Karachi: A 29-year-old woman who lost her breast to cancer has regained her body, confidence and sense of femininity after surgeons at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre carried out the hospital’s first-ever breast reconstruction using the patient’s own tissue, marking a major milestone for public-sector healthcare.
The complex procedure was performed at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre by the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, led by Dr Ghulam Shabir, and was demonstrated live to doctors and trainee surgeons as part of an academic surgical session.
Hospital officials said the young woman had earlier undergone a mastectomy as part of her breast cancer treatment, a life-saving procedure that left her struggling with the emotional and psychological impact of losing a breast at a very young age.
They said breast reconstruction was offered to help her move forward with dignity and confidence after surviving cancer.
During the surgery, doctors used healthy muscle and skin from the patient’s back to reconstruct the breast, a method known as the Latissimus Dorsi flap technique. An implant was added to achieve a natural shape and appearance.
Surgeons explained that using the patient’s own tissue improves long-term results and helps the reconstructed breast look and feel more natural.
Doctors involved in the procedure said breast reconstruction is often misunderstood as a cosmetic option, whereas for cancer survivors it plays a crucial role in emotional recovery.
“For many young women, surviving cancer is only half the battle. Living with the loss of a breast can deeply affect self-image, relationships and mental health,” a senior doctor said.
What makes the achievement particularly significant is that the entire procedure was provided free of cost at JPMC.
In private hospitals, such advanced reconstructive surgery can cost hundreds of thousands of rupees, placing it beyond the reach of most patients.
Medical experts described the development as a breakthrough for public-sector hospitals, saying it would allow deserving breast cancer patients to access specialised reconstructive care without financial burden.
They maintained that live demonstration of the surgery would also help build local capacity and improve the skills of young surgeons.
Hospital officials said the success of the first case has opened the door for more breast cancer survivors to benefit from reconstructive surgery at JPMC, helping them rebuild not just their bodies but also their confidence and quality of life after cancer.