Mrm Surgery: Purpose, Procedure, and Benefits and Side Effects

An MRM, or mastectomy with reconstruction, is a (breast) cancer treatment that involves removing the entire breast, including the skin, breast tissue, areola, and nipple. It also involves removing most of the axillary (armpit) lymph nodes. However, most of the patient's chest muscles are left undamaged or intact during the procedure.This ensures that the patient retains as much of their original anatomy and function as possible. While an MRM may seem like a drastic measure, it gives patients the best chance for long-term survival and minimizes the risk of cancer recurring.

When a doctor is surgically treating cancer, their primary goal is to remove as much of the cancer as possible to ensure the patient’s safety and improve their chances for long-term recovery from the disease. While some nonsurgical treatment options such as chemotherapy and radiation are also available, they may not be as suitable and effective as surgery. This is why doctors usually recommend a 'modified radical mastectomy' (MRM) to treat breast cancer.

There are primarily two types of modified radical mastectomy procedures:

• In this type of MRM, the pectoralis major muscle is kept intact or maintained during the surgical procedure, whereas the pectoralis minor muscle is not.
• The pectoralis major muscle is a thick, convergent muscle. This muscle is triangular or fan-shaped and is located inside the chest of the human body.
• The pectoralis major muscle is essentially responsible for making up the bulk of the chest muscles. It lies right beneath the breast. Under the pectoralis major is located the pectoralis minor muscle, which can be defined as a thin muscle that is triangular in shape.

• In this MRM type, both the pectoralis major and minor muscles are kept unscathed.
• Furthermore, it must be noted that MRM is a standard treatment option for patients with breast cancer. In other words, the MRM surgical procedure can be used as a treatment for both female and male breast cancer.

• Treats (or eradicates) breast cancer effectively
• Reduces the risk of cancer recurrence
• In most cases, there is no need for radiotherapy (post-MRM)
• It gives patients confidence that the cancer won't return

An MRM, or 'modified radical mastectomy,' is a type of surgical procedure that is predominantly carried out to treat breast cancer. It is usually recommended by healthcare professionals for cancer patients when their breast cancer spreads to the axillary nodes or the lymph nodes located under the arm. Also, MRM can be an option for treating any breast cancer that requires the lymph nodes to be removed.

In other words, it is a surgical procedure in which the entire breast, including the areola, nipple, skin, and most of the axillary lymph nodes, is removed. However, the pectoralis major muscle is kept intact during the procedure. Furthermore, if we look back into the past, we will know that a modified radical mastectomy was once the primary (and most popular) treatment method for all kinds of breast cancer.

• Bleeding
• Pain and infection
• Temporary or short-term (breast) swelling or soreness

Note: You can avoid most of the abovementioned risks by entrusting experienced doctors and surgeons, such as the medical professionals at Pristyn Care.

To ensure everything goes smoothly and that you are well-prepared for your MRM procedure, you must adhere to the following tips:

• You must ask a responsible adult (friend or relative) to drive you home after your surgery is successfully done
• Do not consume any food or drink after midnight on the night before your surgery
• Avoid taking aspirin (or any aspirin-containing products) for at least 10 days before the procedure
• Remember to wear comfortable clothing when you go to the hospital or surgical center for your procedure

• You will first be put under general anesthesia for an MRM. Your doctor will then make some incisions on your chest. They will carefully pull your skin back and remove your breast tissue through one main incision.
• Also, they will remove most of the lymph nodes that lie under your arm. The entire procedure commonly takes between two and three hours.
• Once your lymph nodes are removed, your doctor will examine them to determine whether cancer has spread to them or through them to other areas of your body. In some cases, the doctor may also insert a small, thin tube (on a temporary basis) into the incision site to assist with fluid drainage. This tube is usually removed within a day or two after the procedure.

You should keep in mind not to consume any food or drink (including water) after midnight on the night before your surgery is scheduled. If you take medication regularly, you should take your usual dose at the regular time with just a few sips of water. If you have diabetes, heart disease, or any other pre-existing medical conditions, please contact your primary care physician for specific directions.

In other words, you should always speak with your doctor ahead of time (before the procedure) in order to learn what specific preparations you should make in order to ensure a successful surgery with as few complications as possible. These preparations typically involve stopping certain supplements or drugs that you might be taking every day. The doctor may also ask you to use a special antiseptic soap instead of your regular soap before the operation.

If you are scheduled for an MRM, you will be given general anesthesia before the surgery begins. Your surgeon will then make an incision across your chest to remove the breast tissue and most of the lymph nodes under your arm.

