Sk. Al-ghazal et Rw. Blamey, Subcutaneous mastectomy with implant reconstruction: cosmetic outcome and patient satisfaction, EUR J SUR O, 26(2), 2000, pp. 137-141
Aims: To assess the cosmetic outcome and satisfaction of patients who have
undergone subcutaneous mastectomy (SCM) with silicon implant reconstruction
and to investigate the factors influencing cosmesis.
Methods: A total of 101 patients who had had SCM implant reconstruction for
treatment of primary breast cancer were assessed for cosmesis by a panel u
sing photographic assessment. Satisfaction and sexuality were studied by a
self-evaluation questionnaire.
Results: A good to excellent cosmetic result was achieved in 71 (70.3%) pat
ients land in 85% of the group who had immediate insertion of the implant).
Eighty-one patients (81%) were moderately or very satisfied (96% of the imm
ediate reconstruction group were so). Factors found to influence cosmesis p
ositively were submuscular insertion of the implant (P<0.001, the lateral i
ncision approach (P<0.001) and immediate reconstruction (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The findings of this study support the use of SCM with implant
reconstruction as the simplest option in those advised to undergo mastectom
y and who wish for reconstruction.