This study evaluates the effect of breast reconstruction surgery on respiratory functions. 45 patients elected for unilateral or bilateral breast reconstruction surgery will go through respiratory function examinations a month prior to the surgery, one month after surgery and three months after surgery.
Breast reconstruction surgery using tissue expander and implant technique is the most common breast reconstruction surgery. During this procedure, the surgeon will insert a silicone expander under the Pectoralis Major muscle. In order to fully cover the expander, the surgeon will detach the Serratus Anterior \[SA\] muscle from its natural attachments in the rib cage and will attach the free edges to the lateral edge of the Pectoralis Major muscle. After the wound is healed, a gradual inflation of the expander with a physiological fluid will be done by injecting the fluid into a subcutaneous filling port connected to the expander by silicone tubing. When the tissues around the expander will reach the required size, the tissue expander can be replaced by a permanent silicone implant. The SA attachments are to the superior angle, medial border and inferior angle of the scapula and to the first to eighth ribs. Its main functions are stabilization and protraction of the scapula and turning the glenoid cavity superiorly in abduction of arms. In addition, the SA is an accessory respiratory muscle: when the scapula is stabilized, its contraction will lift the rib cage in order to help breathing. The importance of the SA in breathing has been examined since the late 19th century and until this day it is not fully agreed upon. Most studies agree that the SA major role in breathing is in deep breaths and is that the muscle is most effective for this purpose when arms are lifted. Since breast reconstruction procedure includes detachment of the SA from the rib cage and there by canceling its respiratory function, an examination of the respiratory functions before and after the procedure is in order to determine whether or not the overall respiratory functions had been effected. 45 patients elected for unilateral or bilateral breast reconstruction surgery will go through respiratory function examinations a month prior to the surgery, one month after surgery and three months after surgery. The examinations will include the following tests: Spirometry: FVC, FEV1, MVV. Lung capacities: FRC, RV, TLC. Breathing muscle strength: MIP, MEP.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
45
FVC, FEV1, MVV, FRC, RV, TLC, MIP, MEP
Carmel Medical Center
Haifa, Israel
Forced vital capacity -FVC
Forced vital capacity: the determination of the vital capacity from a maximally forced expiratory effort
Time frame: a month prior to surgery
Forced expiratory volume at one second -FEV1
Volume that has been exhaled at the end of the first second of forced expiration
Time frame: a month prior to surgery
Maximum voluntary ventilation-MVV
Maximal voluntary ventilation: volume of air expired in a specified period during repetitive maximal effort
Time frame: a month prior to surgery
Functional residual capacity-FRC
Functional residual capacity: the volume in the lungs at the end-expiratory position
Time frame: a month prior to surgery
Residual volume -RV
Residual volume: the volume of air remaining in the lungs after a maximal exhalation.
Time frame: a month prior to surgery.
Total lung capacity-TLC
Total lung capacity: the volume in the lungs at maximal inflation, the sum of VC and RV.
Time frame: a month prior to surgery.
Maximal inspiratory pressure-MIP
Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) is the maximal pressure that can be produced by the patient trying to inhale through a blocked mouthpiece
Time frame: a month prior to surgery.
Maximal expiratory pressure-MEP
Maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) is the maximal pressure measured during forced expiration (with cheeks bulging) through a blocked mouthpiece after a full inhalation.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Time frame: a month prior to surgery.
Forced vital capacity -FVC
Forced vital capacity: the determination of the vital capacity from a maximally forced
Time frame: a month after surgery
Forced vital capacity -FVC
Forced vital capacity: the determination of the vital capacity from a maximally forced
Time frame: three months after surgery
Forced expiratory volume at one second -FEV1
Volume that has been exhaled at the end of the first second of forced expiration
Time frame: a month after surgery
Forced expiratory volume at one second -FEV1
Volume that has been exhaled at the end of the first second of forced expiration
Time frame: three months after surgery
Maximum voluntary ventilation-MVV
Maximal voluntary ventilation: volume of air expired in a specified period during repetitive maximal effort
Time frame: a month after surgery
Maximum voluntary ventilation-MVV
Maximal voluntary ventilation: volume of air expired in a specified period during repetitive maximal effort
Time frame: three months after surgery
Functional residual capacity-FRC
Functional residual capacity: the volume in the lungs at the end-expiratory position
Time frame: a month after surgery
Functional residual capacity-FRC
Functional residual capacity: the volume in the lungs at the end-expiratory position
Time frame: three months after surgery
Residual volume -RV
Residual volume: the volume of air remaining in the lungs after a maximal exhalation.
Time frame: a month after surgery
Residual volume -RV
Residual volume: the volume of air remaining in the lungs after a maximal exhalation.
Time frame: three months after surgery
Total lung capacity-TLC
Total lung capacity: the volume in the lungs at maximal inflation, the sum of VC and RV.
Time frame: a month after surgery.
Total lung capacity-TLC
Total lung capacity: the volume in the lungs at maximal inflation, the sum of VC and RV.
Time frame: three months after surgery.
Maximal inspiratory pressure-MIP
Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) is the maximal pressure that can be produced by the patient trying to inhale through a blocked mouthpiece
Time frame: a month after surgery
Maximal inspiratory pressure-MIP
Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) is the maximal pressure that can be produced by the patient trying to inhale through a blocked mouthpiece
Time frame: three months after surgery.
Maximal expiratory pressure-MEP
Maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) is the maximal pressure measured during forced expiration (with cheeks bulging) through a blocked mouthpiece after a full inhalation.
Time frame: a month after surgery.
Maximal expiratory pressure-MEP
Maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) is the maximal pressure measured during forced expiration (with cheeks bulging) through a blocked mouthpiece after a full inhalation.
Time frame: three months after surgery.