An evaluation of patient reported outcomes following breast reconstruction utilizing Breast Q

IntroductionBreast Q questionnaire measures patient's perceptions following breast reconstruction using quality of life and satisfaction. This study assessed patient reported outcomes following mastectomy and reconstruction utilizing Breast Q.MethodsAll consecutive Letterkenny Hospital patients undergoing mastectomy and breast reconstruction between August 2008 and February 2011 were invited to complete Breast Q evaluation of their care. Collected data included: age; presenting complaint, height, weight; type of operation. RUMM 2020 program evaluated satisfaction where 0 is very dissatisfied to 100 very satisfied.Results30/33 (91%) patients completed Breast Q; mean age 43 ± 11 (range 29–64); mean BMI 27.3 ± 5 (range 21.7–43.1). 27 patients were symptomatic, and 3 were image detected. 23 had a latissimus dorsi reconstruction, 11 of these with implant augmentation, 5 had a DIEP and 2 implant only reconstruction. The mean satisfaction score of 79.7 indicating good to excellent results. Post reconstructive outcomes were not statistically different from pre-operative perceptions in key areas such as satisfaction with breasts, psychosocial and sexual well-being.ConclusionThis study identified outcomes as good as if not superior to international averages with preservation of satisfaction with breast and psychosocial well-being. Breast Q could help form a template for national benchmarks in patients undergoing mastectomy and reconstruction.