How is Mastectomy Performed?
To perform a simple mastectomy, a surgeon makes an incision along the perimeter of the breast (closest to the tumor area), leaving most of the skin intact. Most of the time, the nipple is not removed during simple mastectomy, although milk ducts leading to the nipple are cut. The underlying tissue is gently cut free, removed, and often a drainage tube is inserted in the affected area. The skin is carefully closed with stitches or clips, which are usually removed within a week. Radiation therapy may or may not be necessary after a mastectomy. Because mastectomy involves the removal of significantly more body tissue than a lumpectomy, recovery is slower. Patients often stay at the hospital for several days, though some are released 24 to 48 hours after surgery. The drainage tube is usually removed two to three days after the operation. Possible effects of mastectomy include: • wound infection • hematoma (blood trapped in the wound) • seroma (clear fluid trapped in the wound) • temporary
