Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 00:46:50 -0500

Breast Reduction Surgery Leads to Improved

Breathing and Lung Function

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BOSTON (October 3, 1998) -- Among the benefits of breast reduction surgery is a measurable improvement in breathing and lung function, according to a study to be presented at the 67th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), October 3-7 in Boston.

"Other studies in the past have documented that certain physical and psychological symptoms are improved with breast reduction surgery," said Rajiv Sood, MD, associate professor of surgery, Section of Plastic Surgery, Hand and Microsurgery, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, "but now we can show that there is also significant improvement in lung function tests, which are objectively measured criteria."

The prospective study included 44 patients, ranging in age from 18 to 63. Their symptoms included back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, breast pain, shoulder grooving, hand numbness, shortness of breath, discomfort when standing, rashes beneath the breasts and difficulty with clothing fit.

Prior to surgery, a number of measurements were taken, including: body mass, height, weight, bra size, position of the nipple, routine spirometry to measure air capacity in the lungs, lung volume measurements, peak inspiratory and expiratory flow rates and pressures. Eight weeks after surgery, the same body measurements, questionnaires and pulmonary function tests were repeated and compared statistically to the pre-operative tests.

Among the objective criteria tested and calculated, three were significantly improved: inspiratory capacity (amount the patient breathes in), peak expiratory flow rate (rate at which the patient breathes out) and minute ventilatory volume (the amount of air moved in and out of the lungs). Patients with larger body mass showed even greater improvement in minute ventilatory volume and peak expiratory flow rates with breast reduction.

"This study quantifies the improvement in lung function tests and provides important information for women who are considering breast reduction surgery," said Dr. Sood.