A Long Term Review of Surgically Treated Enlarged Breasts

Pius Agbenorku

Reconstructive Plastic Surgery & Burns Unit, Department of Surgery, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

DOI: 10.4236/mps.2013.34023                

Abstract

Introduction: Breast hypertrophy (excessive enlargement of breast), a condition though rare, is well pronounced in some females. Surgery either by reduction mammaplasty or sub-cutaneous mastectomy is often employed in treatment of this condition. Aim: This study seeks to find out the long term level of satisfaction of the surgery on these persons after about 10 - 12 years after treatment. Materials and Methods: From January 1994 to December 2000, the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) carried out surgeries on 43 females who presented with several degrees of breast hypertrophy. Patients were asked to answer questionnaires on their condition pre-operatively and post-operatively during the long term review process. Results: Thirty-four (79.1%) patients out of the 43 were available for the review with the patients stating there was much (100%) improvement in terms of the pain they felt in the neck, upper and lower back regions. There was no re-occurrence of the condition in any of the patients; 29 (85.3%) stated they were satisfied and that their new breast size(s) was/were excellent for them. Conclusion: The pre-operative complications experienced by these patients were resolved hence this surgical procedure was good and the quality of life of these persons had been improved.

Keywords

Breast Hypertrophy; Reduction Mammaplasty; Sub-Cutaneous Mastectomy; Quality of Life; Satisfaction

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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