J Reconstr Microsurg 2006; 22 - A067
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-947945

Quality of Life and Patient Satisfaction after Breast Reconstruction: Free TRAM vs. Expansion/Implant

Laszlo Kovacs 1, Nikolaos Papadopulos 1, Mrkus Kloeppel 1, Katja Schwenzer 1, H Seitz 1, Edgar Biemer 1
  • 1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Center for Advanced Studies in Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Technical University Munich, and Center for Advanced European Studies and Research, Bonn, Germany

Nowadays the array of methods for reconstruction of the female breast following mastectomy is vast. In this study, the authors investigated and compared the quality of life after breast reconstruction and satisfaction with the operative result of the two most commonly used methods (expander/implant vs. autologous tissue).

Ninety–one consecutive patients who had undergone breast reconstruction between 1996 and 2001 were evaluated. Quality of life was assessed using a standardized questionnaire [Questionnaire on Life Satisfaction Module (FLZM)] and compared to the quality of life of healthy women. Additionally, a self–developed questionnaire was used by the patients in order to be able to evaluate the operative result.

The patients were generally more satisfied with the operative outcome when autologous tissue was used. This was statistically significant in the following areas: size of the breast, form, definition of the lower breast fold, softness of the breast and symmetry of the breasts. In both groups, quality of life following breast reconstruction at least 2 years postoperatively was equal to the quality of life of healthy women of the same age group. Although patients were more satisfied with the operative results after autologous breast reconstruction, procedure choice did not affect the quality of life.