A mastectomy is the removal of the entire breast. Lymph nodes under the arm may or may not need to be removed as well. Your surgeon will discuss that with you in the office prior to your operation. He may also discuss the possibility of breast reconstruction surgery with you. That may be done at the same time as the mastectomy or at a later date. Breast reconstruction is performed by a plastic surgeon.

The Procedure

On the morning of your procedure, you may need to go first to the nuclear medicine department if your surgeon has recommended a sentinel lymph node biopsy (see sentinel lymph node biopsy information sheet).

You will then go to the preoperative preparation area where a nurse will review your medical history and an IV will be started. If you haven’t already done so, you will meet with an anesthesiologist at this time.

When the operating room is ready for you, you will be taken in on a stretcher and will meet the operating room nurses who will help take care of you during the procedure. If you didn’t see your surgeon in the preoperative area, you will see him in the operating room prior to the beginning of the procedure.

You will then move onto the operating room table and the anesthesiologist will give you medication to make you fall asleep. Your surgeon will then perform the procedure while you are completely asleep. When the surgery is completed, you will be taken to the recovery area where you will slowly wake up and regain complete consciousness. A nurse will give you any medication you need and monitor your vital signs and pain level as you wake up. Your surgeon will speak to your friends or family members in the waiting room during this time.

Postoperative Information

Usually after a mastectomy, you will spend at least one night in the hospital (more if you had breast reconstruction surgery at the same time). For more information on postoperative care, please click on this “Inpatient Surgery.” link.