Symmetrisation procedures in breast reconstruction patients constitute a rising workload in our DGH

In breast cancer patients undergoing reconstructive surgery, achieving symmetry is of considerable importance. The aim of our study was to identify the proportion of breast cancer patients undergoing reconstructive surgery requiring contralateral symmetrisation procedures.

This is a retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing reconstructive procedures following cancer surgery from April 2005 to April 2012.

One hundred and fifty three patients had symmetrisation procedure of the opposite side during this period. The median age was 53 years (22-79). Reduction mammoplasty was the commonest procedure (94 patients), followed by mastopexy (34 patients) and augmentation mammoplasty (25 patients). Overall, it represent approximately one third of (153/489; 31.2%) of all the major reconstruction procedures in this unit.

Almost half the number of patients (153/336) undergoing breast reconstruction as a part of breast cancer surgery had a symmetrisation procedure performed on the opposite side which constitutes a significant reconstructive workload in our unit. Consideration should be given to the above when planning departmental work force and training.