Patient-reported outcomes measured by BREAST-Q after implant-based breast reconstruction: A cross-sectional controlled study in Brazilian patients.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess patient-reported outcomes of breast reconstruction with implants, using the BREAST-Q, in the late postoperative period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 114 women previously operated due to breast cancer, in the late postoperative period (range 6-24 months) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study, and were allocated to either the mastectomy group (MG, n = 57) or reconstruction group (RG, n = 57). Patients in MG and RG, respectively, completed the Brazilian versions of Mastectomy and Reconstruction Modules of the BREAST-Q.

RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 46.6 and 44.3 years in MG and RG, respectively. All patients underwent chemotherapy and 6% and 11% of patients underwent radiotherapy in MG and RG, respectively. Patients in the RG reported higher satisfaction with surgical outcome (P < 0.0001). However, no significant between-group differences were found in physical and sexual well-being, or satisfaction with the plastic surgeon, medical team, and office staff.

CONCLUSION: Breast reconstruction with implants increased patient satisfaction with the surgical outcome, but did not influence patients' physical and sexual well-being or their satisfaction with the treatment received.