Results of the Continuing Education Program in Oncoplasty and Breast Reconstruction of the Brazilian Society of Mastology at Araújo Jorge Hospital in Goiânia

Abstract

Oncoplastic and reconstructive surgery is an important part of the treatment of breast cancer. However,there is a lack of well trained and dedicated professionals. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a Hands On Educational Program in Oncoplasty and Breast Reconstruction of the Brazilian Society of Mastology at the Hospital Araújo Jorge (HAJ), in Goiânia. Methods: The program was divided into 10 monthly 24-hour modules, with 25% of theory and 75% of surgery. Activities were coordinated by two local and two invited teachers. The effectiveness was measured via an on-line questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS®. It was significant a p<0.05. Results: Twelve mastologists participated, with a mean age of 42.92 (±10.27). They performed 213 procedures in 88 patients, using the main techniques for breast reconstruction. All students declared themselves satisfied with the course and they would indicate it to others. At the beginning, most students had some experience in local flaps. Half of the students referred trouble in finding other colleagues that could perform the reconstructions. At the end, most students declared themselves comfortable to perform partial or total reconstruction of the breast with local flaps, mammaplasties, fat grafting, expanders and implants. Most of them were comfortable to resolve their own complications. More than a third was safe in performing miocutaneous flaps. All mastologists said to be interested in continuing technical improvement in different ways. Conclusion: The current program in Goiânia benefited many patients and brought a great contribution to the training of the participants.