Unilateral breast reconstruction after mastectomy - patient satisfaction, aesthetic outcome and quality of life

• Published in: Acta oncologica 2017-02, Vol.56 (2), p.225-231
• Main Authors: Juhl, Alexander A, Christensen, Søren, Zachariae, Robert, Damsgaard, Tine E
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Body Image; Breast Neoplasms - psychology; Breast Neoplasms - surgery; Esthetics; Female; Humans; Mammaplasty - adverse effects; Mammaplasty - psychology; Mastectomy; Middle Aged; Patient Satisfaction; Quality of Life; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 0284-186X; 1651-226X
• DOI: 10.1080/0284186X.2016.1266087

An increasing number of women undergo a breast reconstruction (BR) after treatment for breast cancer. The aim of the present study was to evaluate patient-reported esthetic satisfaction, quality of life (QoL), and the association between these, following different types of BR. All women who underwent unilateral BR in Central Denmark Region between January 2005 and July 2011 were included. Participants were sent a questionnaire package, which included the Body Image Scale, The Beck Depression Inventory, the Impact of Event Scale, and a study-specific patient-reported esthetic satisfaction scale. Additionally, patients were asked if they experienced a change in QoL owing to the BR. Based on reconstructive method and timing, participants were divided into four groups, three delayed: an abdominal flap group, a latissimus dorsi flap group, an implant ± thoracodorsal flap group; and one immediate BR group. Of 166 eligible participants, a total of 144 women (87%) completed the questionnaire. The mean follow-up was 3.8 years. Esthetic satisfaction differed significantly between groups [F(3,139) = 8.55; p