Mastectomy

Mastectomy is removal of the whole breast along with the nipple, on the side where the cancer is diagnosed. It is done for patients with large breast cancers, cancers in multiple areas of the breast and in certain specific types of cancers. You will need to have routine tests done to check your health status and assess your fitness for general anaesthesia and surgery. This procedure usually takes 60-120 minutes. For the majority of the time, you will be advised to stay in the hospital for one night for observation. There will be a drain placed at the time of surgery and commonly kept for up to 14 days. You will be advised on how to manage your drain at home before you are discharged from the hospital. We will also be able to provide home care services for drain management, when required. Follow up will be done at the out-patient clinic on a routine basis until the drain is removed.