We aimed to investigate the analgesic efficacy of an erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) with a tissue expander. Methods: Adult women undergoing IBR with a tissue expander after mastectomy were randomly assigned to either intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) alone (group P) or IV-PCA plus ESPB (group E). The primary outcome was the total amount of opioid consumption during 24 hours postoperatively between the two groups. Secondary outcomes were patient satisfaction, pain score at rest and on shoulder movement using numerical rating scale, incidences of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and a short form of the brief pain inventory (BPI-SF) at 3 and 6 months after surgery between the groups. Results: Fifty eight patients completed the study. At 24 hours postoperatively, total opioid consumption was significantly less in group E than in group P (285.0 ± 92.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 250.1 to 320.0 vs. 223.2 ± 83.4, 95% CI: 191.5 to 254.9, P = 0.005). Intraoperative and cumulative PCA fentanyl consumption at 3, 6, 9, and 24 hours were also less in group E than in group P (P = 0.004, P = 0.048, P = 0.020, P = 0.036, and P < 0.001, respectively). Patient satisfaction was higher in group E (6.9 ± 1.8 vs. 7.8 ± 1.4, P = 0.042). The incidences of PONV was similar. Conclusions: The ESPB decreased postoperative opioid consumption and increased patient satisfaction without significant complications after IBR with a tissue expander after mastectomy.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.416-420
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• 2005

Ideal results of augmentation mammaplasty consist of symmetry, natural shape, soft feeling and inconspicuous scar. In addition, patient's preferences about size and shape should be included. Static implants could not perfectly satisfy patients' desires for size and shape, but expandable implants enable to change the volume after the operation. From September 2001 to September 2004, 76 patients(150 breasts) underwent breast augmentation using permanent expandable implant. The procedure was unilateral in 2 women and bilateral in 74 women. Age ranged from 19 to 50 years(mean, 29 years). Fifty nine patients underwent simple augmentation mammaplasty, 7 patients were corrected of their severe asymmetry, 2 patients with the congenital breast deformity underwent mammaplasty using this, and 2 patients who had undergone unilateral mastectomy were reconstructed of their breasts using expandable implant. There were no definite complications such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, asymmetry. And there reported little dissatisfaction about the size. The permanent expandable implants might be good alternatives in cases of ordinary breast augmentation as well as tissue deficient patients, asymmetry, congenital anomaly, and breast reconstruction.

• Perspectives in Nursing Science
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.115-123
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• 2015

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the quality of patient-centered nursing care (PCNC) among women with breast cancer at a cancer center in Seoul, Korea. Methods: In a cross-sectional survey design, 223 women with breast cancer were recruited from the oncology surgery unit. The Korean version of the oncology patients' perceptions of the quality of nursing care scale, which is conceptualized in four sub-dimensions (individualization, proficiency, responsiveness, and coordination) was used for measurement. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. Results: The participants were all women, with a mean age of 51.3 years. The mean score of PCNC was high and significantly different from each other according to age group. Breast cancer women, who had mastectomy, were satisfied highly in terms of proficiency and responsiveness care, but less satisfied with individualization and coordination care than those of other women. Conclusion: The findings of this study show the quality of cancer nursing care, especially focusing on patient-centeredness, can be measured from the patients'perspective. The individualized and coordinated nursing care is considered to be the core of quality cancer care implying patient-centeredness. Based on the findings of this study, more research is necessary to explore the patients' view of quality cancer care and to test the effects of PCNC within the context of comparative effectiveness.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.710-715
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• 2022

Background The latissimus musculocutaneous flap (LD flap) is a useful option for breast reconstruction following mastectomy. It has the advantage of obtaining sufficient tissue padding and natural shape by using autologous tissue. However, with the emergence of the skin-sparing mastectomy technique and artificial dermis matrix, direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction has become the first choice of surgery. The purpose of this study was to compare the satisfaction levels of patients who underwent DTI and LD flap with implant using patient-reported Breast-Q results. Methods A retrospective study was performed reviewing the records of 49 women who underwent immediate breast reconstruction with DTI or LD flap with implant and responded to the BREAST-Q questionnaire after the operation. The patient-reported breast-Q results were analyzed and correlated to the demographic information and intraoperative information. Results A total of 26 patients who underwent reconstruction with LD flap with implant and 23 patients with DTI were identified and responded to the questionnaire after an average of 32.3 and 10.4 months postoperation, respectively. According to the patient response to the breast-q values, satisfaction with breast was 60.0 and 57.0 points, psychosocial well-being 61.0 and 60.0 points, and sexual well-being 41.0 and 43.0 points in the two groups. Overall, there was no significant difference in the breastQ score between the two groups. Conclusion Patients who underwent DTI breast reconstruction seemed equally satisfied with the appearance and outcome of their breast reconstruction compared with LD flap with implant. Therefore, it appears that DTI is adequately replacing LD with implant.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.1795-1802
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• 2015

