Rates Of Immediate Breast Reconstruction Research Articles

04. Post-mastectomy radiotherapy in patients with immediate breast reconstruction – Results from the iBRA-2 (Immediate Breast Reconstruction and Adjuvant therapy) prospective cohort study

Introduction: Long-term data now indicates that post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) may positively impact on overall survival. As a result, the indications for PMRT are widening. Rates of immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) are increasing, but IBR remains controversial in the context of planned PMRT. The aim of this study was to examine current practice of PMRT in patients undergoing mastectomy with and without IBR in the iBRA-2 prospective cohort study.

Immediate Breast Reconstruction in De Novo Metastatic Breast Cancer: An Analysis of 563 Cases Based on the SEER Database

BackgroundControversy exists regarding the appropriateness of immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Patients and MethodsBy using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, data of patients with de novo MBC undergoing mastectomy with or without IBR were assessed. The trend of IBR in de novo MBC was explored. Comparisons of the distribution of clinicopathologic characteristics were evaluated by chi-square and Fisher exact tests. The predictors of IBR in de novo MBC were evaluated by multivariate logistic regression. The survival outcomes were compared by Cox hazards models adjusting for known clinicopathologic variables in both the entire population and in the matched cohorts. ResultsBetween 1998 and 2015, 5.2% of patients with de novo MBC undergoing mastectomy received IBR. The rate of IBR increased significantly, from 6.3% in 1998 to 16.8% in 2015. Patients undergoing IBR were younger and had smaller tumor size, fewer positive lymph nodes, lower proportion of hormone receptor–negative disease and lung metastasis, and better economic status. They were also more likely to receive radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Although IBR was an independent favorable prognostic factor for breast cancer–specific survival and overall survival in the whole population, there were no statistically significant differences between IBR and mastectomy for breast cancer–specific survival (P = .892) and overall survival (P = .708) in the well-matched analysis. ConclusionIBR in selected de novo MBC could be an acceptable practice when balancing quality of life, underlying health care burden, and oncologic risks.

The quality of breast cancer quality measures.

108 Background: To assess quality in breast cancer care, standardized metrics are needed. Many accepted breast performance metrics are based on evidence-based practice; however, most fail to reflect patient choice in treatment decisions. Given the focus on patient-centered breast care, we sought to determine how compliance with established quality metrics correlates with receipt of breast cancer care impacted by patient preference. Methods: American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Cancer Data Base facilities were designated compliant or non-compliant based on Commission of Cancer (CoC) breast metrics MASTRT, BCSRT and HT*, which all improve survival. Compliant facilities met the expected performance rate (EPR) for all three metrics, while non-compliant facilities failed to meet the EPR for any. Rates of breast conserving surgery (BCS) for early stage cancer, immediate breast reconstruction (IBR), and contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) are proposed metrics that are impacted by patient preference. For these, quality is defined as high rates of BCS, high rates of IBR, and low rates of CPM. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between facility level rates on these measures and the probability of treatment at a CoC compliant facility. Results: 729 facilities were included in the analysis. Based on the CoC measures, 79 (10.8%) were considered compliant and 650 (89.2%) non-compliant. Rates of BCS and IBR did not differ between compliant and non-compliant facilities; however, women treated at compliant facilities were more likely to undergo CPM (26.3% vs 21.4%; p = 0.02). In a multivariate model treatment at compliant facilities was associated with higher rates of BCS, IBR, and CPM; however, the predictive value of these metrics was minimal (Estimated OR range: 1.01-1.03). Conclusions: Rates of preference driven therapies do not differentiate CoC compliant and non-compliant hospitals. The quality of a hospital’s breast care is likely poorly measured by metrics that are influenced by, but cannot account for patient values. *MASTRT (RT≤1yr of diagnosis in women with ≥4 +lymph nodes); BCSRT (RT ≤1yr of diagnosis for women ≤70 receiving BCS); HT (hormone therapy recommended ≤1yr of diagnosis for HR-positive breast cancer)

2062. Patterns of Post-Mastectomy Radiotherapy In Patients With Immediate Breast Reconstruction – Results From The Ibra-2 (Immediate Breast Reconstruction And Adjuvant Therapy) Prospective Cohort Study

Background: Long-term data now indicates that post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) may positively impact on overall survival. As a result, the indications for PMRT in women with breast cancer are widening. Rates of immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) are increasing, but IBR remains controversial in the context of planned PMRT. The current practice of PMRT is unknown. The aim was this study was to determine patterns of PMRT in patients undergoing mastectomy with and without IBR in the iBRA-2 prospective cohort study.

