Breast Reconstructive Surgery

Following a battle with breast cancer, survivor Carol Eatherly decides to undergo breast reconstructive surgery as a way of making herself feel whole again, and her doctor, ‘plastic and reconstructive surgeon' Ben Tittle, gives viewers a general overview of a complicated yet fantastic operation which will use Eatherly's own stomach tissue to rebuild the lost breast (note to the squeamish: we don't see any of this; we're quickly told about the procedure and shown a simple illustration). Though the personal experiences of Eatherly may be encouraging to some, the general subject of breast reconstructive surgery is not really covered here. Alternative methodologies such as implants with silicone or saline are not discussed in any detail, nor the option of early reconstruction surgery during the initial breast removal stage (which can make a big difference in the final success of the procedure). Clocking eight minutes, the video tells the story of one particular case; it does not provide near enough depth to justify its more general title. Medical libraries may want to consider, other libraries should pass. Optional. Aud: C, P. (N. Plympton)