| Now it's time to talk about the actual procedure your doctor has recommended for you.
|
|  | |
|
|
|
On the day of your operation, you will be asked to put on a surgical gown. |
| |
|
You may receive a sedative by mouth ... |
| |
|
... and an intravenous line may be put in. |
| |
|
You will then be transferred to the operating table. |
| |
|
In the operating room, a nurse will begin preparation by clipping or shaving your underarm. |
| |
|
The anesthesiologist will begin to administer anesthesia - most probably general anesthesia by injection and inhalation mask. |
| |
|
The surgeon will then apply an antiseptic solution to the skin ... |
| |
|
... and place a sterile drape around the operative site. |
|
|
|
Two incisions will be made beginning at the middle of the chest ... |
| |
|
- one along the top and one along the bottom of the breast - coming together just under the arm. |
| |
|
The skin is then lifted up and away, revealing the tissue underneath. |
| |
|
Beginning at the clavicle - or collar bone - the surgeon then begins to carefully cut the breast tissue away from the muscles that lie just beneath. |
| |
|
When the breast has been completely freed, it is lifted away, exposing the top layer of muscle, called the pectoralis major. If the cancer has spread to this muscle, your doctor may elect remove it as well. |
| |
|
When the surgical team is satisfied that they have done all that they can to remove the cancer, they will release the muscles and other tissue. |
| |
|
One or more drainage tubes will be temporarily inserted at the site while the healing process begins. |
| |
|
They will then close the incision. |
| |
|
Finally, a sterile bandage is applied. |
