Timing of Reconstructive Surgery with radiation

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barbara0806
barbara0806 Member Posts: 8
edited October 2016 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

My cancer treatment includes:

step 1: chemo (will end october 6)

step 2: mastectomy (unilateral)

step 3: radiation

Ideally I would have the reconstructive surgery (flap tissue) done immediately (at the time of surgery); however, I understand that radiation can have a negative impact (skin look and shrinkage) on the final reconstruction if done this way.

Is it better to have reconstruction delayed because of radiation? Why or why not?

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  • Southern-girl
    Southern-girl Member Posts: 9
    edited October 2016

    My treatment pattern is similar to yours. I was told radiation can kill the transplanted tissue so it is best to wait until after radiation is complete. Unlike many plastic surgeons, mine feels it is best to do the DIEP flap 3-4 weeks after radiation rather than months or years. Have only 4 more treatments and am scheduled for my reconstruction next month

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  • Mariangel43
    Mariangel43 Member Posts: 136
    edited October 2016

    Barbara, I agree with Southern, Skin can be moderately or severely affected with radiation. My PS was going to do the second part of the recon soon after the filling of the TE but before the RT, I found one presentation called the modulation challenge that told that radiation could cause light, moderate or severe skin effects on the irradiated skin. So I decided to wait for recon after RT. He said that if skin gets too damaged, he will use an LD flap. I am not very happy about that because I will have to expend more time at the hospital.

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