[Patients' satisfaction after immediate breast reconstruction: Comparison between five surgical techniques]

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Patient Outcomes

Background:

• Patient satisfaction is a key metric for evaluating reconstructive procedures.
• Immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) aims to restore aesthetics and psychological well-being post-mastectomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare patient satisfaction following immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) based on surgical technique.
• To evaluate satisfaction with different nipple reconstruction methods.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of patients undergoing IBR between 2012-2017 with at least one year follow-up were surveyed.
• Patient satisfaction was assessed using the Breast Q questionnaire.
• Surgical techniques were categorized into free flaps (DIEP, gracilis, Latissimus Dorsi) and prosthesis (definitive implant, expander implant). Nipple reconstruction methods included toe pulp grafting, nipple sharing, and local flap.

Main Results:

• Free flap reconstruction (72.6/100) showed significantly higher breast satisfaction than prosthesis (62.7/100).
• Patients receiving free flaps reported better physical well-being of the chest (92.2/100) compared to prosthesis (85.2/100).
• Nipple reconstructions using nipple sharing (75.3/100) and free flap (73.5/100) resulted in greater patient satisfaction than toe pulp grafting (47.8/100).

Conclusions:

• Immediate breast reconstruction with free flaps provides superior patient satisfaction compared to prostheses in the short term.
• Nipple reconstruction techniques involving nipple sharing and free flaps are associated with higher patient satisfaction.