Breast Reconstruction Post Mastectomy:Patient Satisfaction and Decision making

Abstract

Background: Although breast reconstruction has been shown to improve psychological, physical, and sexual well-being, India still has one of the lowest reconstruction rates among developing countries.Objectives:This study investigates both the quality-of-life benefits of reconstruction and the factors that influence patients ‘decisions of whether or not to undergo reconstruction.Methods: A retrospective cohort study among 300 consecutive mastectomy patients from 2008 to 2019 uses an internationally validated questionnaire(BREAST-Q) to evaluate patients’ satisfaction with or without breast reconstruction. In addition, analysis of factors that influence patients’decisions of whether to undergo reconstruction was studied. SPSS (trial version 24) was used for analysis.

Results: Two hundred ten patients responded (70%) and of the 170 patients who elected to participate, 89 were in the ‘‘reconstruction group’’ and 81 in the ‘‘no-reconstruction group’’ post mastectomy.The reconstruction group showed statistically significantly higher BREAST-Q scores with regard to satisfaction with the breast (P<0.05), psychological well-being (P =0.01). For the reconstruction group, the main reasons for undergoing reconstruction included improved self-image,more clothing choices, and the feeling of overcoming the cancer. Conclusion:Breast reconstruction should be seen as an integral part in the comprehensive care of women with breast cancer and an important health care priority in India.