Breast Unit

• About Us

  Mr. K. Zacharioudakis is Clinical Lead of the Breast Unit.

  He is supported by a dedicated multidisciplinary team, which includes:

  Consultant Breast Surgeons:

  Mr. Vummiti Krishnan
  Mr. Kostas Zacharioudakis

  Locum Consultant Breast Surgeon:

  Mrs. S Zafar

  Six Breast Care Nurses

  1 Aftercare Co-ordinator.

  A team of Breast Radiologists

  and the Breast Screening Team (based at the Thomas Linacre Centre).

  Our Screening Unit is the second biggest in our cancer network.

  Occasionally patients who require more complex reconstructive surgery (microvascular surgery) are referred to Whiston Hospital and are seen by either Mr Iqbal, Mr Dalal or Mr Koshy.

  The Team specialise in breast cancer and reconstructive surgery. In addition to routine benign and breast cancer and reconstructive (implant, autologous latissimus dorsi and pedicled transverse rectus abdominis muscle flap) surgery, the procedures available within our Breast Unit includes:

  • Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy with cancer surgery – this procedure checks whether cancer has spread to lymph nodes by using a radioactive isotope and/or a blue dye to find the first lymph node(s) that the cancer may drain into. Once identified this node once is removed and tested for cancer cells
  • Reconstruction implant - using Acellular Collagen Matrix (Biological Mesh), which is a filler material made out of processed collagen that has had all of the cellular material removed and is particularly effective for immediate reconstruction
  • Lipomodelling – this is usually used where cancer has been removed but the breast has been saved and a deformity has resulted. Fat is taken from the abdomen or the thighs and injected into the breast area to correct any irregularity or misshapenness
  • New patient referral is less than one week for cancer patients and 100% of patients are seen within two weeks. We are very pleased to be meeting all targets set by the Department of Health and the cancer network.

  The Team can also carry out cosmetic procedures but these are rarely funded by the NHS. These include:

  • Asymmetry
  • Reduction
  • Augmentation and
  • Uplift

  The Team have also introduced an enhanced recovery programme. The majority of surgery is now performed as a day case and patients are able to go home earlier and recover in their own home environment, which aids recovery and reduces the risk of infections.

• Locations

  Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Wigan – Breast reconstruction, cancer and benign tumour removal.

  Wrightington Hospital - Major breast surgery.

  Thomas Linacre Centre, Wigan – Symptomatic breast clinics and Breast screening unit.

• Referrals

  GPs can refer via Choose and Bookl.

• Contact Details

  Margaret Pilkington - PA to Mr. Deshpande - 01942 822246

  Susan Butterworth - PA to Mrs. Zafar - 01942 773051

  Rachel Hamnett - PA to Mr. Krishnan - 01942 822486

  Jessica Fisher - PA to Mr. Zacharioudakis - 01942 822249