Re: En bloc or total capsulectomy

[Guest guest]

Is there a difference... are these two different procedures?

[Guest guest]

Anne,

Yes, and if you go to our files section and look under the FAQ, the

answers are there. The issue at stake in both of these procedures is

the scar tissue, or scar capsule that forms around all implants. I'll

post them:

Q: What is " en bloc " ?

A. En bloc refers to the method of removing an implant along with the

scar tissue that surrounds the implant in one unit. It is primarily

used for removal of silicone gel implants to ensure that if there is

any loose silicone gel from ruptured or leaking implants, that the gel

does not escape into the chest cavity and contaminate surrounding tissue.

Normally, in an explant surgery, the scar tissue will be dissected,

or cut open, and the implant extracted, leaving a pocket lined with

the scar tissue. The goal of en bloc removal is to not cut into the

scar tissue or allow any loose contaminants to escape. The scar

tissue remains uncut and whole, surrounding the implant completely.

En bloc removal is the preferred method of removal for saline

implants as well, to ensure complete removal of scar tissue. When an

en bloc removal is performed, and all scar tissue surrounding the

implant is removed, the resulting effect is the same as a total

capsulectomy, which is the desired end result for all explants.

Q: What is a total capsulectomy?

A. A total capsulectomy refers to the complete excision of all scar

tissue that has formed around an implant. Scar tissue will always be

formed around a foreign object in the body, and this must be removed

in addition to the implant. It is imperative that a total capsulectomy

be done, as opposed to a partial capsulectomy. No scar tissue should

be allowed to remain in the body, as it can continue to elicit an

immune response, preventing full healing. Scar capsules can contain

silicone particles, breakdown products, bacterial colonies and other

pathogenic material that can prevent total healing. For

this reason a total capsulectomy should always be pursued when

implants are removed from the body, for the best opportunity for

complete healing and for future protection.

If an en bloc removal is performed, this will ensure a total

capsulectomy is done as well.

In a normal explant, the capsule will be cut into, or dissected, and

the implant removed, leaving behind a pocket lined with the capsule.

This is the capsule that must be removed, and it can be removed

separately from the implant. However, it must be stressed that the

doctor performs a TOTAL capsulectomy in this instance, and not a

partial capsulectomy. The goal is to leave nothing behind from the

implant experience.

>

> Is there a difference... are these two different procedures?

>

[Guest guest]

Won't you develop even more scar tissue from that type of procedure?

[Guest guest]

Anne,

No, the scar tissue that is being removed is there because of the

presence of the foreign object--the implant. It is the body's attempt

to wall itself off from the foreign object, or even force the object

from the body. That is why some women experience capsular contracture

to a high degree. It's the same concept as when the body forces a

splinter from the body...it will actually push it out if it can

through contracture.

This is a different scar tissue than that formed at the site of a

surgical incision.

Patty

>

> Won't you develop even more scar tissue from that type of procedure?

>

[Guest guest]

Over the years I have complained that I feel like something is being

shut down in my body. At one time I was having contractions that felt

like during pregnancy...but I wasn't pregnant. This most recent chest

pain included contractions in the area of my chest where the pain was.

Other times it feels like intestinal contractions. Do you think there

could be material floating in my body and when it gets too large,

wherever it is in my body, contractions occur to move it along?

Anne

[Guest guest]

Anne,

I have no clue....

bottom line....you're just a sick woman who needs those implants out

and detoxing, big time!

Patty

>

> Over the years I have complained that I feel like something is being

> shut down in my body. At one time I was having contractions that felt

> like during pregnancy...but I wasn't pregnant. This most recent chest

> pain included contractions in the area of my chest where the pain was.

> Other times it feels like intestinal contractions. Do you think there

> could be material floating in my body and when it gets too large,

> wherever it is in my body, contractions occur to move it along?

>

> Anne

>