The entire surgical procedure usually takes no more than a couple of hours. Once the lymph nodes are removed, your healthcare provider will examine them for any cancerous cells. This is predominantly done by your doctor to rule out the cancer's possibility of spreading to any other parts of your body.

Your healthcare provider will also place thin plastic tubes called 'drains' in your breast area to remove any excess fluid. These tubes may remain in your chest for several weeks.

• Your incision will have stitches and steri-strips (or small white tape strips) covered by a plastic dressing or a gauze dressing, along with tape. Do not remove any of these things, as your healthcare provider will do so in the coming days.
• The dressing will be removed within the next seven to 10 days, and the sutures between one and two weeks, unless they absorb on their own. If any part of the dressing falls off, keep in mind that you should never try to replace it on your own.
• Apart from that, you must acknowledge the fact that different people experience different types and severity of pain or discomfort after surgery. So, it is really important for one to be aware of their own individual pain management needs after an MRM procedure.
• You can take certain pain-relieving medications as needed after the procedure in order to keep pain and discomfort to a minimum. It should also be noted that taking the prescribed medications on time or before the pain becomes severe can help you control or manage your pain more effectively.

Breast cancer surgery costs in India are, on average, lower than in most Western countries. For example, a lumpectomy with reconstruction would typically cost between Rs 2 and 3 lakhs, while a mastectomy would cost around Rs 1-2 lakhs.

This makes treatment more affordable for Indian women who might otherwise struggle to pay for surgery that could save their lives.

It must be mentioned that the prices stated above are for reference only and may not reflect the precise cost of the procedure. However, if you need an accurate estimate, you can contact our team of experts and ask for a quote at any time.

To avoid any complications, it's best to steer clear of any strenuous activity, lifting anything heavy, and vigorous exercise until your stitches have been removed by a caregiver. Once they have been removed, you can start to slowly integrate normal activities back into your routine.

However, you must make sure that you tell your caregiver what you plan on doing and when, so they can help you make a personalized plan. Furthermore, walking is a great way to get moving again post-surgery, but always listen to your body and never push yourself too hard too soon.

A good recovery diet after MRM surgery should include lots of protein. You can add protein powder or dry milk to your regular meals. Also, you can add some grated cheese to your cooked vegetables, potatoes, rice, and salads.

Try to eat more and more high-protein snacks, such as peanuts, almonds, and the ones that contain cheese. You can increase your protein consumption right after undergoing the procedure without worrying about calories. It can help you heal quickly and get your lost strength back. However, you must consult your doctor regarding this if you are suffering from other conditions, such as diabetes or high cholesterol levels.

Although an MRM is an extremely effective and safe surgical procedure for treating breast cancer, there are also a number of other surgical options available that your healthcare provider may recommend depending on your individual situation. If you have questions or concerns about any of the procedures, our specialists are here to provide guidance and understanding.

Any type of surgical procedure, including a mastectomy or MRM, comes with certain risks and side effects. However, you can reduce the chances of these occurring by choosing the right team of professionals or healthcare providers, like those at Pristyn Care. We specialize in providing top-quality care to our patients, so you can rest assured that you are in good and safe hands.

Around 60% of patients who have had a mastectomy with reconstruction surgery experience severe pain in the early postoperative period. However, this pain can be managed with certain prescribed medications.

Following your surgery, you will likely feel weak and sore for a few days. This is quite normal! You may also feel pulling, stretching, or a throbbing sensation near or under your arm.

These sensations should improve within a few days. In the meantime, you may also experience itching or tingling in the area, but don't worry; this is also totally normal and will pass soon!

The amount of time it takes to recover from MRM surgery can vary from person to person, but it is typically between four and eight weeks. Also, it may depend on the patient’s aftercare. It's as if the better the patient's post-surgery care, the faster they'll recover.

• Bleeding
• Pain or tenderness
• Limited arm movement (temporary)
• Numbness

Note: You can avoid most of the abovementioned risks by entrusting experienced doctors and surgeons, such as the medical professionals at Pristyn Care.

In order to recover quickly from MRM surgery, it is important to take the following steps:

• Wear comfortable clothing
• Avoid any strenuous activities
• Don't overstress your body or mind
• Avoid lifting heavy objects
• Take ample rest
• Get enough sleep
• Eat healthy, high-protein foods
• Take your regular diet
• Stay hydrated
• Follow your doctor's instructions

Although an MRM does sound complicated, the procedure is actually quite simple. In this article, we provided a breakdown of each step in the process, along with information about the different types of MRM and the statistics that surround them.

Furthermore, we hope this post has helped you gain a better understanding of MRM and its potential benefits. If you have any other questions, please contact us at any time without hesitating. Also, we would love to hear your thoughts on this topic!