RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgery in Canada: breaking new ground in general surgical training
JF Canadian Journal of Surgery
JO CAN J SURG
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP 294
OP 299
DO 10.1503/cjs.016717
VO 61
IS 5
A1 Lashan Peiris
A1 David Olson
A1 Kelly Dabbs
YR 2018
UL http://canjsurg.ca/content/61/5/294.abstract
AB Oncoplastic breast surgery combines certain plastic surgery procedures with a breast cancer resection to minimize the cosmetic penalty. We compared current practices in breast surgery in Canada and the UK, looking at the classification of oncoplastic breast surgery, management of larger tumours that would otherwise mandate a mastectomy, and the breast surgeon’s role in immediate breast reconstruction. Reconstructive breast surgery has always fallen within the domain of the plastic surgeon, but surgical subspecialization and more focused fellowship training have meant that breast surgeons with the appropriate skillset can offer these procedures. This evolution of the breast surgeon has led to the birth of a new field of breast surgery known as oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgery. Those tasked with developing surgical training programs in Canada must now decide whether to train breast surgeons in these techniques to improve long-term quality of life among Canadian patients with breast cancer.