Regional Market Competition and the Use of Immediate Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy.

Prior work has shown that the competitiveness of the market in which hospitals operate is associated with use of surgical procedures. This study examined the association between regional market competition and use of breast reconstruction for women with breast cancer and ductal carcinoma in situ undergoing mastectomy. Women who underwent mastectomy from 2010 to 2011 recorded in the National Inpatient Sample were selected. The competitive market environment for each hospital in which patients were treated was estimated using the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index. Multivariable models were developed to examine the association between regional market competition and breast reconstruction, with adjustment for other clinical, demographic, and structural variables. Immediate breast reconstruction was performed for 9902 (45%) of 22,011 women. The rate of immediate breast reconstruction was 34.5% at hospitals in non-competitive markets, 49% at hospitals in moderately competitive markets, and 56.4% at hospitals in highly competitive markets (P < 0.0001). In a multivariable model, women in moderately competitive markets were 24% (risk ratio [RR] 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10-1.41) more likely to undergo immediate breast reconstruction than women in noncompetitive markets, whereas those in competitive markets were 25% (RR 1.25; 95% CI 1.11-1.41) more likely to have reconstruction. Later year of treatment, higher census tract income level, and residence in an urban area were associated with an increased likelihood of reconstruction (P < 0.05 for all). In contrast, older age, non-white race, and non-commercial insurance were associated with a lower likelihood of reconstruction (P < 0.05 for all). Patients who undergo mastectomy at hospitals in competitive markets are more likely to undergo immediate breast reconstruction.

Abstract 92: Immediate Breast Reconstruction in Alberta: A Canadian Perspective

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to assess the variations in immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) in the province of Alberta, Canada. More specifically, we sought to determine the rate of IBR and to understand the wait time differences that exist between urban and rural hospital settings and trends in reconstruction type. METHODS: A patient database was created using a provincial cancer registry database cross referenced with the National Ambulatory Care Reporting System and the Discharge Abstract Database. Appropriate mastectomy and breast reconstruction codes were identified using procedure codes outlined in the Canadian Classification of Health Interventions. Women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive carcinomas between the fiscal years 2005–2015 were included. Immediate breast reconstruction patients were then identified and patient demographic data, breast reconstruction details, and geographical information were obtained. Rural and urban populations were defined using Canada Statistical Guidelines for further analysis. RESULTS: In the ten-year time period examined, 9,373 breast cancer patients underwent mastectomy in Alberta. There were 1,568 (16.7%) patients with delayed reconstruction, 547 (5.8%) patients with immediate reconstruction and 7,258 (77.5%) patients without breast reconstruction. Compared to women not undergoing reconstruction, IBR patients were significantly younger (48.4 vs. 62.7, p<0.001). Fewer women undergoing IBR required RT (60/547, 11.0%) compared to women who did not undergo reconstruction (2166/7258, 29.8%, p<0.001) and AJCC staging tended to be lower in women undergoing IBR. There were 76 (2.8%) women living in rural and 471 (6.7%) in urban areas who underwent IBR. Average age of rural and urban women were similar (49.1 vs. 48.3, p=0.05). Time from breast cancer diagnosis to mastectomy and reconstruction was an average of 14.7 for rural women vs. 14.5 weeks for urban women (p=0.9) and both waited similar times for flap or implant-based reconstruction. In relation to type, implant-based reconstruction was more common in both patient populations (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Differences in breast reconstruction patterns based on demographic factors have been described in the literature. This study of a large North American patient population highlights such differences. Younger women with better prognostic factors who live in urban settings have higher rates of immediate breast reconstruction. Knowledge of this can help us to mitigate these disparities by improving access to immediate breast reconstruction for certain populations. J.P. Stone: None. S. Sarmiento: None. J. Bu: None. D. Bhat: None. C. Temple-Oberle: None.

