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Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Endoscopic Bilateral Nipple-sparing Mastectomy via a Single Axillary Incision with Immediate Pre-pectoral Implant-based Breast Reconstruction
Published on: May 17, 2024
Regional variation in immediate breast reconstruction in Australia
K L Flitcroft1,2, M E Brennan1,2, D S J Costa3
1Breast and Surgical Oncology at the Poche Centre University of Sydney Sydney Australia.
Immediate breast reconstruction rates after mastectomy vary significantly across Australia. Rates were higher in major cities and private hospitals, and less common in lower socioeconomic areas, suggesting factors beyond resources influence access to this standard care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Plastic Surgery
- Public Health
Background:
- Breast reconstruction post-mastectomy offers significant benefits and is standard care in high-income nations.
- Regional disparities in immediate breast reconstruction rates were observed across Australia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To audit and map regional variations in immediate breast reconstruction rates following mastectomy in Australia.
- To investigate the distribution of these procedures in relation to socioeconomic factors and hospital types.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Breast Surgeons of Australia and New Zealand (BreastSurgANZ) Quality Audit database for 2013 data.
- Employed geospatial software to map reconstruction distribution against Greater Capital City Statistical Areas (GCCSAs).
- Statistical analysis included chi-squared tests and independent-samples t-tests.
Main Results:
- Of 3786 mastectomies, 692 (18.3%) had reconstruction, predominantly immediate (98.1%).
- Significant variations in reconstruction rates were found between jurisdictions, GCCSAs, and private hospitals (P < 0.001).
- Immediate reconstruction was less likely in lower to mid socioeconomic status areas; not reported by 43.8% of BreastSurgANZ member hospitals.
Conclusions:
- Immediate breast reconstruction rates exhibit significant regional variation in Australia.
- Disparities in access may be influenced by factors beyond healthcare resources.
- Further investigation into socioeconomic and geographic determinants of breast reconstruction is warranted.
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