New Jersey Breast Surgeon Launches First Robotic Mastectomy Program
SHREWSBURY, N.J., Aug. 23, 2018 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Young woman to undergo Robotic Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy with immediate reconstruction in New Jersey next month. Robotic Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy (RNSM) allows for removal of breast tissue via a single incision under the armpit, eliminating incisions and scarring on the breasts. Dr. Stephen Chagares, a board certified General and Breast Surgeon also certified in robotic surgery, is proud to offer this option to breast cancer patient Yvonne Zucco.
Ms. Zucco, in her mid 50's, felt a lump in her left breast. After having a mammogram, she was referred to her local breast surgeon, Dr. Archit Naik, who confirmed a diagnosis of Stage IIA cancer in her left breast. Ms. Zucco underwent four (4) months of chemotherapy. After her treatment regimen, she settled on the decision to undergo a bilateral skin, nipple, and areola sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction with Dr. Hamid Abdollahi. Ms. Zucco felt peace of mind as a patient knowing the procedure would reduce her risk of developing future breast cancer, yet she remained apprehensive since many women are left emotionally affected by the scarring from current mastectomy procedures. Dr. Naik informed her about RNSM with immediate reconstruction offered by a fellow breast surgeon, Dr. Stephen Chagares.
"Robotic Mastectomy with immediate reconstruction opens the door to a new era of mastectomy and a new outlook for patients, offering a modern approach to an operation which has been so physically, emotionally, and psychologically scarring until now," says Dr. Stephen Chagares. Robotic mastectomy can be used therapeutically for some invasive breast cancers, for ductal carcinoma in situ, for non-malignant indications, as well as for risk reduction for certain patients (i.e. genetic mutations such as BRCA 1 or 2 positive). Having performed breast surgery for 22 years, Dr. Chagares is excited to introduce a groundbreaking program that offers a less invasive approach for his patients; they can awake from surgery, look down, and see intact nipples, areolas and no visible scars on their breasts.
After learning about the benefits of the RNSM, Ms. Zucco eagerly made an appointment with Dr. Stephen Chagares and his colleague Dr. Andrew Elkwood of The Plastic Surgery Center, in their Monmouth County offices. Dr. Andrew Elkwood is board certified in Plastic and Reconstructive surgery. "Although, no reconstructive option is perfect, in many instances this may be the best way to treat a woman's disease and leave the breast aesthetically intact. A Robotic Mastectomy with immediate reconstruction is an excellent treatment option for Yvonne," says Dr. Elkwood.
Earlier this year, the pioneer of RNSM, Dr. Antonio Toesca, invited Dr. Chagares to train at the European Institute of Oncology in Milan, Italy. "Watching the surgery for the first time was amazing," said Dr. Chagares. Ms. Zucco is scheduled for an RNSM procedure with immediate reconstruction on September 14th, 2018. Dr. Toesca will join Dr. Chagares and Dr. Elkwood to observe the procedure he developed. Dr. Chagares is proud and honored to lead the first program of its kind in the United States. He looks forward to leading RNSM as an option for patients throughout the country.
Media Contact: Christina Halper, The Plastic Surgery Center, 7324961118, [email protected]
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SOURCE The Plastic Surgery Center
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