[Breast reconstruction in elderly patients: Studies of the practices at institut Bergonié during 2005-2015]

The objective of our study is to describe the practices of breast reconstruction in patients aged 70 years and over undergoing a radical mastectomy at institut Bergonié.

We performed a detailed single-site retrospective study from January 2005 to December 2015. Through a computerized review, we have identified and analyzed all patients aged 70 years and over who underwent a breast reconstruction.

Five hundred and ninety patients underwent a radical mastectomy during the period. Twenty-eight patients (4.7%) benefited from a breast reconstruction. Nineteen patients (67.9%) had an immediate breast reconstruction and 9 patients (32.1%) had a delayed breast reconstruction, within an average time of 2 years. Sixteen patients (57.1%) benefited from the insertion of an expander replaced by a permanent implant. Five patients (17.9%) benefited from the immediate placement of an implant. Six patients (21.4%) had a reconstruction by autologous latissimus dorsi flap and 1 patient (3.6%) by exclusive lipofilling. Four patients (14.3%) presented postoperative complications without the need for removal of an implant or flap loss. Twenty patients (71.4%) were satisfied with their final reconstruction.

Breast reconstruction in elderly patients is possible. Further studies are needed to better describe French practices.