Endoscopic augmentation mammoplasty and instruments therefor

摘要

A surgical procedure for breast augmentation is disclosed in which an incision is made inside the navel or umbilicus. An endotube which has an obturator with a bullet shaped tip is introduced into this incision and pushed from the umbilicus, staying just above the fascia of the interior abdominal and chest wall, and below the subcutaneous tissue and fat, to a position behind the breast. The obturator is removed and an endoscope used to verify the proper location of the tunnel. The endotube is removed leaving a temporary tunnel leading to a space behind the breast. A hollow prosthesis is rolled up tightly, positioned inside the end of the endotube and pushed into the tunnel behind the breast. The prosthesis is held in place by the hand of the surgeon on the breast and the endotube removed. The prosthesis is pumped full of saline solution to about a 50% overfill. The filling of the prosthesis with saline solution, together with the manipulation and pressure by the surgeon causes the tissues behind the breast to be dissected to form a pocket filled by the implant. After a short time, excess liquid is allowed to flow out of the prosthesis and the fill tube removed. The procedure is then repeated for the other breast. The navel is sutured and the patient may then go home from the recovery room. Special electrosurgical and electrocauterizing instruments are provided.