Survey of patients' responses to breast reconstruction

Patients' responses to single-stage breast reconstruction were evaluated in 100 cases using a questionnaire. The availability of breast reconstruction did not influence the decision to have a mastectomy in 63% of patients but did serve as an incentive in 24%. The reconstruction was acceptable for 92% of patients; increased sexual expressiveness in 45% of patients was another benefit of reconstruction. Multiple-stage reconstruction was acceptable for 65% of patients; however, 56% favored the one-stage operation. Given the same opportunity, 91% of the patients would consider undergoing breast reconstruction.