Interview with plastic surgeon and oncomammologist Viktor Kemkin

Please introduce yourself

My name is Victor Kemkin, I am a plastic and oncologist. In 2017 I graduated from Zaporizhzhia State Medical University. Then, for a year and a half, I completed an internship at Essen Uni, a clinic near Düsseldorf. Then I specialized in general surgery and oncology surgery in Ukraine and am now specializing in plastic surgery.

Please tell us about your work experience

In 2018, I worked at the Motor Sich clinic in Zaporizhzhia. My specialization was herniology and coloproctology. Since 2020, I have been working at the National Cancer Institute in the Department of Breast Oncology. I also work at the Medoffice group clinic. Here I am engaged in oncomammology, plastic surgery and hold the position of chief of medicine.

Please tell us about the prospects of breast cancer treatment in Ukraine

The prognosis for the treatment of breast cancer is improving every day. Early diagnosis is of great importance, and it is very good that it is available in Ukraine. And the use of immune and targeted therapy allows patients to get significantly better results, even than 2-3 years ago.

Please tell us about what operations are performed at your department

Our department performs both oncological and plastic surgical interventions. We carry out all types of breast resections. We place special emphasis on subcutaneous mastectomy as an effective operation that gives good cosmetic results.

We also perform plastic surgeries – abdominoplasty, blepharoplasty, brachioplasty (volume reduction and lifting of the soft tissues of the shoulders).

What complex clinical cases over recent years can you identify?

Of the complex clinical cases that are carried out at our department on a regular basis, I can highlight simultaneous (combined) operations. This is a simultaneous abdominoplasty, breast lift, and, for example, blepharoplasty.

Please tell us what operations and procedures you perform

I perform both plastic and oncological surgeries. If we talk about plastic surgeries, these are hernioplasty, otoplasty, removal of Bichat’s lumps, brachioplasty, all types of abdominoplasty (circular, miniabdominoplasty, removal of inguinal, umbilical and ventral hernias).

I also perform all types of oncological surgeries on the mammary gland.

Do breast implants bother patients?

Modern implants do not in any way affect the quality of life and health. Manufacturers provide a lifetime warranty.

Do you perform surgery if the patient has achieved a complete morphological response after neoadjuvant treatment?

Yes, we do. But, of course, this is an operation of the very minimum volume, which allows for aesthetics of the gland.

Have you participated in clinical trials?

Yes, I participated and continue to participate regularly.

Do you use immuno- and targeted therapy in your routine practice?

Since breast cancer is common, many lines of targeted and immunotherapy have been developed for this disease. We prescribe such drugs quite often in our practice.

What options exist for treating a patient with triple-negative breast cancer?

We understand that this is one of the most disadvantaged types of breast cancer. In this clinical situation, the best results are achieved by an individual approach. The decision is made depending on the stage and type of tumor.

What recommendations help improve the quality of life in patients with cancer?

First of all, correctly prescribed treatment is important; this is the main factor. In addition, full compliance with the treating doctor in all matters is very important – from treatment strategy to views on a healthy lifestyle.

What is the average cost of plastic and reconstructive surgery for breast cancer for a patient from another country?

If we are talking about organ-preserving operations, such an operation costs from $1,500. Costs for reconstructive surgeries for breast cancer start at $4,500.

When it comes to plastic surgery, breast augmentation with implants starts at $4,500. Anchor lift – from $3,000. An areolar-circular lift costs about $2,000.

What are your scientific and clinical plans for the next 5 years?

Firstly, I plan to do my dissertation work, this is my main plan for the near future.

If we talk about practice, I plan to attend European and Asian internships, bring ideas here and implement them in Ukraine.