Radiation to the breast. Complications amenable to surgical treatment
Major complications of radiation directed to the breast, axilla, and mediastinum were treated in 54 patients from 1974 to 1983. A classification of these complications facilitates both an understanding of the pattern of injury and the development of a treatment plan. Classification: I. Breast necrosis; II. Radionecrosis and Chest Wall Ulceration; III. Accelerated Coronary Atherosclerosis with Median Sternotomy Wound Failure After Coronary Revascularization; IV. Brachial Plexus Pain and Paresis; V. Lymphedema and Axillary Cicatrix; VI. Radiation-induced Neoplasia. The treatment has evolved during the 10-year study period to excision of the necrotic wound, including any tumor, and closure with a transposed muscle or musculocutaneous flap of latissimus dorsi (II, III, V) or rectus abdominis (I, II, VI). This strategy reflects a change from primary use of the omentum during the first years of the study. The vascularity, oxygen and antibiotic delivery of these muscle and musculocutaneous flaps promote wound healing, usually with one operation. The transfer of these muscles has not caused significant functional deficits.
- Research Organization:
- Joseph B. Whitehead Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- OSTI ID:
- 6051454
- Journal Information:
- Ann. Surg.; (United States), Vol. 200:4
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
CHEST
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
MAMMARY GLANDS
MEDIASTINUM
RADIOTHERAPY
SIDE EFFECTS
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS
NECROSIS
NEOPLASMS
PATIENTS
RADIATION INJURIES
SURGERY
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BODY
BODY AREAS
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
DISEASES
GLANDS
INJURIES
MEDICINE
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ORGANS
PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIOLOGY
THERAPY
VASCULAR DISEASES
560151* - Radiation Effects on Animals- Man