MUSCAT: The reconstructive operation involved microscopic flaps surgery technique, by taking tissues from the abdomen and shaping them to form a new breast after the total removal of the patient’s breast. The operation was successful, and the patient was discharged in less than a week.

The operation coincided with the celebration of breast cancer awareness month in October, which is aimed at raising awareness of breast cancer. The operation was carried out by a team specialized in microsurgery, headed by Dr. Sheikhan Al-Hashemi – Consultant in the Department of Plastic Surgery, Restoration and Burns, at Khoula Hospital.
Dr. Hashemi explained that the possibility of reconstructive surgery in the Sultanate is a quantum leap in breast reconstruction; it is considered as the most modern and advanced surgical forms, which is operated by a select group of certified micro-surgical doctors.

He added that the Hospital would activate a specialized clinic for breast restoration cases, where the flap technology – a remarkable development in the field of medical techniques – would be used, unlike traditional breast reconstruction methods, where skin and fatty tissues from the abdominal area or any other area of the body are used and transferred with blood vessels to the site of mastectomy, to carefully reconnect under a surgical microscope.

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the world, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer estimates that there are more than 2.21 million new cases of breast cancer, and about 685,000 deaths due to breast cancer worldwide in 2020.

Breast cancer is still ranked first among all cancers in general and among women in particular.