| Now it's time to talk about the actual procedure your doctor has recommended for you.
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On the day of your operation, you will be asked to put on a surgical gown. |
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You may receive a sedative by mouth ... |
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... and an intravenous line may be put in. |
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You will then be transferred to the operating table. |
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In the operating room, a nurse will begin preparation by clipping or shaving your underarm. |
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The anesthesiologist will begin to administer anesthesia - most probably general anesthesia by injection and inhalation mask. |
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The surgeon will then apply an antiseptic solution to the skin ... |
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... and place a sterile drape around the operative site. |
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Two incisions will be made beginning at the middle of the chest ... |
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- one along the top and one along the bottom of the breast - coming together just under the arm. |
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The skin is then lifted up and away, revealing the tissue underneath. |
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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. |
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When the breast has been completely freed, it is lifted away, exposing the top layer of muscle, called the pectoralis major. |
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The surgeon will pull this muscle temporarily aside exposing the next layer of muscle - the pectoralis minor. |
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The surgeon will move this muscle aside, creating a clear view of the surrounding fatty tissue. |
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Within this fat deposit lie lymph nodes lymph vessels, blood vessels and nerves. |
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Using great care not to damage the large thoracic nerve, your doctor will remove the lymph nodes and surrounding fat. |
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Blood vessels will be tied off and your doctor will thoroughly examine the surrounding tissues for any other signs of disease. |
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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. |
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One or more drainage tubes will be temporarily inserted at the site while the healing process begins. |
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They will then close the incision. |
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Finally, a sterile bandage is applied. |
