What Is a Right Mastectomy?

A right mastectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all of the tissue from a patient's right breast. Most of these surgeries are performed to treat breast cancer in women; however, men may also undergo this procedure for breast cancer. Some mastectomies are performed as a preventative measure in patients who have very high risk factors for this type of cancer. A patient may choose to have breast reconstruction surgery to maintain their natural shape immediately following a right mastectomy or at a later date.

Preparation for a right mastectomy typically includes a discussion about the patient's options after surgery. Many women decide to undergo breast reconstruction surgery. The surgeon will discuss the various options, including using the patient's own tissues to reconstruct the natural shape of the breast or using synthetic materials, such as silicone implants.

Before a right mastectomy, patients will also discuss their medical history and any medications or supplements they are taking. Certain medications may need to be discontinued for a period of time before the procedure, including aspirin and any other drugs that may impede blood clotting. Patients should arrange for someone to drive them home from the hospital. They must not eat or drink for eight to 12 hours before the appointment.

Patients will be given a sedative and are usually placed under general anesthesia so that they will be unconscious for the surgery. The surgeon will make an incision around the right breast and will remove all of the breast tissue. Depending on the patient, he may also remove the lymph nodes under the right arm. Sometimes, surgeons are able to leave the skin over the breast intact.

This procedure may take one to three hours, but patients should expect a longer surgery if they are undergoing a breast reconstruction right afterward. In these cases, the implant or tissues are inserted into the area and the surgeon will close the incision. Patients should expect to have drainage tubes inserted through the skin to remove accumulated fluids.

Immediately following a right mastectomy, patients will be moved to a room for close monitoring. Some patients may stay in the hospital for two to three days, but others may be able to go home that same day. A nurse will demonstrate how to change the dressing and care for the wound. The drainage tubes may be removed in one to two weeks.

Before undergoing a right mastectomy, patients should discuss the potential risks with their doctors. Some patients may experience chronic pain in the area, including tingling or pain in the right arm or shoulder. Swelling, bleeding, and infection are possible, along with numbness and the formation of scar tissue. Patients should contact their doctors if they experience severe pain, a fever, or abnormal wound drainage.