Dr. SHAFEEK SHAMSUDEEN
MS, MCh, FEBS, FACS
Senior Consultant –
Surgical Oncology & Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon
Clinical Lead – Travancore Breast Institute
* Travancore Breast Institute
“A tertiary centre for comprehensive breast health, oncoplastic excellence and image-guided precision surgery.”
The Travancore Breast Institute, located at Travancore Medicity, serves as a dedicated tertiary referral centre for the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of the full spectrum of breast disorders. Structured on the model of internationally established breast units, the Institute integrates advanced oncological science, multidisciplinary coordination, reconstructive expertise, and fluorescence-guided precision surgery within a unified clinical pathway.
The Institute is committed not only to the management of breast malignancies but to comprehensive breast health across benign, high-risk, and reconstructive domains.
SCOPE OF CLINICAL SERVICES
- Benign and Functional Breast Disorders
Systematic evaluation and management of:
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- Mastalgia and cyclical breast symptoms
- Fibroadenomas and benign proliferative lesions
- Breast cysts and inflammatory disorders
- Nipple discharge and ductal pathologies
- Lactational and non-lactational mastitis
- Male breast disorders, including gynecomastia
- Developmental and structural breast concerns
All patients undergo structured clinical assessment supported by dedicated breast imaging and pathology services.
- Breast Oncology Services
The Institute delivers evidence-based, guideline-concordant management of breast cancer, including:
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- Early-stage and locally advanced disease
- Multidisciplinary tumour board evaluation
- Image-guided localisation and staging
- Breast conservation surgery
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy and tailored axillary management
- Skin-sparing and nipple-sparing mastectomy
- Post-neoadjuvant surgical planning
- Integration with systemic therapy and radiation oncology
Treatment strategies are individualised according to tumour biology, disease extent, patient profile, and anticipated functional outcomes.
FLUORESCENCE-GUIDED PRECISION SURGERY
A distinctive strength of the Travancore Breast Institute is the integration of near-infrared fluorescence imaging technology (SPY-PHI platform) to enhance surgical accuracy and safety.
Applications include:
- Fluorescence-Guided Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Using indocyanine green (ICG) dye visualised through SPY-PHI imaging, the Institute performs real-time lymphatic mapping to improve sentinel node identification accuracy while potentially reducing reliance on radioisotopes. This approach enhances precision in axillary staging with minimal morbidity. - Fluorescence-Assisted Oncoplastic Surgery
Intraoperative perfusion assessment of glandular pedicles, skin flaps, and reconstructive segments enables:- Optimisation of vascular safety
- Reduction in flap necrosis
- Enhanced decision-making in therapeutic mammoplasty
- Improved outcomes in nipple-sparing and skin-sparing procedures
Fluorescence imaging supports data-driven intraoperative judgement, reinforcing oncological safety while preserving structural integrity and aesthetic outcomes.
ONCOPLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE BREAST SURGERY
Oncoplastic principles are central to the Institute’s philosophy, integrating tumour clearance with aesthetic preservation.
Services include:
- Volume displacement therapeutic mammoplasty
- Local perforator flap reconstruction
- Implant-based reconstruction
- Autologous tissue reconstruction
- Symmetrisation procedures
- Secondary revision and corrective surgery
Surgical planning emphasises vascular preservation, structural support, symmetry optimisation, and long-term contour stability.
HIGH-RISK ASSESSMENT AND PREVENTIVE STRATEGIES
- Structured breast cancer risk stratification
- Genetic counselling and testing pathways
- Surveillance protocols for familial risk
- Preventive surgical consultation where indicated
Early detection and risk reduction remain foundational priorities.
SURVIVORSHIP AND REHABILITATION
Recognising breast cancer as a chronic survivorship condition, the Institute provides:
- Long-term structured follow-up
- Lymphedema surveillance and intervention
- Functional rehabilitation
- Psychosocial support
- Quality-of-life centred survivorship planning
MULTIDISCIPLINARY UNIT MODEL
Care delivery follows a structured breast unit framework involving:
- Surgical oncology
- Breast radiology
- Pathology
- Medical oncology
- Radiation oncology
- Reconstructive surgery
- Specialised nursing and allied health professionals
Regular tumour board discussions and protocol-driven pathways ensure adherence to international standards of care.
ACADEMIC AND CLINICAL VISION
The Travancore Breast Institute aspires to:
- Establish benchmark standards in comprehensive breast care
- Advance fluorescence-guided and oncoplastic surgical innovation
- Contribute to prospective outcomes research
- Develop structured training pathways in modern breast surgery
- Integrate technology-driven precision with compassionate clinical practice
Through the convergence of advanced imaging, fluorescence-guided surgery, multidisciplinary oncology, and reconstructive expertise, the Institute seeks to redefine regional standards in breast health management.
