The Cannizzaro Hospital of Catania has now established itself nationally as a center of excellence in post-oncological autologous breast reconstruction with Diep flap. This sophisticated operation consists of taking a portion of skin and adipose tissue from the abdomen of the patient undergoing mastectomy, in order to reconstruct the missing breast. It is an autologous microsurgical transplant, which offers aesthetic results comparable to an abdominoplasty, with the advantage of using the patient’s own tissue to reconstruct the breast which will be more natural and will adapt better to changes over time compared to the prosthesis.
The implementation of autologous reconstruction with Diep at Cannizzaro was possible thanks to the fruitful collaboration between the Complex Operating Units of the Large Burns Center and Oncological Plastic Surgery and Senology, led respectively by Dr. Rosario Ranno and Dr. Francesca Catalano. Fundamental to the development of the method was the investment desired by the general director, Dr. Salvatore Giuffrida, with the provision of an advanced microscope for reconstructive microsurgery.
Cannizzaro Hospital has thus become a national point of reference for autologous breast reconstructive surgery, attracting patients from other regions of Italy. The numbers bear witness to this: from 25 interventions in 2021, we went to approximately 40 two years ago, which have already been exceeded in mid-2024: with 42 Diep interventions performed in the first six months of this year; the forecast is to reach 80 interventions in the current year, doubling the numbers of 2022 and positioning itself as a national leader for this intervention.
The high competence of the professionals involved contributes significantly to these results: the multidisciplinary team includes microsurgeons with specific training, nurses specialized in microsurgical instrumentation, staff dedicated to post-operative monitoring and anesthetists expert in post-operative pain management. This integrated approach allows for early patient mobilization and discharge between 72 and 96 hours after surgery.
«Autologous reconstruction is fundamental in the breast reconstructive panorama: the quality of life of patients reconstructed with autologous tissue is superior to those reconstructed with prosthetic material, as the adipose tissue transplanted from the abdomen behaves in a similar manner to the removed breast, guaranteeing naturalness and symmetry”, explains Professor Giuseppe Lombardo, a plastic surgeon originally from Catania and trained in Rome, an expert in breast reconstruction with over 15 years of experience. Associate professor at the Kore University of Enna, Lombardo perfected his skills at the world reference center in Brno, bringing precious know-how to Cannizzaro: «Despite the numerous advantages – he adds – autologous reconstruction is still little known in Italy and available only in a few specialized centers. In some cases, such as patients undergoing radiotherapy, there are no valid alternatives. At Cannizzaro, the project was fully supported by the company, which created the ideal conditions for the surgical activity.”
Autologous breast reconstruction is offered to all women who have undergone mastectomy. At Cannizzaro, reconstruction can be performed at the same time as the mastectomy or, for outpatients who have already undergone reconstruction with a prosthesis or expander, to convert their reconstruction into autologous. To access the service, you must book a specialist visit at the Burns Center – Oncological Plastic Surgery Clinic.
The renovated Pain Therapy Clinic of the Cannizzaro Hospital in Catania, belonging to the Complex Operational Unit of Anesthesia and Resuscitation directed by Dr., has recently reached the finish line of its first year of activity. Savino Borraccino.
Since 2023, the Outpatient Clinic has been offering its services aimed at treating acute and chronic pain and analgesic consultancy on the -1 floor of building S, a location that the Company Management has identified and set up to give users the opportunity to benefit from a fundamental service to improve the quality of life and functional capacities of patients suffering from widespread painful conditions, which require extremely specialized therapeutic approaches, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological.
The Pain Therapy Clinic of Cannizzaro Hospital is composed of a medical-nursing team that has gained extensive experience in Anesthesia and Resuscitation, thanks to which it has acquired specific skills and dexterity. The dedicated staff treats all painful pathologies ranging from joint pain to lumbago, from chronic migraine to osteoarthritis, from fibromyalgia to musculoskeletal, neuropathic, pelvic pain, etc. The various pathologies are managed on an outpatient and inpatient basis (Day Hospital, Day Service, Day Surgery), according to the therapeutic treatment applied which includes various techniques: neuromodulation, anesthetic blocks, analgesic epidurals, devices, radiofrequency, etc.
«Pain is to all intents and purposes a pathological condition that can become disabling, with a significant impact on the overall health of the person but with serious repercussions also in the social sphere as in many cases it prevents the subject from carrying out his daily activities leading to loss working days. In our clinic – explains the manager, Dr. Cristiana Quattrone, anesthetist-resuscitator – we deal with acute and chronic pain in all its forms, through the intervention of specialized personnel, with the aim of improving the quality of life of patients. Thanks to the availability of the company management, we operate in renovated premises which allow us to carry out treatments in an appropriate context, and for this we thank Dr. Salvatore Giuffrida general director”.
In one year, Pain Therapy performed almost 8 thousand outpatient services, in addition to those carried out on an inpatient basis. With a view to hospital-territory integration, the hoped-for activation of the COT (Territorial Operations Centre) will allow the patient to be taken care of in conjunction with the services and professionals involved in the various care settings.
To access the services of the Pain Therapy Clinic, a referral from your GP for an Anesthesiology Visit is required, with which to book by calling 0957264932. The clinic, located on the -1 floor of building S, is open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8.30 to 14.00.
