Questions worth answering before your consultation.

Breast oncoplastic surgery combines cancer surgery with reconstructive and aesthetic surgical principles. The aim is to remove the breast tumour safely while preserving or restoring breast shape and symmetry whenever appropriate.

Breast reconstruction is surgery to restore the shape and appearance of the breast after mastectomy or significant breast tissue loss. Depending on the individual case, reconstruction may use implants, the patient's own tissue, or a combination of techniques.

In selected patients, breast reconstruction can be performed during the same operation as mastectomy. In other situations, delayed reconstruction may be more appropriate. The decision depends on the cancer, planned treatment, previous surgery, medical factors and the patient's preferences.

Yes. Delayed breast reconstruction can be considered even years after mastectomy. The appropriate technique depends on the amount and quality of available tissue, previous treatments and the patient's overall condition.

Breast symmetrisation is a reconstructive or aesthetic procedure used to improve balance between the two breasts after breast-conserving surgery, mastectomy or reconstruction. It may involve reshaping, reduction, lifting or augmentation depending on the individual situation.

Reconstruction aims to create a natural-looking breast shape and appropriate symmetry, but it cannot reproduce the original breast exactly. The final result depends on the type of reconstruction, available tissue, previous treatment and individual healing.

Not every patient needs or wants reconstruction. Reconstruction is an option that can be discussed as part of your overall treatment plan. The decision should consider your cancer treatment, anatomy, health, personal preferences and expectations.

Yes. A second opinion can be useful when the diagnosis, surgical options or reconstruction plan is complex, or when you would like another perspective before making a treatment decision. Please bring your previous reports, imaging and treatment details to the consultation.

A complex hernia may involve a large abdominal wall defect, previous failed repairs, multiple previous operations, loss of abdominal wall tissue, or other factors that make routine hernia repair more challenging.

A recurrent hernia is one that has returned after a previous repair.

Many recurrent hernias can be treated, but the surgical approach needs to be planned according to the previous operations, location and size of the defect, abdominal wall condition and the patient's overall health.

A review of previous operative notes, imaging and surgical history is often important before deciding on reconstruction.

Abdominal wall reconstruction is a specialised approach to restoring the structure and function of the abdominal wall in selected patients with large, complex or recurrent defects.

The operation may involve advanced techniques such as component separation and appropriate mesh reinforcement when clinically indicated.

Not necessarily. The size of a hernia is only one factor. Previous operations, recurrence, loss of abdominal wall function, contamination, associated medical conditions and the condition of the surrounding tissues can all influence the complexity of repair.

A failed repair can sometimes be revised or reconstructed. However, simply repeating the previous operation may not always be appropriate. The reason for the previous failure and the condition of the abdominal wall should be assessed before planning further surgery.

Not every patient requires a CT scan, but imaging can be particularly useful for large, recurrent or complex hernias. It can help define the abdominal wall defect and assist in planning reconstruction.

Some hernias can be treated using minimally invasive techniques. Others, particularly selected large or recurrent defects, may require an open or combined approach. The appropriate technique depends on the individual anatomy and previous operations.

Yes. Vishnu is positioned to provide assessment and surgical planning for selected difficult, recurrent and previously operated reconstructive cases, including complex abdominal wall and breast reconstruction problems.

Yes. Please bring previous operative notes, discharge summaries, pathology reports, imaging, photographs where relevant, and details of previous treatments. These can be very helpful when planning complex reconstructive surgery.

The consultation is intended to explain the diagnosis, available treatment approaches, potential benefits and limitations, expected recovery and relevant risks so that you can make an informed decision.

The consultation involves reviewing your medical history, previous treatment and investigations, examining the relevant area and understanding your concerns and expectations. Where appropriate, different surgical options and a proposed treatment plan are discussed.

Not necessarily. Bring whatever investigations you already have. Additional investigations are recommended only when clinically required for diagnosis or surgical planning.

Vishnu offers dedicated consultations designed to allow adequate time for discussion, examination and treatment planning. The duration may vary depending on the complexity of the problem.

Vishnu functions as a specialist surgical consultation and treatment-planning centre. Major procedures are performed at an appropriately equipped hospital/operating facility based on the patient's clinical requirements and the nature of the surgery.

If you have a breast problem requiring surgical evaluation, are considering breast reconstruction, have a recurrent or complex hernia, or have had a previous repair that has failed, a consultation can help determine the appropriate treatment pathway.

Consider a specialist surgical consultation when you have:

• A breast condition requiring surgery or reconstruction
• Breast cancer surgery where preservation of breast shape is important to you
• Previous mastectomy and you are considering reconstruction
• A recurrent or large incisional hernia
• Multiple previous abdominal operations
• A failed previous hernia repair
• A complex abdominal wall defect
• A difficult or previously unsuccessful reconstructive procedure
• Uncertainty about your surgical options

Every patient is different. The appropriate operation, timing and reconstructive technique can only be determined after individual clinical assessment.