Immediate versus delayed breast reconstruction: Long-term follow-up on health-related quality of life and satisfaction with breasts

Abstract

<p>Introduction: Health-related quality of life (HRQL) can be improved by breast reconstruction following mastectomy. The optimal timing of the reconstruction remains unclear. Methods: A cross-sectional study on 338 women who had undergone immediate or delayed breast reconstruction between 08/2017 and 07/2019 was performed. The postoperative HRQL was assessed using the BREAST-Q Reconstruction Module and the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36). Regression analysis was performed for group-wise comparison. Results: A total of 146 (43%) patients participated. Seventy-seven patients (53%) had undergone immediate, and 69 patients (47%) had delayed reconstruction. The median age was 55 years (interquartile ratio [IQR] 50–62) for the Immeda group te, and 60 years (IQR 54–65) for the delayed reconstruction group. The median follow-up time was 2.3 years (IQR 1.8–2.9). No difference between the groups was detected in satisfaction with breasts (median 61, IQR 53–71 vs. 62, IQR 46–71, p = 0.62), physical well-being of the chest (median 100, IQR 80–100 vs. 100, IQR 80–100, p = 0.95) or psychosocial well-being (median 69, IQR 54–83 vs. 62, IQR 54–74, p = 0.19). No difference was detected in the SF-36 domains either. Conclusions: The timing of the breast reconstruction does not affect the postoperative HRQL. Patients with both immediate and delayed breast reconstruction reported high satisfaction with the breast and psychosocial well-being.</p>