Physical therapy after prophylactic mastectomy with breast reconstruction: a prospective randomized study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Plastic Surgery
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Prophylactic mastectomy (PM) rates are rising.
• While PM often improves quality of life, it can negatively impact body image and sexuality.
• Evaluating interventions to mitigate these negative effects is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess women's interest in physical therapy post-PM.
• To evaluate the efficacy of physical therapy in improving body image and sexuality after PM.

Main Methods:

• Prospective randomized study of patients undergoing PM.
• Utilized validated scales for body image (BIS), sexual activity (SAQ), quality of life (SF-36), anxiety/depression (HAD), and pain/sensation.
• Data collected at baseline and 2 years post-surgery.

Main Results:

• Limited patient interest in the physical therapy intervention (34% consent rate).
• No significant differences in body image, sexual activity, or quality of life between intervention and control groups at 2 years.
• Over half of patients reported persistent body image issues and decreased sensation in the breast area.

Conclusions:

• Interest in physiotherapy intervention for post-PM patients was low.
• The studied intervention showed no substantial benefits for body image or sexuality.
• Persistent body image and sensory issues are common after PM, indicating a need for further research into effective supportive care.