This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/8292822.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Liposuction aids cancer patients Liposuction aids cancer patients
(about 2 hours later)
A new form of liposuction is being used to help cancer patients have breast reconstruction after surgery.A new form of liposuction is being used to help cancer patients have breast reconstruction after surgery.
Ten patients at Singleton Hospital in Swansea are the first in Wales to benefit from the procedure.Ten patients at Singleton Hospital in Swansea are the first in Wales to benefit from the procedure.
Fat taken from around the stomach or thighs is processed with a new machine, which uses stem cells to help the fat survive.Fat taken from around the stomach or thighs is processed with a new machine, which uses stem cells to help the fat survive.
It is then re-injected into the body after the original removal of a tumour from the breast.It is then re-injected into the body after the original removal of a tumour from the breast.
The new procedure - which is less invasive than traditional reconstruction involving a major operation and several days in hospital - is available at only a handful of centres around the UK.The new procedure - which is less invasive than traditional reconstruction involving a major operation and several days in hospital - is available at only a handful of centres around the UK.
Samantha Ward-Jones, 39, who wanted to repair damage from the removal of a tumour from her breast two years ago, was the first of the patients at Singleton to have the treatment.Samantha Ward-Jones, 39, who wanted to repair damage from the removal of a tumour from her breast two years ago, was the first of the patients at Singleton to have the treatment.
To feel whole again and feel back to normal like I was two years ago is incredible Samantha Ward-Jones, patientTo feel whole again and feel back to normal like I was two years ago is incredible Samantha Ward-Jones, patient
"To be able to be part of something so new and so revolutionary was just very exciting," said Ms Ward-Jones. "I felt it was the end of a bad period in my life and something positive.""To be able to be part of something so new and so revolutionary was just very exciting," said Ms Ward-Jones. "I felt it was the end of a bad period in my life and something positive."
"It was a very hard thing to have breast cancer and have the operation and have the tumour removed," she adds."It was a very hard thing to have breast cancer and have the operation and have the tumour removed," she adds.
'Higher success rate''Higher success rate'
"To feel whole again and feel back to normal like I was two years ago is incredible.""To feel whole again and feel back to normal like I was two years ago is incredible."
According to consultant oncoplastic surgeon Nader Khonji, the new technique has a higher success rate because of the innovative use of stem and regenerative cells from the fat.According to consultant oncoplastic surgeon Nader Khonji, the new technique has a higher success rate because of the innovative use of stem and regenerative cells from the fat.
"The fat that's removed is put into the machine for processing," Mr Khonji explained."The fat that's removed is put into the machine for processing," Mr Khonji explained.
"This machine uses a special enzyme to break down the tissue and spins it to concentrate the stem cells - the crucial cells that contain growth factors for the new growth of blood vessels.""This machine uses a special enzyme to break down the tissue and spins it to concentrate the stem cells - the crucial cells that contain growth factors for the new growth of blood vessels."
Those cells are then mixed back in remaining fat and re-injected into the breast - a far quicker procedure than conventional breast reconstruction, which involves moving muscle tissue from the patient's back.Those cells are then mixed back in remaining fat and re-injected into the breast - a far quicker procedure than conventional breast reconstruction, which involves moving muscle tissue from the patient's back.
WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER 2,457 cases in 20072,445 cases in 22062,377 cases in 2005 Source: Welsh Cancer Intelligence & Surveillance Unit WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER 2,457 cases in 20072,445 cases in 20062,377 cases in 2005 Source: Welsh Cancer Intelligence & Surveillance Unit
Shirley Redden, who also underwent the procedure, said: "It's about self-esteem."Shirley Redden, who also underwent the procedure, said: "It's about self-esteem."
Mrs Redden, who wanted breast reconstruction following a lumpectomy two years ago, said: "I might be older, but I've still got pride.Mrs Redden, who wanted breast reconstruction following a lumpectomy two years ago, said: "I might be older, but I've still got pride.
"I'm hoping this will help make me feel better and get over the trauma of treatment. When it is done, I'll feel like a woman again.""I'm hoping this will help make me feel better and get over the trauma of treatment. When it is done, I'll feel like a woman again."
If treatment of the first 10 patients continues to be successful, it is hoped that the new procedure can be developed in the future for patients needing whole breast reconstruction after mastectomy, instead of using conventional implants.If treatment of the first 10 patients continues to be successful, it is hoped that the new procedure can be developed in the future for patients needing whole breast reconstruction after mastectomy, instead of using conventional implants.