The inaugural recipient of a groundbreaking breast reconstruction surgery in the UK expresses that she now “feels complete once more.”

Tanya Tanna, 56 years old and hailing from South Ruislip in west London, underwent the procedure following her diagnosis of cancer and subsequent mastectomy.

A group of surgeons based in London conceived and executed this innovative keyhole surgery, which is designed to be less intrusive, facilitates a swifter recovery, and diminishes the risk of hernia formation.

They referred to it as “a significant advancement in cancer surgery.”

“After an intricate eight-hour operation, I anticipated intense pain,” Tanya recounted.

“Surprisingly, I experienced none, and by the next day, I was up and walking around. The nurses looked at me as if they had witnessed a miracle!”

Mr. Dariush Nikkhah, a consultant plastic surgeon at the Royal Free Hospital, alongside Mr. Alistair Slesser, a consultant colorectal surgeon at Hillingdon Hospital, spearheaded this method, adapting a breast reconstruction technique that has been implemented in select locations globally.

During this breast reconstruction, known as DIEP flap surgery, a blood vessel is extracted from the abdomen. This vessel, along with adjacent tissue, is utilized to create a new breast.

Conventionally, DIEP flap surgery requires a 10 to 12 cm incision in the abdominal wall, while the revised technique only necessitates a 2 to 3 cm cut.

“The Royal Free Hospital is currently among the few facilities worldwide equipped to conduct this type of surgery,” noted Mr. Nikkhah.

“It is more technically demanding but enhances recovery time. Typically, patients require four to seven days of hospital stay for recovery; however, this new approach allows for just one to two days.”

Mr. Slesser remarked, “This is indeed a remarkable leap forward in cancer surgery.”

He mentioned that the team is perfecting the method and is exploring the use of robotic surgical systems for future operations.

“The surgeon would operate the instruments from a console using robotic arms, which would provide enhanced control and magnification for precise and detailed surgery,” he explained.

Tanya received a mastectomy in 2020 due to a breast cancer diagnosis, but due to the pandemic and the resulting backlog of patients, she faced a lengthy wait for reconstructive surgery. It was Mr. Nikkhah who proposed the novel procedure.

“When I learned that I would be the first patient in the UK to undergo this procedure, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement, embracing the chance to be a part of it,” Tanya expressed.

“My family told me ‘you must be out of your mind!’ but I couldn’t fathom turning it down.”

She concluded, “The team assured me they would help me feel whole again, and they truly made that happen. Now, I can look at myself and think: ‘Yes, I am whole once more!'”