AB053. 87. Single unit experience of patient satisfaction with breast reconstruction following mastectomy for breast cancer

Background: The primary purpose of breast reconstruction is to improve quality of life (QoL) among women undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer. Therefore, the physical and psychosocial impact of this intervention should be evaluated post-operatively in order to better understand its effect on QoL. Breast Q assesses postoperative QoL and satisfaction in the domains of physical, psychosocial and sexual well-being as well as satisfaction with the reconstruction, overall outcome and care. The aim of this study was to assess patient satisfaction and QOL in those undergoing breast reconstructions within the Breast Cancer Unit at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) between 2005 and 2016.

Methods: A questionnaire (Breast Q) was sent out to 170 patients listed within the Breast Unit reconstruction database, excluding those with disease progression.

Results: To date, 56% of those contacted have completed and returned the Breast Q survey. Preliminary data indicates higher levels of postoperative satisfaction with breasts among those with latissimus dorsi (LD) reconstruction compared to those with implant based reconstruction (P=0.003). However, there is no significant difference between these groups in the domains of postoperative psychosocial and sexual well-being or physical discomfort in the chest (P=0.951, 0.197, and 0.422).

Conclusions: Overall QoL and satisfaction was high among patients undergoing reconstruction following mastectomy at UHL especially among women with LD reconstruction. However, there is no significant difference in overall postoperative QoL based on the type of reconstruction completed. This information will help both patients and surgeons to make informed choices about reconstruction options as well as justify efforts to improve surgical technique.

Keywords: Patient satisfaction; breast; reconstruction