Over 40,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK. It accounts for one in three cancer cases. Many undergo mastectomy operations which remove the cancerous breast. Over half of these women choose to have breast reconstruction surgery. As with all surgery, the professional must meet a high professional standard of care from the first assessment to the last post-op inspection.
Breast reconstruction is designed to artificially replace the breast. There are several procedures available, including artificial implants as well as skin, muscle and fat grafts. The medical professional responsible must determine which approach is best for the patient based on factors such as the amount of breast tissue removed, the treatment already given (such as radiotherapy), the physical state of the patient and their personal preference.
Breast reconstruction involves some of the same techniques as breast augmentation. However, breast reconstruction patients are frequently already in a poor state of health due to cancer or other disease or injury. This increases the chance of complications such as infection significantly. The period after cancer treatment when a mastectomy is performed is when the patient’s body is at its weakest, and therefore the worst time to be performing additional surgery. Medical professionals must take great care to make patients aware of this added risk, as well as taking measures to compensate for the patient’s condition.
If you feel that your medical professional has failed to maintain this standard throughout your treatment and that you have suffered as a result you may be able to obtain compensation. For example, a failure to properly mirror the remaining breast can lead to a mismatch. Poor results like this can be distressing, and since the majority of women undergoing this surgery are victims of cancer any medical failings must be taken very seriously. Our experienced team of clinical negligence solicitors operate a caring, plain-speaking service which puts the client’s needs first. Call us today to arrange a free consultation: 0845 144 1441.
