Lake Charles, Louisiana, Mar. 21, 2022– The plastics and reconstructive surgery team at CHRISTUS Ochsner Lake Area Hospital, led by Suma Maddox, M.D., successfully completed the first microsurgical breast reconstruction procedure in Southwest Louisiana recently. The team also included breast surgeons, Amanda Ellington, M.D., and Hugo St. Hilaire, M.D. The coordination of this expert group now allows women in Southwest Louisiana to obtain the breast cancer care they deserve closer to home.
The DIEP free flap breast reconstruction or “DIEP Flap” is an advanced reconstructive surgery for women with breast cancer in which excess skin and fat from lower abdomen is transplanted to the chest to recreate the breast after a mastectomy procedure. The patient undergoes an abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck” in order to donate this tissue to her breasts.
“Bringing this highly technical surgery to Southwest Louisiana required the coordination of so many people from preoperative preparation to postoperative care,” said Dr. Maddox. “The medical community really came together to make this happen for our lovely breast cancer patient, and I could not be more proud of our work.”
The DIEP Flap is the most advanced breast reconstruction available and is a way to recreate a breast after a mastectomy in a very natural way while avoiding implants. Like with any procedure, each patient’s needs are evaluated to determine the best option for breast reconstruction.
Dr. Maddox practiced general and breast surgery with Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner. She discovered her passion for breast cancer reconstructive microsurgery while in fellowship training in plastic and reconstructive surgery at LSU under Dr. Robert Allen Sr., a pioneer of breast reconstruction, and Dr. Hugo St. Hilaire, Chairman of the Department of Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Maddox offers a variety of outpatient surgical procedures to address breast and body aesthetics needs. To schedule a consultation, call 337-656-7875 or visit Ochsner.org/doctors to schedule online.
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CHRISTUS Ochsner Health Southwestern Louisiana, an integrated partnership of CHRISTUS Health and Ochsner Health System, is composed of CHRISTUS Ochsner Lake Area Hospital, CHRISTUS Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital, CHRISTUS Ochsner Imperial Surgical Center, Physician Clinics, Imaging Services, and other health-related services. With the CHRISTUS Health mission of extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, the partnership uses the strength and combined resources of both partners to provide greater access to high quality care close to home in Southwest Louisiana.