Publications by authors named "Elizabeth Smith Montes"

Background: Patients often struggle to select a breast reconstruction option that aligns with their personal values. Decision aids have become popular tools to assist patients in navigating these choices. This systematic review assesses the effectiveness of available breast reconstruction decision aids.

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Article Synopsis
  • * In a study of 104 patients, results indicated that patients generally preferred smaller and higher-positioned NAC tattoos than traditionally accepted values, influenced by factors like race, BMI, and implant size.
  • * Post-tattoo, women reported an improvement in sexual well-being, with significant increases in satisfaction observed from BREAST-Q surveys after micropigmentation.
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Background: Up to 85% of breast cancer patients report sexual health concerns, but their concerns are not adequately addressed by providers. Sexual dysfunction among breast cancer patients remains understudied. We aimed to investigate the impact of breast-conserving therapy (BCT) and postmastectomy breast reconstruction (PMBR) on the sexual health of breast cancer patients and frequency of sexual medicine consultation in postoperative care.

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Patients undergoing extensive lymph node dissection and radiation are at high risk for not only lymphedema but also painful contracture. In a standard lymphadenectomy, immediate lymphatic reconstruction using a lymphovenous bypass is effective in reconstructing the lymphatic defect. However, a more aggressive nodal clearance leaves the patient with a large cavity and skeletonized neurovascular structures, often resulting in severe contracture, pain, cosmetic deformity, and venous stricture.

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