Optimizing the Timeliness of Surgical Therapy in Patients with Breast Cancer Undergoing Immediate Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND

In breast cancer, coordination of surgical therapy with immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) has been found to significantly delay surgical therapy, which in turn can have an adverse effect on patient survival. The objective of this study was to investigate factors that impact the timeliness of surgical therapy in this setting, which may help to optimize the care of patients with breast cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with breast cancer undergoing surgical therapy for breast cancer and immediate reconstruction were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent surgery ≤ 30 days (group A) and > 30 days (group B) after diagnosis. Multivariate statistical analysis of demographic, disease, surgical, and process of care factors was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 348 cases met inclusion criteria, of which 255 (73.2%) were in group A and 93 (26.7%) were in group B. No significant differences were identified in clinical stage, oncologic procedure, or type of reconstruction. On multivariate analysis, an increased likelihood of undergoing surgery ≤ 30 days of diagnosis was observed, with shorter time intervals between surgical oncologist and plastic surgeon consultations [odds ratio (OR) 1.3; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-1.6, p = 0.011]. The number of operating days in common between the surgical oncologist and plastic surgeon nor having the same clinic day impacted timeliness.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients may undergo both breast conservation surgery and mastectomy with all major types of immediate reconstruction in a timely manner. Early initiation of plastic surgery referrals and surgeon flexibility to work outside the parameters of institutional schedules may help facilitate the timeliness of surgery.