Posts Comments

You are here: Home / Archives for pain after reconstruction

What Should I Do About My Post-Surgery Scar Neuromas?

April 11, 2014 by

1416012_gerber_daisy_isolatedThis week, Dr. Richard Kline of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your questions.

Q: I have scar neuromas as a result of breast reduction surgery. I have been told it is not recommended to have a surgery to excise the neuromas by my pain specialist and breast surgeon. Would it make a big difference if a surgeon who specialized in peripheral nerve surgery did this type of surgery? Thanks for your help.

A: The problems with operating for pain in this situation are potentially several-fold. Firstly, it’s hard to know with certainty that a neuroma is the culprit, although a well-defined area of touch-tenderness is certainly suggestive. Secondly, the neuromas are often too small to be readily seen, so it’s hard to know if you’ve actually gotten it out. Finally, you could end up with another neuroma from the “hopefully corrective” surgery as easily as you got the first one.

I would definitely try for a few months with injections, etc. with your pain specialist. However, if that fails and your symptoms are bad enough, I don’t think it would be unreasonable to try excising the area one time, and seeing what happened.

 

Dr. Richard Kline

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

Have a question about breast reconstruction or post-surgical care you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask us!

Filed Under: Ask the Doctor Tagged With: , ,

What Is My Best Reconstructive Surgery Option After Lumpectomy and Radiation?

September 6, 2013 by

Sometimes, the answers we need are found in unexpected places. Our team is happy to share our information…wherever we go!

This week, Dr. Richard Kline of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your questions.

Q: I had a lumpectomy on my right breast in 2007. My oncologist has given me the green light to plan reconstructive surgery. I’m hoping to have some sort of reconstructive surgery to balance both breasts. I’m 69 years old. The odd part of this request is that a close friend of mine sat next to Dr. Kline on a flight from Louisville to Charleston!

A: It was a pleasure talking with your friend on the plane, she seemed extremely nice, and immediately mentioned you when she learned what I do for a living.

There are potentially several reconstructive routes one can go after lumpectomy with radiation, depending on your present situation and your goals. As you probably know, your chances of successfully tolerating a breast implant in the radiated breast, while not zero, are much diminished due to the radiation.

If it’s OK with you, I’d like to have our nurse Chris or P.A. Kim call you, and get a few more details about your situation. After that, we can chat by phone, and I’ll give you my honest opinion about which potential interventions might be best for you.

Dr. Richard M. Kline, Jr.

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

Have a question about breast reconstruction you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask us!

Filed Under: Ask the Doctor Tagged With: , , ,

Chronic Pain After DIEP Flap Surgery–Can You Help?

August 30, 2013 by

This week, Dr. Richard Kline of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your questions.

Q: After a double mastectomy in April 2010, my left expander was replaced in June 2010 due to leakage and became infected.

I was hospitalized and given vancomycin and oral antibiotics for almost 3 weeks. Infection spread to right breast and both expanders were removed the same month.

I had DIEP flap surgery in December 2010, but I have had severe pain and shocking sensations in chest, ribs and stomach. My surgeon says he does not know what is causing this pain. Is it the result of nerve damage? And is there any way to fix this?

A: So sorry to hear about your experience! Out of 1,011 flaps to date, we have very few patients with chronic pain, but unfortunately it does sometimes occur. We usually examine the areas in question with a CT and/or MRI, but usually this does not show any abnormalities other than normal post-surgical changes.

In this scenario, we then refer the patients to our pain therapists, who almost always are able to provide significant relief. Please let us know if we can provide additional information.

Dr. Richard M. Kline, Jr.

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

Have a question about breast reconstruction you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask us!

Filed Under: Ask the Doctor Tagged With: , , , ,