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancer types in women and is amongst the most devastating and stressful events in the life of women. The external appearance of breast cancer patients usually changes due to the surgical and/or medical therapies used. An association may be found between social support perception and social appearance anxiety in patients with breast cancer in the period after mastectomy. Therefore, this study investigated the social appearance anxiety and social support status in women with breast cancer in our country. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in breast cancer patients undergoing treatment or follow-up in Medical Oncology and General Surgery departments. Results: The mean age of the participants was $51.13{\pm}8.48$ years (range, 24-74 years) with nearly half of the patients (40.6%) aged 40-50 years. Of the patients, 39.1% had stage 3 breast cancer. The mean score on Cancer Patient's Social Support Scale (CPSSS) was $134.85{\pm}9.35$, and there was a significant difference in CPSSS total scores betweena the age groups, educational levels, self-reported income levels and stage of disease (p<0.05). The mean Social Image Anxiety Scale (SIAS) score was found to be $34.30{\pm}9.35$ (min:16, max:66) in women participating in this study. The CPSSS and SIAS scores of the participants were inversely correlated, and the SIAS score was found to decrease with the increasing CPSSS score but with no statistically significant difference (r=-0.110, p=0.217). Conclusions: Social appearance anxiety is higher in the patients with poor social support.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.109-118
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• 2020

Purpose: Hypofractionated radiotherapy (RT) is becoming a new standard in postoperative treatment of patients with early stage breast cancer after breast conservation surgery. However, data on hypofractionation in patients with advanced stage disease who undergo mastectomy followed by local and regional nodal irradiation (RNI) is lacking. In this retrospective study, we report late-term effects of 3 weeks post-mastectomy hypofractionated local and RNI with two-dimensional (2D) technique in patients with stage II and III breast cancer. Methods: Between January 1990 and December 2007, 1,770 women with breast cancer who were given radical treatment with mastectomy, systemic therapy and RT at least 10 years ago were included. RT dose was 35 Gy/15 fractions/3 weeks to chest wall by two tangential fields and 40 Gy in same fractions to supraclavicular fossa (SCF) and internal mammary nodes (IMNs). SCF and IMNs dose was prescribed at d_max and 3 cm depth, respectively. Chemotherapy and hormonal therapy was given in 64% and 74% patients, respectively. Late-term toxicities were assessed with the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) scores and LENT-SOMA scales (the Late Effects Normal Tissue Task Force-Subjective, Objective, Management, Analytic scales). Results: Mean age was 48 years (range, 19 to 75 years). Median follow-up was 12 years (range, 10 to 27 years). Moderate/marked arm/shoulder pain was reported by 254 (14.3%) patients. Moderate/marked shoulder stiffness was reported by 219 (12.3%) patients. Moderate/marked arm edema was seen in 131 (7.4%) patients. Brachial plexopathy was not seen in any patient. Rib fractures were noted in 6 (0.3%) patients. Late cardiac and lung toxicity was seen in 29 (1.6%) and 23 (1.3%) patients, respectively. Second malignancy developed in 105 (5.9%) patients. Conclusion: RNI with 40 Gy/15 fractions/3 weeks hypofractionation with 2D technique seems safe and comparable to historical data of conventional fractionation (ClinicalTrial.gov Registration No. NCT04175821).

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.285-299
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• 2020

Purpose: This systematic review aims to identify factors associated with risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO), including the uptake rate and decision timing, among women at high risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). Methods: We found 4,935 relevant studies using MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO on July 6, 2020. Two authors screened the articles and extracted data. Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Quality assessment of articles was conducted using the Risk of Bias for Nonrandomized Studies tool. Results: Five types of factors were identified (demographic factors, clinical factors, family history of cancer, psychological factors, and objective cancer risk). The specific significant factors were older age, having child(ren), being a BRCA1/2 carrier, mastectomy history, perceived risk for ovarian cancer, and perceived advantages of RRSO, whereas objective cancer risk was not significant. The uptake rate of RRSO was 23.4% to 87.2% (mean, 45.2%) among high-risk women for HBOC. The mean time to decide whether to undergo RRSO after BRCA testing was 4 to 34 months. Conclusion: RRSO decisions are affected by demographic, clinical, and psychological factors, rather than objective cancer risk. Nonetheless, women seeking RRSO should be offered information about objective cancer risk. Even though decision-making for RRSO is a complex and multifaceted process, the psychosocial factors that may influence decisions have not been comprehensively examined, including family attitudes toward RRSO, cultural norms, social values, and health care providers' attitudes.