Abstract
BackgroundThe majority of English literature has reported on the somewhat conflicted outcomes of the effect of radiotherapy on immediate breast reconstruction. However, data specifically related to patients of Asian descent has been scarce. This retrospective study aims to shed light on this topic to aid in the management of this group of patients. MethodsAll patients who received immediate free perforator flap-based breast reconstruction under a single surgeon over a 10-year period were included in the study. Patient characteristics, oncological and surgical data were collected. Patients were divided into post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) and non-PMRT groups. The final aesthetic outcome was assessed by a surgeon-reported outcome questionnaire. Patient satisfaction and psychological outcomes were assessed using validated patient-reported outcome (PRO) questionnaire (BREAST-Q), breast reconstruction, and postoperative module. ResultsA total of 101 women, with an average age of 44.7 ± 8.4 underwent perforator flap-based reconstruction. Fifteen patients received PMRT, with remaining 86 patients in the non-PMRT group. The mean duration of follow-up was over 5 years (p = 0.514). The recurrence rate was acceptable in the PMRT group (3/15, p = 0.129). There were no significant differences in complication rates between the two groups (p = 1.000). The aesthetic outcomes were comparable (p = 0.342). PRO appears to be lower in the PMRT group. ConclusionsImmediate breast reconstruction with PMRT in the local patient cohort is oncologically safe, acceptable complication profile, revision rate, and aesthetic outcome. PRO showed lower scores in several categories, which differ from normative data generated in the Western population. Further studies will need to examine the confounding effects of radiation in this specific population.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
