Breast reconstruction and radiation therapy: A Canadian perspective

When and how best to perform breast reconstruction in the setting of radiation therapy is a much debated topic.

To investigate the approaches that Canadian plastic surgeons are taking to breast reconstruction in patients who require or may require radiation therapy.

In April 2009, a survey invitation was sent to Canadian plastic surgeons via e-mail. Survey responses were collected over a two-month period.

Of the 307 invitees, 90 surgeons responded, of whom 76 met the inclusion criteria. Most surgeons (66%) do not perform immediate reconstruction in patients who require postmastectomy radiation. Most respondents (64%) perform immediate reconstructions for patients whose need for radiation is uncertain at the time of mastectomy. Expander and implants is their preferred option, followed by free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap. Thirty-five per cent use the delayed immediate technique in these cases. Twenty-one per cent are unfamiliar with the delayed-immediate technique. For delayed reconstruction of the irradiated patient, the pedicled TRAM is the most common choice.

The reconstructive options are increasing for patients who may need postmastectomy radiation. The use of the delayed immediate technique could increase as physicians gain more knowledge of the technique.