Predictors for contralateral prophylactic mastectomy in breast cancer patients.

Background: In recent years, radical breast cancer surgery has been largely replaced by breast conservation treatment, due to early diagnosis and more effective adjuvant treatment. While breast conservation is mostly preferred, the trend of bilateral mastectomy has risen in the United States. The aim of this study is to determine factors influencing patients' choice for having contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM).

Expression of transforming growth factor beta1 in patients with and without previous abdominal surgery.

Hypothesis: Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) plays an important role in the formation of adhesions after abdominal operations.

Design: Prospective, observational study.

Setting: University-based, tertiary referral center.