The Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of the European Oncology Institute consists of Plastic Surgeons specialized in reconstructive procedures after oncological surgery. The Division actively collaborates with Breast Surgeon, Gynaecology, Sarcoma and Melanoma, and Thoracic Surgery Units.
Most of the activity is carried out with the Breast Unit and includes all breast reconstructive surgeries, both after conservative surgery (oncoplastic) and after breast demolition surgery. Breast reconstruction is often performed at the same time as breast surgery (immediate reconstruction), but it also can be performed in a delayed manner. The reconstruction techniques used are both heterologous (techniques that include the use of tissue expanders or prosthetic implants), autologous (including autologous flap such as latissimus dorsi flap, TRAM flap, DIEP flap), and hybrid. Many reconstructive techniques are used to complete the reconstruction such as the use of acellular dermal matrices (ADM), the use of adipose tissue transfer (lipofilling), local flaps for nipple reconstructions and tattooing for areola reconstructions.
The Division is currently involved in several clinical studies on breast reconstruction, in particular it is one of the Centres dealing with the study of a new scaffold useful for repairing the loss of substance after quadrantectomy.
In the gynaecological field, the Division deals with vulvar, ureteral or pelvic floor reconstructions after extensive demolition.
As regards reconstruction after skin or soft tissue removals, the Division collaborates with colleagues from the Sarcoma and Melanoma Division for reconstructions of the entire body area using all available techniques including grafts, the use of dermal substitutes, local or, if necessary, microsurgical flaps.
The Division is also involved in chest wall reconstruction with autologous tissue.
At an outpatient level, the Division deals with small-sized removals of skin tumours and carries out consultancy activities in the treatment of difficult wounds.