Effect of Post-Mastectomy Autologous versus Implant Reconstruction on Body Image and Quality of Life among Egyptian Women

Abstract

Abstract Purpose The ultimate goal is to evaluate patient satisfaction with autologous versus implant breast reconstruction, as well as the influence of these surgeries on the quality of life and body image of women who have had a mastectomy for breast cancer. Method A multicenter, retrospective, cross-sectional study included 117 patients who underwent mastectomy and subsequent breast reconstruction surgery at El Demerdash University Hospital and Alexandria Main University Hospital between January 2017 and March 2021. A BREAST-Q 2-0 Reconstruction module questionnaire was given to each patient. Result 117 patients were divided into two groups: autologous breast reconstruction ABR (n = 77) and implant-based breast reconstruction IBR (n = 40). The ABR group was operated on using Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous (TRAM) or latissimus Doris (LD) flaps. The average age of the participants in the study was 44.51 ± 6.88. Patients with silicone implants were younger on average than those with LD or TRAM flaps. The patient's quality of life in the two areas evaluated (psychosocial and physical well-being) was excellent in implant repair but poor in TRAM flap, according to our findings. In TRAM flap, we also discovered that overall satisfaction with the breast was low. Conculsion TRAM flap produces a low quality of life and overall satisfaction with the breast, whereas implant reconstruction provides a high quality of life.