A survey of general surgeons' attitudes towards breast reconstruction after mastectomy

Within the last 15-20 years there have been many changes in the management of breast cancer. Along with changes in treatment, possibilities for breast reconstruction have become increasingly sophisticated and commonplace. Despite the availability of breast reconstruction, we have noted large variations in referral patterns. Because the surgical treatment of breast cancer is largely undertaken by general surgeons, we investigated general surgeons' attitudes towards reconstruction using a postal questionnaire. In 1995, a questionnaire involving hypothetical criticisms was sent to general surgical members of the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland. A total of 136 surgeons responded, 79 (58%) of whom had a specialist interest in breast cancer. Each surgeon saw an average of 68 new cases of breast cancer per year (range 0-400). The general surgeons were concerned about three areas: (1) 32.3% felt that breast reconstruction might adversely delay the detection of local recurrence; (2) 16.6% were worried that breast reconstruction has high morbidity; and (3) 17.4% said that patients did not want breast reconstruction despite being advised of its availability. To investigate these concern's further, an extensive literature search was undertaken. There is no evidence that breast reconstruction delays the detection of local recurrence. With appropriate patient selection, the morbidity of reconstructive options appears very acceptable. Finally, immediate breast reconstruction has psychological benefits when compared with delayed reconstruction.