PATIENT SATISFACTION AFTER BREAST RECONSTRUCTION: IMPLANTS VS. AUTOLOGOUS TISSUES

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Plastic Surgery
• Patient-Reported Outcomes

Background:

• Breast reconstruction is a common component of breast cancer treatment.
• Reconstruction can be achieved using implants or autologous tissues.
• Patient satisfaction and quality of life are key outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare patient satisfaction and quality of life after autologous versus implant breast reconstruction.
• To identify factors influencing satisfaction in different reconstruction methods.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study of 109 women with successful breast reconstruction (2007-2016).
• Patients completed the BREAST-Q questionnaire.
• Retrospective data collection included complications, radiotherapy, BMI, and smoking status.

Main Results:

• Autologous reconstruction yielded significantly higher satisfaction in breast appearance, psychosocial well-being, and sexual well-being (BREAST-Q scores).
• Factors like radiotherapy, complications, and BMI influenced implant reconstruction satisfaction.
• Non-smoking status and bilateral reconstruction were associated with higher satisfaction in the autologous group.

Conclusions:

• Autologous breast reconstruction is associated with superior patient satisfaction and overall well-being compared to implant-based reconstruction.
• These findings support shared decision-making between patients and healthcare providers.
• Further prospective studies are warranted to validate these results in larger cohorts.