Posted on 03/11/2023 06:00
(Credit: Disclosure/University Hospital of Brasilia)
Winning the battle against breast cancer is the first step in the long journey in search of resuming full lives for hundreds of women. Quality of life, restoring self-esteem, and solidarity with them are the main reasons for the breast reconstruction efforts of the 21 women who won this battle in the Federal District. The procedure that took place yesterday at the University Hospital of Brasilia (HUB) performed 16 surgeries and 5 coronal microscopy procedures.
In all, 70 professionals volunteered to make up the Recmama (Mutirão Breast Reconstruction Seminar) team. Promoted for more than 10 years in Paraíba, always in Women’s Month, the first time the procedures have been performed in DF.
The joint effort aims to reduce the waiting list for surgery. According to the Ministry of Health (SES-DF), 280 patients are currently waiting for a breast reconstruction vacancy.
According to Doctor João Nunes, one of Recmama’s volunteers, the demand for the procedure is much greater than the number of vacancies provided by the Unified Health System (SUS), which is causing delays. “Globally, in Brazil, out of every 10 women who undergo breast cancer surgery, only four have access to a team that specializes in breast reconstruction.”
“I believe that this surgery touches not only the patient’s body but also the soul. There is a complete positive adjustment in terms of self-esteem. [Elas] They feel let go of their self-image,” Nunes says.
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Breast reconstruction is a complex surgery that takes an average of five hours to complete. One form of breast reshaping is the use of grafts taken from other parts of the body or with silicone prostheses. In some cases, reconstruction can be performed immediately after a mastectomy, avoiding two surgical procedures. Since 2013 listed on the SUS, this procedure is not recommended for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Another type is nipple and areola reconstruction. After the implant is placed, a small amount of tissue is made and then a colored tattoo is drawn.
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