Comparison of one-stage vs two-stage prosthesis-based breast reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The one-stage reconstruction group was at significantly higher risk for reconstruction failure and overall complications than the two-stage group. No significant difference was observed between the 2 groups in the results of nipple-sparing mastectomy. The esthetic result analysis demonstrated that both methods showed comparably positive outcomes. The one-stage group incurred lower cost for completing reconstruction than the two-stage group, despite the higher cost for treatment-related complications. Our results suggest that the risks for adverse outcome in patients undergoing one-stage reconstruction may be comparable with that of two-stage reconstruction when performed in patients receiving a nipple-sparing mastectomy. However, further well-controlled studies are required to draw more solid conclusions.