Evaluations of the Aesthetic Results and Patient Satisfaction With the Late Pedicled TRAM FlapBreast Reconstruction

Abstract

With the goal of evaluating the aesthetic results, testing the reliability of the rating systems used, and determining the patients' level of satisfaction with their breast reconstruction, pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap reconstruction was performed in 20 patients who had undergone mastectomy. The results were evaluated and compared 3, 6, and 12 months after reconstruction using the patients' own assessments (a rating of 0-10 points) and scoring by two senior plastic surgeons (using 0-10-point global rating scales as well as the five subscales of the modified Garbay system). The interrater and intrarater agreement was poor to fair for the majority of the subscales. When evaluating by grades, there was significant difference (p < 0.001) between the patients and the raters at postoperative months 3 and 6. At month 12, one of the raters attributed significantly lower grades (p < 0.001) than the patients and the other rater. The authors observed a higher level of satisfaction by the patients than by the raters.

Impact of Complications on Patient Satisfaction in Breast Reconstruction

“…The aesthetic satisfaction of the patient is particularly important, as the main goal is to obtain a breast construct that appears symmetric to the contralateral breast and feels as natural as possible. 17 Rates of complications and patient satisfaction are two distinct parameters that have been used extensively in the literature to measure the success of breast reconstruction. Several determinants of patient satisfaction have been found, including type of reconstruction, 18 -20 patient age, 10,21-23 and preoperative psychological status.…”

Determinants of Aesthetic Satisfaction Following TRAM and Implant Breast Reconstruction

“…Several studies have shown significantly higher patient satisfaction with autologous reconstruction. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] However, the specific aesthetic parameters of that satisfaction had not been determined. The goals of the current study were to evaluate differences in satisfaction between TRAM and implant reconstruction, to determine the specific aesthetic parameters of satisfaction, and to evaluate the effect of different variables on patients' assessment of their results.…”

Nível de atividade física em mulheres mastectomizadas e submetidas a reconstrução mamária

“…Breast reconstruction is very important if breast cancer patients are to regain self-esteem, which helps in the recovery from illness and in the restoration of social activities. Moreover, it helps women attain an acceptable quality of life, in addition to obtaining aesthetically satisfactory features 48 . Although few studies have explored the association between quality of life and plastic surgery, a positive relationship exists between them.…”