PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Virtua Health is now offering two new treatments for breast cancer patients, boasting improved recovery times and patient satisfaction.
The laparoscopic procedure is minimally invasive, allowing doctors to use smaller incisions to remove breast tissues for cancer patients while preserving the nerves and sensation in the nipples. Virtua is also using a nerve grafting technique that can restore sensation following nipple-sparing mastectomies.
“The patient has less pain during recovery and the cosmetic outcome is beautiful,” said Virtua Dr. Lori Timmerman. “If we can make them look and feel better sooner, it’s very important.”
She said that in many cases, doctors can do breast tissue removal and reconstruction using implants in a single operation. While the procedures have been done in Asia and Europe for some time, Virtua is the first to offer them in the Philadelphia region.
Jacquelin Ross was the first patient to undergo surgery using the advanced techniques. She said she was able to return to work in six weeks and was able to get back to the gym after two months.
“Six months after surgery, I am blessed and very happy with the final results of this procedure as well as my ongoing care,” Ross said. “I am back to doing all the things I love and staying active.”
Almost 80% women experience pain and numbness after breast cancer surgery, which can affect their recovery, according to Virtua.
Breast cancer impacts roughly 1 in 8 women in the United States, making it the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer for American women.
The procedures are minimally invasive and boast improved patient sensation and recovery times
The procedures are minimally invasive and boast improved patient sensation and recovery times
