Skin reducing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction: The effect of radiotherapy on complications and patient reported outcomes

AimSkin reducing mastectomy, dermal sling and immediate implant reconstruction (SRMIR) is an emerging technique where, de-epithelialised inferior skin flap sutured to pectoralis major provides vascularised, dermal sling for the implant. We aimed to assess patient satisfaction following SRMIR and determine if radiotherapy affected patient reported outcomes.MethodA prospective database of women undergoing SRMIR was analysed. SRMIR was performed in 92 women (116 breasts). Radiotherapy was received by 45 women and it was not required in 47 women. Forty eight women had contralateral surgery: 21 breast reduction/mastopexy, 1 augmentation, 26 mastectomy/reconstruction. A validated breast evaluation questionnaire provided patient reported outcomes.ResultsMedian follow up was 20 months. Early complications were similar in both groups, but those in the radiotherapy group had a higher incidence of implant loss (6/45 = 13% vs 1/47 = 2%; p = 0.06) and grade III/IV capsular contracture (11/45 = 24% vs 6/47 = 13%; p = 0.20).The outcome questionnaire was sent to 83 women who were disease free and had retained their implants. Sixty three women responded (76%). Patient reported satisfaction was high, with or without radiotherapy. Women receiving radiotherapy gave lower scores, but it was statistically significant only for general appearance and symmetry.ConclusionsAlthough complications after radiotherapy are higher in patients who had SRMIR, the majority of women who retained their implant are highly satisfied with their reconstruction. Majority of these patients were happy to recommend SRMIR procedure to their friend.