Long-Term Complications and Patient-Reported Outcomes After Alloplastic Breast Reconstruction

The most widely used method for breast reconstruction in Taiwan is alloplastic breast reconstruction, and traditionally, it can be categorized into immediate or delayed, single-stage or 2-stage procedures. We evaluated clinical outcomes and analyzed patients' self-reported satisfaction and quality of life after alloplastic breast reconstruction based on a previous preliminary study.

The patients who underwent primary alloplastic breast reconstruction after mastectomy were recruited in 2006 to 2020 at a single institute in Taiwan. The assessment of clinical outcomes was conducted by retrospective chart review and risk analysis. The patients also completed the BREAST-Q, a condition-specific patient-reported outcome measure, at least 6 months after treatment.

A total of 237 patients with 247 reconstructed breasts were enrolled in this study. The demographics showed that 205 (83%) were reconstructed using a 2-stage tissue expander-based procedure and 42 (17%) were 1-stage direct-to-implant reconstructions. The mean follow-up time was 79.5 months. The clinical assessment revealed that the overall complication rate was 34%, with infection being the most common (21 patients; 8%). According to risk analysis, smoking (odds ratio, 7.626; 95% confidence interval, 1.56-37.30; P = 0.012), and nipple-sparing mastectomy (odds ratio, 3.281; 95% confidence interval, 1.54-6.99; P = 0.002) were significant risk factors for overall complications. The questionnaire response rate was 38% (94 of 247), at least 6 months after treatment. The total mean score was 69.78.

At a single institute in Taiwan from 2006 to 2020, alloplastic breast reconstruction, either single- or 2-stage, have acceptable complication rate and good postoperative satisfaction based on patient-reported outcomes. Both patient- and surgery-related factors presented as significant risk factors. Precise patient selection and comprehensive discussion between the patient and physician may play the important role to achieve optimal aesthetic outcomes.