Patients' perceptions of breast reconstruction after mastectomy

Members of the Victorian section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons participated in a review of the benefits and problems associated with breast reconstruction after mastectomy from the patient's perspective. Fifty-four patients completed anonymous, open-ended questionnaires designed to elicit their frank thoughts and feelings about their breast reconstruction. The most commonly mentioned benefits and problems of reconstruction are reported. The benefits vastly outweighed any problems experienced by these women and none expressed any regret at having undergone breast reconstruction. Breast reconstruction can be a valuable aid to psychological adjustment after mastectomy. We believe that patients who may benefit from breast reconstruction should be identified and offered this option.