Noting that plastic surgeons are performing fewer breast reconstruction surgeries in favor of higher-paying, purely cosmetic procedures, the Wall Street Journal today reports that a small but growing number of cancer surgeons are learning breast reconstruction techniques that allow them to remove a tumor and cosmetically repair the breast in a single surgery. The emerging field of oncoplastic surgery—aimed mainly at women with early-stage cancer who are undergoing a lumpectomy—could allow patients to have fewer surgeries, thus reducing the risk of potential complications from successive operations and speeding both physical and psychological recovery, according to the Journal. The number of surgeons using oncoplastic techniques designed to minimize disfigurement is small but growing, according to the vice president of health sciences at Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a Dallas-based advocacy group. The Journal reports that some cancer surgeons are seeking the training because of a mounting shortage of reconstructive surgeons, especially in rural areas and midsize towns. While there is no professional certification for oncoplastic surgery, surgeons can take courses to learn techniques, including introductory classes sponsored by the American Society of Breast Surgeons at its annual meeting. The Journal also highlights a small fellowship program announced this week by the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation to train breast surgeons in oncoplastic techniques. While some cancer surgeons say the techniques "are not difficult and can be quickly adopted." a spokesman for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons contends that "[t]o think a surgeon can learn how to do this in a weekend course is unwise." He says that most plastic surgeons still perform both reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries, but attributes the decline in reconstructive surgeries in recent years on poor reimbursement rates; according to the Journal, the number of breast reconstruction surgeries declined by 29 percent to 57,100 between 2000 and 2007 (Rundle, Wall Street Journal, 7/1 [subscription required]).
