[Primary breast reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer]

Primary breast reconstruction in connection with mastectomy is a well-established procedure. The reconstruction may be carried out by the submuscular implantation of a prosthesis, in some cases preceded by tissue expansion. In situations where there is insufficient skin--or muscle-coverage, a musculocutaneous transposition flap may be used. The aim of breast reconstruction is to prevent the psychosocial sequelae of mastectomy. From experiences with secondary reconstruction, it seems that the reconstruction especially helps correct loss of feminine identity and negative body-image. Certain investigations indicate that primary reconstruction results in a clearly reduced postoperative psychological stress, whereas the extent of social and sexual sequelae seems not to vary when compared to results of secondary reconstruction. Conditions for adjuvant treatment as well as for follow-up concerning loco-regional tumour reappearance do not seem to be affected by the reconstruction. In studies published to date, consisting of relatively small patient groups and short observation periods, numbers without relapse and overall survival are found to be equivalent to that following mastectomy without reconstruction.