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Updated: Oct 11, 2025
Endoscopic Bilateral Nipple-sparing Mastectomy via a Single Axillary Incision with Immediate Pre-pectoral Implant-based Breast Reconstruction
Published on: May 17, 2024
Satisfaction With Expectations-Based Education in Women Undergoing Breast Reconstruction.
Deborah Tedesco1,2,3,4, Gasan Makarem1,2,3,4, James Mayo1,2,3,4
1Deborah Tedesco, DNP, APRN, ANP-BC, CBCN, AP-PMN, CWS, CWCN-AP, is a senior nurse practitioner at the Orlando Health Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery Institute, Orlando, FL.
Preoperative education for breast reconstruction patients effectively addressed unrealistic expectations regarding complications and pain. This patient-centered approach improved satisfaction with information, preparing women for surgery and recovery.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Patient Education
- Psychosocial Aspects of Care
Background:
- Many women undergoing breast reconstruction have unrealistic or unformed expectations about the process and outcomes.
- These misconceptions can impact patient satisfaction and the overall surgical experience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess preoperative expectations in women undergoing mastectomy and initial breast reconstruction.
- To provide patient-centered, expectations-based education to modify unrealistic or unformed expectations.
- To evaluate patient satisfaction with the provided educational intervention.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-one women undergoing mastectomy and breast tissue expander placement participated.
- A preoperative questionnaire identified patient expectations (realistic, unrealistic, unformed).
- Nurse practitioners delivered tailored education, followed by a postoperative satisfaction survey.
Main Results:
- Unrealistic/unformed expectations were common regarding complications, pain, scarring, sensation, symmetry, and aesthetics.
- Post-education, participants felt well-informed about complications, pain management, scarring, and sensation.
- Satisfaction with the amount of information and preparedness for surgery/recovery was high.
- Some unrealistic expectations persisted regarding aesthetic outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Identifying and addressing unrealistic or unformed expectations through tailored preoperative education is crucial for breast reconstruction patients.
- Patient-centered education significantly improves satisfaction with information and preparedness.
- Further focus may be needed on managing aesthetic outcome expectations.