Influence of race, insurance status, and geographic access to plastic surgeons on immediate breast reconstruction rates

BackgroundThis study evaluates the rates of immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) among racial and insurance status subgroups, in the setting of a changing plastic surgeon workforce. MethodsUsing state level inpatient and ambulatory surgery data, we identified discharges for adult women who underwent mastectomy for breast cancer. This information was supplemented with plastic surgeon workforce data and aggregated to the health service area-level (HSA). Hierarchical linear models were used to risk standardized IBR rates for 8 race-payer subgroups. ResultsThe final cohort included 65,246 women treated across 67 HSAs. The plastic surgeon density per 100,000 population directly related to the IBR rate. While all subgroups saw a modest increase in IBR rates, Caucasian women with private insurance realized the largest absolute increase (46%) while African-American and Asian women with public insurance saw the smallest increase (6%). ConclusionSignificant disparities persist in the provision of IBR according to the form of insurance a patient possesses. Of heightened concern is the novel finding that even within privately insured patients, women of color have significantly lower IBR rates compared to Caucasian women.

Regional variation in immediate breast reconstruction in Australia.

BackgroundBreast reconstruction following mastectomy has proven benefits and is the standard of care in many high‐income countries. This audit documented regional variation in immediate breast reconstruction rates across Australia.MethodsThe Breast Surgeons of Australia and New Zealand (BreastSurgANZ) Quality Audit database and geospatial software were used to model the distribution of breast reconstructions performed on women having mastectomy in Australia in 2013. Geospatial mapping identified the distribution of these procedures in relation to the Greater Capital City Statistical Areas (GCCSAs) of the five largest states. Data were analysed using χ2 tests of independence and an independent‐samples t test.ResultsOf 3786 patients having a mastectomy, 692 underwent breast reconstruction of which 679 (98·1 per cent) were immediate reconstructions. Rates of reconstruction differed significantly between jurisdictions (χ2 = 164·90), and were significantly higher in GCCSAs (χ2 = 144·60) and private hospitals (χ2 = 50·72) (all P < 0·001). Immediate breast reconstruction was not reported for 43·8 per cent of hospitals where mastectomy was conducted by members of BreastSurgANZ, including 29·8 per cent of hospitals within GCCSAs. A wider age range of women appeared to have had immediate reconstructions at hospitals within GCCSAs, although the difference in mean age between regions was not significant. Immediate breast reconstruction was considerably less likely to be performed in women who lived in areas of lower to mid socioeconomic status.ConclusionVariations in the rate of immediate breast reconstruction may not be purely resource‐driven.

Improved Rates of Immediate Breast Reconstruction at Safety Net Hospitals

Substantial federal resources have been directed toward ensuring the delivery of high-quality care at safety net hospitals. Although disparities in receipt of breast reconstruction persist at the patient level, the extent to which hospital factors contribute to these differences remains unclear. The rates of immediate breast reconstruction across safety net and non-safety net hospitals were investigated. Women 21 years and older with breast cancer or increased risk of breast cancer undergoing immediate post-mastectomy reconstruction were identified in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. Safety net hospitals were defined as hospitals with the highest tertile of Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payment adjustments. Adjusted odds ratios of undergoing reconstruction were calculated. Thirty-one percent of patients (n = 10,910) at safety net hospitals underwent immediate reconstruction compared with 46 percent of patients (n = 14,619) at non-safety net hospitals (p < 0.001). Logistic regression revealed that women at non-safety net hospitals were significantly more likely to undergo reconstruction (OR, 1.89; 95 percent CI, 1.65 to 2.16). However, analysis by study year revealed that rates of reconstruction at safety net hospitals increased over time. After accounting for sociodemographic factors, women undergoing mastectomies at safety net hospitals remain less likely to undergo immediate breast reconstruction. However, the differences in rates of reconstruction between safety net and non-safety net hospitals have narrowed over time. The availability of immediate reconstruction lessens the psychological trauma of mastectomy, and it is critical to continue redirecting federal efforts toward this valuable component of breast cancer care. Risk, II.

