Factors influencing a woman's choice to undergo breast-conserving surgery versus modified radical mastectomy.

Background: The use of breast-conserving surgery (BCS) rather than modified radical mastectomy (MRM) for the treatment of breast carcinoma is an option for the majority of women (75%) with early stage breast cancer, but only 20% to 50% choose to undergo this procedure nationwide. The objective of this study was to identify factors influencing a woman's choice between BCS and MRM, and specifically, the surgeon's influence on this choice.

Methods: A total of 134 women eligible for BCS were sent a survey.

Seroma formation after breast cancer surgery: incidence and predicting factors.

The pathophysiology of seroma formation has yet to be determined. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to calculate the incidence of postoperative seromas after definitive breast cancer operations utilizing electrocautery dissection. Additionally, we attempted to identify risk factors associated with seroma development and to examine seroma formation in relation to operative procedure.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a freestanding outpatient surgery center.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a freestanding outpatient surgery center was evaluated. Fifty-five patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy during a 10-month period from December 1992 to October 1993 were included in this study. There were 10 males and 45 females, with a mean age of 42 years.