Arch Plast Surg.  2018 Nov;45(6):534-541. 10.5999/aps.2017.01725.

Skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate nipple reconstruction during autologous latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction: A review of patient satisfaction

• Hurley CM
• McArdle A
• Joyce KM
• O'Broin E

• KMID: 2427543
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2017.01725

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Nipple-areolar complex (NAC) reconstruction following curative mastectomy is traditionally performed as a second-stage procedure several months after initial breast reconstruction. The recent literature has documented the increasing popularity of immediate nipple reconstruction carried out simultaneously during autologous reconstruction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction with immediate breast and nipple reconstruction performed in a single stage after skin-sparing mastectomy.
METHODS
All patients who underwent a skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate latissimus dorsi flap breast and NAC reconstruction as a single-stage procedure from 2007 to 2015 were included. Patient demographics, oncologic details, and surgical outcomes were recorded. The BREAST-Q questionnaire was administered to patients to assess the impact and effectiveness of this reconstructive strategy.
RESULTS
During the study period, 34 breast and NAC reconstructions in 29 patients were performed at Cork University Hospital. The majority of our patient cohort were non-smokers (93.1%) and did not receive adjuvant radiotherapy. Postoperative complications were infrequent, with no cases of partial necrosis or complete loss of the nipple. The response rate to the BREAST-Q was 62% (n=18). Patients reported high levels of satisfaction with the reconstructed breast (62±4), nipple reconstruction (61±4.8), overall outcome (74.3±5), and psychosocialwell-being (77.7±3.2).
CONCLUSIONS
Skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate nipple reconstruction during autologous latissimus dorsi reconstruction was demonstrated to be a safe and aesthetically reliable procedure in our cohort, yielding high levels of psychological and physical well-being. A single-stage procedure promotes psychosocial well-being involving issues that are intrinsically linked with breast cancer surgery.

Keyword

Breast; Surgery, plastic; Patient satisfaction; Reconstructive surgical procedures

MeSH Terms

Breast Neoplasms
Breast*
Cohort Studies
Demography
Female
Humans
Mammaplasty*
Mastectomy*
Necrosis
Nipples*
Patient Satisfaction*
Postoperative Complications
Radiotherapy, Adjuvant
Reconstructive Surgical Procedures
Superficial Back Muscles*
Surgery, Plastic