A woman from West London has become the first person in the UK to receive an innovative type of breast reconstruction surgery, saying the procedure has helped her "feel whole again." Tanya Tanna, 56, from South Ruislip, underwent the operation after being diagnosed with breast cancer and having a mastectomy. A group of London surgeons developed and carried out the minimally invasive keyhole procedure, which promotes faster recovery and lowers the risk of hernia. They described it as "a significant breakthrough in cancer surgery." "After this complex surgery, lasting eight hours, I was expecting a large amount of pain," said Tanya. Tanya said.
"But I felt no pain, and the day afterwards I was up and about walking. The nurses were looking at me as if it was a miracle!"
The technique was pioneered by Mr Dariush Nikkhah, a consultant plastic surgeon at the Royal Free Hospital, and Mr Alistair Slesser, a consultant colorectal surgeon at Hillingdon Hospital. They adapted an existing breast reconstruction method, known as DIEP flap surgery, which is used in select locations globally.
In DIEP flap surgery, tissue and a blood vessel from the abdomen are used to create a new breast. Traditionally, the procedure involves a 10-12cm incision in the abdominal wall. The modified keyhole method requires only a 2-3cm incision.
"The Royal Free Hospital is now one of the few centres in the world which can offer this type of surgery," said Mr Nikkhah.
"It's more difficult to perform, but it improves recovery. Whereas patients usually need four to seven days in the hospital to recover, this surgery requires only one to two days."
Mr Slesser said, “This is a massive breakthrough in cancer surgery," and said the team is working towards incorporating robotic systems in future procedures.
"The surgeon would control the instruments from a console using robotic arms. This would allow greater control and magnification, for precise and meticulous surgery," he said.
Tanya had her mastectomy in 2020 after her breast cancer diagnosis. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and patient backlogs delayed her reconstructive surgery. Mr Nikkhah later offered her the opportunity to try the new approach.
"When I heard that I would be the first patient in the UK to have this procedure, I was a bit nervous but so excited and willing to be part of this," Tanya said.
"My family said 'you must be crazy!' but I couldn't imagine saying no."
"The team promised to make me feel whole again, and that's what they did. Now I can look at myself and think: 'Yes, I am whole again!" she added.