National Breast Reconstruction Utilization in the Setting of Postmastectomy Radiotherapy.

Background Immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) is often deferred, when postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) is anticipated, due to high complication rates. Nonetheless, because of robust data supporting improved health-related quality of life associated with reconstruction, physicians and patients may be more accepting of tradeoffs. The current study explores national trends of IBR utilization rates and methods in the setting of PMRT, using the National Cancer Database (NCDB). The study hypothesis is that prosthetic techniques have become the most common method of IBR in the setting of PMRT. Methods NCDB was queried from 2004 to 2013 for women, who underwent mastectomy with or without IBR. Patients were grouped according to PMRT status. Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate odds of IBR in the setting of PMRT. Trend analyses were done for rates and methods of IBR using Poisson regression to determine incidence rate ratios (IRRs). Results In multivariate analysis, radiated patients were 30% less likely to receive IBR (p < 0.05). The rate increase in IBR was greater in radiated compared with nonradiated patients (IRR: 1.12 vs. 1.09). Rates of reconstruction increased more so in radiated compared with nonradiated patients for both implants (IRR 1.15 vs. 1.11) and autologous techniques (IRR 1.08 vs. 1.06). Autologous reconstructions were more common in those receiving PMRT until 2005 (p < 0.05), with no predominant technique thereafter. Conclusion Although IBR remains a relative contraindication, rates of IBR are increasing to a greater extent in patients receiving PMRT. Implants have surpassed autologous techniques as the most commonly used method of breast reconstruction in this setting.

Breast reconstruction and radiotherapy

In recent years there were significant advances in auto- and heterological breast reconstruction. Reconstruction with implants after mastectomy is being used more of ten. A recent study conducted by Albronoz et al, based on Nationwide Inpatient Sample data, found an increasing rate of immediate breast reconstruction with implants af ter mastectomy up to 11%, compared to autological methods of reconstruction [Barreau-Pouhaer L., 1992]. A possible reason for this increase is the growing number of young patients who need a mastectomy, but have not enough fat tissue for autological reconstruction. The purpose of reconstruction is to reach a long-term, oncologically safe and aesthetically pleasing result with reasonable operation expenses. Radiation therapy after mastectomy, as part of a complex treatment, is needed for an increasing amount of patients with breast cancer. Radiation therapy is a vital par t of cancer treatment, but often causes complications. Patients should be informed and consulted about potential complications so they can make reasonable decisions about their treatment.

What is new in the surgical management and prevention of breast cancer?

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in Australian women. As most women now survive breast cancer, improving quality-of-life outcomes is increasingly important and major changes are occurring in breast surgery to meet this challenge. Use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy results in lower mastectomy rates, broader surgical options and less surgical morbidity. Oncoplastic breast surgery (OBS) facilitates less frequent need for mastectomy, better aesthetic outcomes and improved quality of life. Immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) improves quality of life and can be considered in a large proportion of women requiring mastectomy; however, Australia's rate of IBR is low compared with similar countries. Breast cancer risk reduction can be achieved with lifestyle modifications and, in women at high risk, chemoprevention with selective oestrogen receptor modulators or aromatase inhibitors. Bilateral prophylactic mastectomy is an option for BRCA gene mutation carriers or those women otherwise established to have a high level of risk. Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) is increasingly performed at the time of initial breast cancer management, largely driven by patient preference. However, CPM does not improve survival and has similar rates of complications as therapeutic mastectomy. It should be cautiously considered, with full discussion of risks and benefits. Breast Surgeons of Australia and New Zealand (BreastSurgANZ) coordinates training of most new breast surgeons and is fostering a broader range of multidisciplinary oncology, OBS and IBR skills in its members. The BreastSurgANZ Quality Audit monitors the quality of care provided by members. Training breast surgeons now have access to a Graduate Certificate in Surgery (Breast Surgery) to broaden their knowledge base.

Influence of complications following immediate breast reconstruction on breast cancer recurrence rates.

