Chongqing University Cancer Hospital Experts Perform PNG’s First Breast Cancer Latissimus Dorsi Reconstruction Surgery
October 13, 2025 — A surgical milestone was achieved in Papua New Guinea (PNG) as Professor Zeng Xiaohua’s team from Chongqing University Cancer Hospital successfully performed the country’s first “radical mastectomy with immediate latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap breast reconstruction” at Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH). This groundbreaking procedure introduces a new treatment pathway for breast cancer in PNG, enabling PMGH’s surgical team to learn key techniques in breast reconstruction and enriching the range of comprehensive breast cancer treatments available to local women.
The patient, a 29-year-old woman diagnosed with mucinous breast cancer, had a large tumor near the nipple-areola complex. A traditional mastectomy would have caused significant chest wall deformity and impacted her quality of life. Professor Zeng Xiaohua, Director of the Breast Cancer Center, led a team including Drs. Deng Shuting and Deng Yongchun to perform a radical resection with sentinel lymph node biopsy, followed by immediate reconstruction using the patient’s own latissimus dorsi muscle and skin flap.
The six-hour surgery proceeded smoothly, with precise anatomy, effective hemostasis, and excellent symmetry and natural appearance of the reconstructed breast. Blood loss was minimal, demonstrating a high level of surgical precision and standardization. The patient’s vital signs remained stable postoperatively.
“This is the first time such a procedure has been performed in Papua New Guinea—a landmark moment,” said PMGH surgeons observing the surgery. They praised the Chinese experts not only for introducing advanced technology but also for promoting a modern medical philosophy that values both disease treatment and patient dignity. Local doctors recorded the procedure and commended the “excellent technique, minimal bleeding, and aesthetic outcome,” noting its significant demonstration value for improving local comprehensive care.
Building on this success, the expert team performed two additional “radical mastectomies with sentinel lymph node biopsy” on October 14, focusing on surgical incision design and axillary lymph node dissection. They provided in-surgery, real-time standardized teaching, systematically sharing best practices. Another similar surgery is scheduled for October 16.
Notably, Dr. Stanley Konjil, a PMGH surgeon who completed a six-month fellowship at Chongqing University Cancer Hospital’s Breast Cancer Center last year through the China-PNG sister-hospital program, participated in the surgeries. This marks a successful “train and return” model, demonstrating the sustainability and effectiveness of the collaboration.
Meanwhile, pathologist Dr. Dong Juanhui and ultrasound expert Dr. Hong RuiXia provided multidisciplinary guidance, offering on-site training in pathology diagnosis, imaging assessment, and biopsy techniques. They performed five ultrasound-guided breast biopsies, five core needle biopsy rapid diagnoses, and four sentinel lymph node imprint cytology tests, discussing complex cases with local staff.
On the afternoon of October 15, the team, together with a Chongqing Municipal Health Commission working group, conducted postoperative ward visits and gifted the patient a panda plush toy symbolizing friendship. The team carefully reviewed her recovery, checked wound healing and drainage, and provided personalized rehabilitation guidance. The patient expressed sincere gratitude for the Chinese experts’ timely intervention, advanced techniques, and compassionate care, noting that the surgery significantly shortened her waiting time.
This series of surgical demonstrations is a key component of the short-term expert mission and a practical implementation of the National Health Commission’s sister-hospital cooperation project. Over the years, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital has hosted nearly 70 PNG medical professionals for training in China and has continuously provided technical support, talent development, and institutional building through equipment donations and expert visits. Going forward, both sides will deepen collaboration, exploring the establishment of a telepathology platform and international patient green channels to advance standardized cancer care in PNG.