Analysis of patient satisfaction and quality of life with autologous tissue versus prosthetic-based breast reconstruction in postmastectomy patients

Problem: In plastic surgery, and breast surgery in particular, surgical success consists of two components: 1) maintaining a low incidence of morbidity and mortality and 2) achieving patient satisfaction and quality of life1--3. Patient reported outcome measurement (PROM) studies are the mainstay methods in evaluating patient satisfaction and quality of life. Even so, validated, specific questionnaires assessing patient satisfaction and quality of life in the plastic surgery field have been lacking. Recently, an innovative, validated, questionnaire titled "The BREAST-Q" was developed. This questionnaire specifically evaluates each component of patient satisfaction and quality of life in its entirety. In reconstructive breast surgery specifically, no study has evaluated the aforementioned six components of patient satisfaction and quality of life in post-mastectomy patients. This study will address this gap and assess patient satisfaction and quality of life between the two types of breast reconstruction, namely autologous and prosthetic-based breast reconstruction. Evidence Acquisition: The BREAST-Q will be administered to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) patients receiving breast reconstruction one year after reconstructive completion. Results: Results will assist practitioners in the creation of new surgical techniques, alteration of present techniques and methods of patient education, aid in assessment and documentation of clinical performance and support cost-effectiveness analysis. Conclusion: These changes will increase psychosocial, sexual, and quality of life outcomes, as well as patient satisfaction in future patients undergoing breast reconstruction.