The rate of immediate breast reconstruction is rising. Postoperative infections are more frequent in patients who undergo reconstruction. The inflammatory response to a postoperative infection can increase the risk of tumour recurrence in other forms of cancer through the release of proinflammatory mediators. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between complications and breast cancer recurrence in patients undergoing immediate reconstruction. This was a review of a prospectively maintained database of all patients who had immediate breast reconstruction between 2004 and 2009 at Galway University Hospital, a tertiary breast cancer referral centre serving the west of Ireland. All patients had a minimum follow-up of 5 years. Outcomes assessed included the development of wound complications and breast cancer recurrence. The data were evaluated by univariable and multivariable Cox regression analysis. A total of 229 patients who underwent immediate reconstruction were identified. The overall 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was 85·6 per cent. Fifty-three patients (23·1 per cent) had wound complications, of whom 44 (19·2 per cent) developed a wound infection. There was a significantly greater risk of developing systemic recurrence among patients who experienced a postoperative wound complication compared with those without a complication (hazard ratio 4·94, 95 per cent c.i. 2·72 to 8·95; P < 0·001). This remained significant after adjusting for Nottingham Prognostic Index group in the multivariable analysis. The 5-year recurrence-free survival rate for patients who had a wound complication was 64 per cent, compared with 89·2 per cent in patients without a complication (P < 0·001). This study has demonstrated that wound complications after immediate breast reconstructive surgery have significant implications for patients with breast cancer. Strategies are required to minimize the risk of postoperative wound complications in patients with breast cancer undergoing immediate reconstruction.

Tolérance du lambeau de grand dorsal sans prothèse à la radiothérapie en reconstruction mammaire immédiate

Rates of immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) after mastectomy are currently increasing, leading us to evaluate outcomes of breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi without implant followed by adjuvant radiotherapy. From January 1999 to August 2013, 31 breast reconstructions with latissimus dorsi have been irradiated. Patients have been selected from a prospective database and contacted to evaluate outcomes of breast reconstruction, and 2 patients have been lost. Median follow-up was 6.5 years. Breast reconstruction outcomes were evaluated as very good or good in 86% of cases, with breast reconstructed consistency as very good or good in 93% of cases. An additional fat grafting has been performed for 58% of cases (mean volume transferred of 250 cc) and was associated with contralateral breast reduction in 32% of the whole population. IBR was judged as essential for 79% of women a posteriori. In our experience, latissimus dorsi has a good tolerance to adjuvant irradiation, and may be offered to patients willing to benefit of an IBR even if postoperative radiotherapy is scheduled.

Complications following immediate breast reconstruction and influence on breast cancer recurrence rates.

11022 Background: The rate of immediate breast reconstruction has risen over the past number of years. Post-operative infections are more frequent in patients who undergo reconstruction. The inflam...

National trends and complication rates after bilateral mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction from 2005 to 2012

BackgroundThis study’s purpose was to examine the national rate of breast cancer patients undergoing bilateral mastectomy (BM) and immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) and their associated complication rates. MethodsUsing the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy between 2005 and 2012 were identified. Rates in BM and IBR as well as associated complication rates were evaluated. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of BM, IBR, and complications. ResultsA total of 56,905 breast cancer patients underwent mastectomy. The rate of BM tripled (9.14% vs 25.44%, P < .0001) and the rate of IBR increased by 50% (29.73% vs 44.68%, P < .0001). Complication rates were higher in patients undergoing BM compared with unilateral mastectomy (11.49% vs 9.52%, P < .0001) and in patients undergoing IBR compared with mastectomy alone (11.62% vs 8.91%, P < .0001). White race and age less than 40 years were predictors of patients undergoing BM and IBR. ConclusionsThe rates of BM and associated IBR have increased significantly since 2005 despite higher complication rates. Further research is needed to understand the reasons for these trends.

Does Immediate Tissue Expander Placement Increase Immediate Postoperative Complications in Patients with Breast Cancer?

