Patient satisfaction and quality of life in breast reconstruction: assessment of outcomes of immediate, delayed, and nonreconstruction

Abstract

Objectives: This study was conducted aiming to assess the quality of life and satisfaction of women who had mastectomy treated with and without breast reconstruction. Results: A total of 81 women who had mastectomy were included, of whom 53 (65.4%) underwent breast reconstruction. Quality of life was not significantly better in the reconstruction group than the nonreconstruction group. Satisfaction with the surgically operated breast, whether reconstructed or not, was positively correlated with quality of life (p = 0.004). There was no significant difference in quality of life between women with immediate and late reconstruction. This study showed that the satisfaction of patients with the operated breast, reconstructed or not, is more important in quality of life than whether the breast was reconstructed or not. When we analyzed the quality of life of women who had mastectomy who were dissatisfied with their unreconstructed breasts, we observed that nonreconstruction had a negative impact on the quality of life.

Management of early breast cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil

“…Breast reconstruction constitutes the basic principle in the present-day surgical treatment of breast cancer, reducing the patient's sensation of mutilation and improving their quality of life [44,45]. Approximately 60% of the participants would recommend total immediate breast reconstruction, with the most commonly suggested technique being de nitive implants, followed by tissue expanders and autologous tissue.…”

Breast reconstruction during the COVID-19 pandemic in resource-limited settings

“…A diagnosis of breast cancer and subsequent treatments are stressful events in a patient’s life, associated with an increased risk of anxiety, depression and psychosocial implications [ 34 ], [ 35 ], [ 36 ]. The decision to proceed with a mastectomy can lead to a feeling of loss of feminity, issues around sexuality and self-esteem as well as practical problems associated around clothing and the wearing of a prosthesis [ 34 ], [ 35 ]. Accordingly, a growing mumber of women now seek immediate reconstruction after mastectomy [ 25 ], [ 26 ].…”

“…The timing of breast reconstruction following a mastectomy is important as there are a number of pertinent issues that need to be taken into consideration when opting for an immediate versus delayed reconstruction [ 34 ], [ 35 ]. These include the patient's body form, general health, breast cancer management as well as patient's preference [ 14 ].…”

“…At most breast centres, the majority of reconstructions is performed immediately, in a joint procedure between the breast surgeon, who performs the mastectomy, and the plastic surgeon [ 15 ], [ 19 ], [ 31 ], [ 34 ], [ 35 ], [ 36 ], [ 37 ]. Pre-operatively, this allows for mastectomy skin sparing incisions to be discussed between the two teams which can then be incorporated in the final decision on the optimal reconstruction to best suit the patient.…”

“…Delayed reconstruction is also an option for many patients who are overwhelmed with their recent diagnosis and respective surgical treatment [ 34 ], [ 35 ], [ 36 ]. lt gives them time to make a fully informed decision before choosing the type of reconstruction that would benefit them [ 34 ], [ 35 ], [ 36 ].…”