Outline

Overview

This unit of study concludes the specialist breast surgery curriculum. The focus is on breast reconstruction after mastectomy. It includes the full range of breast reconstruction techniques - implant based reconstruction, latissimus dorsi reconstruction and free flap tissue options – as well as lipofilling and nipple reconstruction techniques. Students will participate in multi-surgeon meeting case discussions with complex decision-making and management of complications.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Surgery
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	SURG5037 and SURG5038 and SURG5039
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	This unit is designed as the forth and final part of a curriculum for contemporary breast surgery for Post Fellowship Trainees and assumes practical skills training is obtained on the BreastSurgANZ PFT Program (or equivalent). Applicants must have complet
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Samriti Sood, samriti.sood@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Small continuous assessment	Audio assignment 1 and 2 Recorded presentation	20%	Multiple weeks	10 minutes each
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Publication report: final report Report	20%	STUVAC Due date: 12 Nov 2023 at 23:59	2000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Publication report: clinical case discussion Written task	10%	Week 04 Due date: 27 Aug 2023 at 23:59	500 words + peer reply
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Case Study Report 1 Case study	15%	Week 05 Due date: 03 Sep 2023 at 23:59	2000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Publication report: literature review Written case	10%	Week 08 Due date: 24 Sep 2023 at 23:59	500-750 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Case Study Report 2 Case study	15%	Week 11 Due date: 22 Oct 2023 at 23:59	2000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Clinical case discussion Discussion contribution	10%	Week 13 Due date: 05 Nov 2023 at 23:59	500 words + peer reply
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Audio assignment 1 and 2: Students will be asked to prepare an audio response to a multifaceted question.
Case study report 1 and 2: There will be 2 case study reports. In each one, students will be presented with 3 patients and asked to plan the breast cancer surgery of each patient.
Clinical case discussion: In this discussion, students will be asked to respond to the questions posed. There are 2 discussions throughout the semester and students are required to post a response to every case discussion. The module 4 discussion will be based on the student’s publication report. Students will be asked to present a potential case they would like to prepare their publication on and use the discussion board to receive feedback on the case. Once submitted, students will have access to other students’ answers and will be required to comment on another students’ answer.
Publication report - clinical case discussion: Based on the case presented in the publication report (case discussion) assessment students will be asked to prepare a literature review on their potential case in the publication report (literature review) assessment.
Publication report – literature review: Based on the case presented in the publication report (case discussion) assessment students will be asked to prepare a literature review on your potential case in the publication report (literature review) assessment.
Publication report – final report: Following feedback from the case discussion and literature review students will be asked to present a publication.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Module 1: breast implants	Online class (10 hr)
Week 02	Module 2: lipodermal flaps, ADMs and other meshes	Online class (10 hr)
Week 03	Module 3: coordinating timing of breast reconstruction	Online class (10 hr)
Week 04	Module 4: implant based reconstruction - principles and techniques	Online class (10 hr)
Week 05	Module 5: implant based reconstruction - 1 stage vs 2 stage	Online class (10 hr)
Week 06	Module 6: implant based reconstruction - managing complications	Online class (10 hr)
Week 07	Module 7: lipofilling	Online class (10 hr)
Week 08	Module 8: contralateral mammoplasty/augmentation for symmetry	Online class (10 hr)
Week 09	Module 9: latissimus dorsi reconstruction and extended LD	Online class (10 hr)
Week 10	Module 10: principles of perforator flap and microsurgery	Online class (10 hr)
Week 11	Module 11: nipple reconstruction	Online class (10 hr)
Week 12	Module 12: difficult case series	Online class (10 hr)
Week 13	Module 13: novel equipment in breast reconstruction	Online class (10 hr)
Week 14 (STUVAC)	Module 14: reporting outcomes	Online class (10 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

There will be a webinar during the semester, students are encouraged to attend and contribute to case discussion.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. understand the types of implants available and the mechanisms of determining size proportions and volume
LO2. understand the methods and limitations of determining size of implants for an individual patient
LO3. understand the range of available alternatives, and fundamentals of how lipodermal flaps, ADMs and other synthetic meshes may facilitate implant based reconstruction
LO4. understand the subtleties of selection of lipodermal flaps, ADMs or other meshes and the circumstances where each might be used
LO5. understand the individual features and origins of the different ADMs and meshes that are commonly available in ANZ
LO6. understand the surgical and multidisciplinary pressures that influence the options for immediate versus delayed breast reconstruction including the breadth and limitations of existing evidence in this area and the inability to conduct randomised clinical trials to improve the evidence base
LO7. understand the importance of appropriate audit of results - the quality of life impact of BR need to be recognised and the reasonable likelihood that those patients directed toward DBR will never have BR
LO8. understand the fundamentals of how to perform implant based reconstruction - discuss 1 and 2 stage implant reconstruction and benefits/limitations of each
LO9. discuss the benefits and issues with use of ADMs or not with 1 and 2 stage reconstruction
LO10. understand the immediate, short-term and long-term complications of implant based reconstruction and the management of these complications - you should be aware of strategies to avoid complications of implant BR - ASPS/ASCPS 14 point plan and you should be aware of the signs and patterns of complications including ALCL after implant based BR
LO11. understand the timing, principles of the surgery, common techniques available and complications associated with contralateral symmetry procedures after breast reconstruction
LO12. understand the anatomical basis for LD reconstruction - you should understand the fat distribution around the lat dorsi muscle and adjacent regions of fat zones and how they might be utilised in extended LD recon and you should understand the steps involved in an LD recon
LO13. understand the techniques and variations in technique for lipofilling - be aware of the evolving applications of lipofilling and understand the science of lipofilling - irrigation, local anaesthetic, centrifugation, take rates
LO14. understand the principles of pedicled and perforator flap breast reconstruction surgery, the range of options and selection of the appropriate option, long term outcomes and morbidity for available options and the planning for and execution of DIEP and TRAM breast reconstruction
LO15. understand plastic surgeons' preferences for breast surgeons' incisions and timing of reconstruction - opinions on DIEP/TRAM after chemo and chemo/RT
LO16. understand some of the subtleties of the less common options of autologous BR
LO17. understand case selection and timing across the range of reconstruction options
LO18. understand the emerging technologies of imaging BR and assessing skin flaps after SSM and NSM as well as measuring aesthetic outcomes from breast surgery and breast reconstruction - including from the patient’s perspective
LO19. understand quality of life measurement after breast surgery and breast reconstruction including PROMs.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

We value your feedback about any aspect of the unit of study and your experience as a student of Sydney Medical School. To help ensure our courses meet your needs and maintain a high standard, we welcome your feedback at any time and we ask you to complete the Mid-Semester Evaluation Survey and the Unit of Study Survey at the end of the semester. You can also rate any component of the unit using our star rating system found at the bottom of many pages as you progress through the unit. Your ratings and comments are anonymous and specifying what you liked and didn’t like about any of the learning materials, assessment items, discussion forums, feedback etc will help us to target our improvement efforts. Please note that your participation in this unit of study permits de-identified information about your learning experience and interaction with learning resources to be used for the purpose of improving the student learning experience.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

SURG5040: Oncoplastic Breast Surgery Level 2

Semester 2, 2023 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links