Breast reconstruction using patient’s own tissues yield higher satisfaction rates

December 29, 2014 – For women who have undergone mastectomy, breast reconstruction using the patient’s own tissues–rather than implants–provides higher satisfaction scores, reports a study in the January issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

But the findings may at least partly reflect differences in the characteristics of women choosing different options for breast reconstruction, according to the study by plastic surgeon Dr. Yassir Eltahir and colleagues of University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands.

Higher Satisfaction Score with Autologous Breast Reconstruction…

The researchers used the recently developed “BREAST-Q” questionnaire to analyze patient satisfaction and quality of life after breast reconstruction. The BREAST-Q was designed to gauge these important outcomes from the patient’s point of view.

The study included BREAST-Q surveys completed by 92 women who had breast reconstruction between 2006 and 2010. Forty-seven women underwent autologous reconstruction, with the patient’s own tissues–generally “donor” flaps from the abdomen–used to create the new breast. The remaining 45 women underwent alloplastic reconstruction, using implants.

The results suggested that women choosing reconstruction with their own tissues were more satisfied with the results. Scores for satisfaction with the reconstructed breasts averaged about 75 (on a 100-point scale) after autologous reconstruction versus 65.5 for implant-based reconstruction.

Overall patient satisfaction scores were also higher with autologous reconstruction: about 82 versus 74.5. Scores for various aspects of quality of life–including psychosocial, sexual, and physical well-being–were not significantly different between groups.

…But Significant Differences in Patient Characteristics

The researchers also noted some important differences between the two groups of patients. Women choosing autologous reconstruction were older: 51 versus 44 years. Autologous reconstruction was performed on a delayed basis, an average of 21 months after mastectomy; whereas implant-based reconstruction was usually performed immediately.

Women receiving implant reconstruction were also more likely to undergo reconstruction of both breasts. Many of these women underwent preventive double mastectomy because of high genetic risk of breast cancer.

Women undergoing autologous reconstruction were more likely to receive radiation therapy, had a higher average body weight, and were less educated. Complication rates were similar between groups, although the autologous reconstruction group had a higher rate of secondary corrective surgeries.

Women have several options for breast reconstruction after mastectomy, in terms of the type of reconstruction and immediate versus delayed reconstruction. Studies comparing the outcomes of autologous versus implant-based reconstruction have reported conflicting results. The new study, using the validated BREAST-Q questionnaire, suggests higher patient satisfaction rates for women undergoing reconstruction using their own tissues.

But the findings may reflect differences in patient characteristics between groups. For example, younger women undergoing immediate implant reconstruction may have higher expectations, compared to women who have waited several months for delayed autologous reconstruction. The researchers plan further studies to evaluate some of the questions raised by their preliminary results.

Meanwhile, Dr. Eltahir and coauthors emphasize that both methods of breast reconstruction provided good outcomes, with similar scores for quality of life. “The study found no ideal breast reconstruction suitable for all patients,” the researchers write. “However, [it] may inform patients and medical teams in making decisions about breast reconstruction.”

Click here to read “Which Breast Is the Best? Successful Autologous or Alloplastic Breast Reconstruction: Patient-Reported Quality-of-Life Outcomes.”

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® is published by Lippincott Williams Wilkins, part of Wolters Kluwer Health.

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About Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

For more than 60 years, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® has been the one consistently excellent reference for every specialist who uses plastic surgery techniques or works in conjunction with a plastic surgeon. The official journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® brings subscribers up-to-the-minute reports on the latest techniques and follow-up for all areas of plastic and reconstructive surgery, including breast reconstruction, experimental studies, maxillofacial reconstruction, hand and microsurgery, burn repair, and cosmetic surgery, as well as news on medico-legal issues.

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The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the world’s largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons. Representing more than 7,000 Member Surgeons, the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 94 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the Society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. ASPS advances quality care to plastic surgery patients by encouraging high standards of training, ethics, physician practice and research in plastic surgery. You can learn more and visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons at http://www.plasticsurgery.org or http://www.facebook.com/PlasticSurgeryASPS and http://www.twitter.com/ASPS_news.

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