The objectives of this study were to evaluate 1) the rate of immediate breast reconstruction; 2) the frequency of immediate tissue expander placement; and 3) to compare perioperative outcomes in patients who underwent breast reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer with immediate tissue expander placement (TE) with those with no reconstruction (NR). Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, we examined the clinical data of patients with breast cancer who underwent mastectomy with or without immediate TE from 2006 to 2010 in the United States. A total of 344,253 patients with breast cancer underwent mastectomy in this period in the United States. Of these patients, 31 per cent had immediate breast reconstruction. We only included patients with mastectomy and no reconstruction (NR: 237,825 patients) and patients who underwent only TE placement with no other reconstruction combination (TE: 61,178 patients) to this study. Patients in the TE group had a lower overall postoperative complication rate (2.6 vs 5.5%; P < 0.01) and lower in-hospital mortality rate (0.01 vs 0.09%; P < 0.01) compared with the NR group. Fifty-three per cent of patients in the NR group were discharged the day of surgery compared with 36 per cent of patients in the TE group. Using multivariate regression analyses and adjusting patient characteristics and comorbidities, patients in the TE group had a significantly lower overall complication rate (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.6) and lower in-hospital mortality (AOR, 0.2) compared with the NR group. The rate of immediate reconstruction is 31 per cent. TE alone is the most common type of immediate reconstruction (57%). There is a lower complication rate for the patients who underwent immediate TE versus the no-reconstruction cohort.

Multidisciplinary assessment for immediate breast reconstruction: A new approach

AimRates of immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) following a mastectomy in Canada have historically been low. To address this deficiency, our group established Canada's first multidisciplinary IBR clinic with the purpose of determining if the clinic increased our institutional rate of IBR and to evaluate the impact of IBR on quality of life in women with breast cancer.Patients and MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed to determine the percentage of clinic attendees that had IBR and the total number of IBR procedures done at our institution in the first year of the clinic. This rate was compared to a historical control to determine if the initiation of the clinic correlated with an increase in the number of women undergoing IBR. Finally, patients who underwent IBR were administered the BREAST‐Q, a validated questionnaire, which was compared to a delayed breast reconstruction control group.ResultsOur institution's overall rate of IBR increased from 15 per cent in 2009 to 37 per cent in 2011. Women who underwent delayed reconstruction were found to have significantly reduced psychosocial and sexual wellbeing preoperatively.ConclusionA high rate of IBR is obtainable with increased awareness and a process to facilitate a multidisciplinary approach to surgically treating women with breast cancer.

Barriers to immediate breast reconstruction in the Canadian universal health care system.

To describe the population-based rates of immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) for all women undergoing mastectomy for treatment or prophylaxis of breast cancer in the past decade, and to evaluate geographic, institutional, and patient factors that influence use in the publically funded Canadian health care system. This population-based retrospective cohort study used administrative data that included 28,176 women who underwent mastectomy (25,141 mastectomy alone and 3,035 IBR) between April 1, 2002, and March 31, 2012, in Ontario, Canada. We evaluated factors associated with IBR by using a multivariable logistic regression model with the generalized estimating equation approach. The population-based, age-adjusted IBR rate increased from 5.1 procedures to 8.7 in 100,000 adult women (43.7%; P < .001), and the increase was greatest for prophylactic mastectomy or therapeutic mastectomy for in situ breast cancer (78.6%; P < .001). Women who lived in neighborhoods with higher median income had significantly increased odds of IBR compared with mastectomy alone (odds ratio [OR], 1.71; 95% CI, 1.47 to 2.00), and immigrant women had significantly lower odds (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.78). A patient had nearly twice the odds of receiving IBR when she was treated at a teaching hospital (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.06) or at a hospital with two or more available plastic surgeons (OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.53 to 2.65). Patients who received IBR traveled significantly farther compared with those who received mastectomy alone (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.05 for every 10 km increase). IBR is available to select patients with favorable clinical and demographic characteristics who travel farther to undergo surgery at teaching hospitals with two or more available plastic surgeons.

Trends in the use of bilateral mastectomy in England from 2002 to 2011: retrospective analysis of hospital episode statistics

ObjectivesFor healthy women at high risk of developing breast cancer, a bilateral mastectomy can reduce future risk. For women who already have unilateral breast cancer, removing the contralateral healthy breast...