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Urdu“The findings were unexpected, since autologous breast reconstruction is a more complex procedure, with a higher rate of severe complications,” comments lead author Nadia Sadok, MD, PhD, of University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands. The article appears as part of a supplement devoted to new research on Current Outcomes in Breast Reconstruction.
Higher psychological and sexual well-being after ‘flap’ reconstruction
The study compared quality of life (QoL) measures in women choosing different options for breast reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer. The analysis included 63 women who chose autologous reconstruction, performed using a flap of the patient’s own skin and underlying tissues; and 75 women who opted for implant-based reconstruction.
Using the validated BREAST-Q questionnaire, patients rated “satisfaction with breasts” and other QoL outcomes before surgery and at six weeks and six months afterward. Before surgery, women in the autologous group had lower scores on all BREAST-Q measures. That included lower scores for satisfaction with breasts: average 49 points (on a 0-to-100 scale) compared to 59 points for women choosing implant-based reconstruction.
Women opting for autologous reconstruction had higher rates of severe complications: 27% versus 12%. That was consistent with the more extensive surgery required for flap reconstruction. Because of the differences in preoperative satisfaction and complication rate, the researchers expected that women in the autologous group would have lower QoL scores at follow-up.
However, the BREAST-Q ratings told a different story. Women undergoing autologous reconstruction had higher scores for satisfaction with breasts at both six weeks (average 62 versus 51) and six months (68 versus 57). Scores for satisfaction with breasts were higher for women who underwent immediate versus delayed reconstruction, and for those who had one-stage versus two-stage reconstruction.
Scores for psychosocial and sexual well-being were also higher in the autologous group. Most other QoL ratings, including overall satisfaction with outcomes, were similar between groups.
Supplement assembles new research on breast reconstruction options and outcomes
Why did women in the autologous group have higher satisfaction, despite lower preoperative scores and a higher complication rate? “It is possible that the differences in preoperative scores is not merely explained by the timing of reconstruction but that it is also related to body type and related to self-perceived body image and body satisfaction,” Dr. Sadok and coauthors write.
The 2023 “Special Breast Edition” of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® presents seven original, non-solicited studies of complications and patient-reported outcomes in autologous and implant-based breast reconstruction. “This collection of articles celebrates some of the advances and innovations that continue to help improve the quality of care our breast cancer patients receive,” comments guest editor and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® Co-Editor Amy S. Colwell, MD.
The special issue is timed to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day. Celebrated October 17 this year, “BRA Day” is designed to educate women about post-cancer breast reconstruction options and outcomes – including the federal requirement for insurance coverage for breast reconstruction surgery.
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About Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
For over 75 years, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® (http://www.prsjournal.com/) has been the one consistently excellent reference for every specialist who uses plastic surgery techniques or works in conjunction with a plastic surgeon. The official journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® brings subscribers up-to-the-minute reports on the latest techniques and follow-up for all areas of plastic and reconstructive surgery, including breast reconstruction, experimental studies, maxillofacial reconstruction, hand and microsurgery, burn repair and cosmetic surgery, as well as news on medico-legal issues.
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The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 7,000 physician members, the society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 94 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
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