BACKGROUND

Tissue expanders (TEs) are routinely placed as a first step in breast reconstruction for women who require postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT). The final reconstruction can then be performed with implants or conversion to autologous tissues. The purpose of this study was to compare patient-reported outcomes and surgical complications in autologous (ABR) versus implant-based breast reconstruction (IBR) patients following TE-PMRT.

METHODS

The authors performed a propensity score preliminary analysis (1:1 matching, no replacement) in patients undergoing ABR or IBR following TE-PMRT. Matched covariates included age, race/ethnicity, smoking status, body mass index, history of psychiatric diagnosis, and laterality of reconstruction. Outcomes of interest included complications and BREAST-Q scores for Satisfaction with Breasts, Physical Well-Being of the Chest, Sexual Well-Being, and Psychosocial Well-Being domains.

RESULTS

Of 341 patients with TE-PMRT, a total of 106 patients were included in the matched analysis: 53 ABR patients and 53 IBR patients. ABR and IBR did not differ significantly in matched baseline, cancer, and surgical characteristics. ABR patients had higher scores for Satisfaction with Breasts (greater than the four-point minimal clinically important difference) at all postreconstruction time points compared with IBR patients ( P < 0.05). There were no significant postoperative differences in other BREAST-Q domains. The incidence of complications after definitive reconstruction did not differ significantly among cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

In this matched preliminary analysis, patients who underwent ABR following irradiation to a TE demonstrated superior satisfaction with breast scores compared with IBR patients. Higher powered matched studies are needed to improve shared decision-making for patients who require mastectomy and PMRT as part of their treatment.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.