Portimão Hospital has performed its first laparoscopic mastectomy combined with immediate breast reconstruction, marking another step in the introduction of minimally invasive breast surgery in the Algarve.
The procedure was carried out on September 25 by the Breast Unit of the Algarve Local Health Unit (ULS Algarve), with surgeons José Ignacio Chaviano Hernández, Henrique Morais and Gabriela Valadas forming the operating team.
Three similar procedures had previously been carried out at Faro Hospital, also part of ULS Algarve, meaning the Portimão surgery builds on experience already being developed within the region’s public hospital network.
Laparoscopic mastectomy uses smaller, strategically positioned incisions to remove breast tissue and can, in selected cases, help preserve more of the skin and reduce visible scarring.
In Portimão, the mastectomy was followed immediately by breast reconstruction using an implant, allowing both procedures to take place during the same operation.
“For this procedure, the surgery was complemented by immediate breast reconstruction with the placement of an implant, allowing the reconstruction of the breast to be carried out during the same surgical intervention as the mastectomy,” the medical team explained.
ULS Algarve says the approach may offer important advantages for carefully selected patients, particularly in terms of body image and recovery.
Combining mastectomy and reconstruction during a single operation can help reduce the physical and emotional impact associated with breast removal and avoid the need for reconstruction at a later stage, it explains.
The minimally invasive technique is intended to combine effective treatment with less surgical trauma and improved cosmetic results, depending on the individual patient and the characteristics of the disease.
“The main objective of this innovation is the patient,” the team said.
“When there is an indication for this approach, we aim to offer appropriate and safe surgical treatment, combined with a minimally invasive technique and, in this case, immediate breast reconstruction, seeking the best possible functional and aesthetic result.”
Shared experience between Faro and Portimão
The introduction of the technique in Portimão is the result of collaboration within ULS Algarve’s Breast Unit, with expertise being shared between the region’s Faro and Portimão hospitals, the regional health authority says.
Other members involved in developing the technique include surgeons Maribel Cosme, Nicole Cardoso and Elza Almeida.
Michael Bruxo
Journalist for the Portugal Resident.