Immediate placement of tissue expander during mastectomy: analysis of 162 patients

This retrospective study analyses 162 consecutive cases with immediate use of a tissue expander after mastectomy for breast cancer. This procedure is safe, simple and rapid, and the final reconstruction is of acceptable quality. This technique does not hinder adjuvant therapy or local surveillance. The complications which occur are mainly associated with the mastectomy and/or axillary clearance. It allows some patients to tolerate mastectomy more easily. We conclude that the immediate use of a tissue expander placed at the time of mastectomy for breast cancer is safe and should be more widely available.