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Published on: May 17, 2024
Preoperative expectations and quality of life after breast reconstruction: Finnish validation of the BREAST-Q
Charlotta Kuhlefelt1, Jussi P Repo2, Tiina Jahkola3
1Division of Musculoskeletal and Plastic Surgery Department of Plastic Surgery University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Park Hospital, Stenbäckinkatu 11, PB 281 00029 Helsinki Finland.
Background And Aims:
Patient expectations can influence satisfaction and health-related quality of life (HRQL) after breast reconstruction. The aim of this study was to evaluate both patient expectations before breast reconstruction and HRQL after a 1-year follow-up.
Methods:
A cohort study was performed on patients awaiting delayed breast reconstruction at Helsinki University Hospital in April 2020. The BREAST-Q Reconstruction Expectations module was translated into Finnish following accepted guidelines for preoperative assessment of expectations. One-year outcomes were assessed using the BREAST-Q Reconstruction module. Correlation analyses were performed to evaluate associations between expectations and postoperative HRQL.
Results:
Of 145 patients approached, 57 patients (39%) participated. Median preoperative age was 54 years (interquartile range (IQR) = 47-63). Expectations for coping were high (median = 100, IQR = 68-100). At 1 year, appearance, shape, and clothing fit were expected to return to near normal (median = 69, IQR = 53-91), and donor site appearance and function were expected to normalize (median = 6, IQR = 5-7). At 1 year, 38 patients (67%) completed follow-up. Median scores (IQR) were psychosocial well-being 62 (48-80), satisfaction with breasts 60 (47-76), physical well-being of the chest 85 (64-92), and physical well-being of the abdomen 72 (62-81), indicating generally favorable outcomes. High expectations for coping were associated with better psychosocial well-being postoperatively. In addition, patients expecting more pain reported lower physical well-being of the chest at 1 year.
Conclusions:
Breast cancer patients reported high expectations regarding the upcoming breast reconstruction, and the HRQL after a 1-year follow-up reflected attainment of these goals.
Clinical Trial Registration:
N/A.
