Our Summary

This research paper is about the high rate of complications and failure associated with implant-based breast reconstruction, a common procedure used after breast cancer treatment. The researchers reviewed previous studies and found that depending on how the data was reported, between 14.3% and 28.8% of patients or individual breasts experienced complications during this type of reconstruction. Major complications were reported for 72.6% of patients or 48.5% of individual breasts. Up to 37.6% of patients or 15.1% of individual breasts required removal of the implant due to severe complications. In some cases, up to 9.7% of patients or 4% of individual breasts required a different type of reconstruction (using the patient’s own tissue) due to the failure of the implant reconstruction. The researchers conclude that the decision between implant-based and autologous reconstruction should be made individually for each patient, considering the high risk of complications and failure with implants.

FAQs

  1. What is the rate of complications associated with implant-based breast reconstruction according to the research?
  2. How many patients or individual breasts required removal of the implant due to severe complications as per the research?
  3. What do researchers suggest in terms of the decision-making process between implant-based and autologous reconstruction?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient considering breast reconstruction that while implant-based reconstruction is a common option, it does come with a higher risk of complications and failure compared to using the patient’s own tissue. They may advise the patient to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of each option and make a decision based on their individual circumstances and preferences. Additionally, the doctor may recommend seeking a second opinion or consulting with a plastic surgeon who specializes in breast reconstruction to explore all available options before making a decision.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended breast reconstruction include:

  1. Women who have undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy as part of their breast cancer treatment.
  2. Patients who have a strong desire to restore their breast shape and appearance after surgery.
  3. Individuals who are in good overall health and do not have any medical conditions that could increase the risk of complications during surgery.
  4. Patients who have realistic expectations about the potential outcomes of breast reconstruction.
  5. Individuals who have discussed their options with their healthcare provider and have a clear understanding of the risks and benefits associated with the procedure.

Timeline

Before breast reconstruction, a patient typically undergoes a mastectomy to remove the breast tissue affected by cancer. This is often done as part of the breast cancer treatment process. After the mastectomy, the patient may undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy to further treat the cancer.

After the initial treatment, the patient and their medical team will discuss options for breast reconstruction. This may include implant-based reconstruction or autologous reconstruction using the patient’s own tissue. The patient will undergo a consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss the best option for their individual situation.

If the patient chooses implant-based reconstruction, the surgery will typically be scheduled a few months after the initial mastectomy to allow for healing. The reconstruction surgery involves placing a tissue expander or implant in the breast area to create a new breast shape.

After the reconstruction surgery, the patient will need to follow a recovery plan provided by their medical team. This may include restrictions on physical activity, pain management, and follow-up appointments with the plastic surgeon.

Complications can arise during the reconstruction process, such as infection, implant rupture, or capsular contracture. In some cases, these complications may require additional surgeries to correct.

If the patient experiences major complications or failure of the implant-based reconstruction, they may need to undergo a different type of reconstruction using their own tissue. This can be a more complex and lengthy process compared to implant-based reconstruction.

Overall, the timeline for breast reconstruction can vary depending on the individual patient’s situation and the type of reconstruction chosen. It is important for patients to discuss their options with their medical team and be aware of the potential risks and complications associated with breast reconstruction.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential complications and failure rates associated with implant-based breast reconstruction?
  2. How do these rates compare to those of autologous reconstruction using the patient’s own tissue?
  3. What factors should I consider when deciding between implant-based and autologous breast reconstruction?
  4. Are there any specific risk factors that may increase my likelihood of experiencing complications with implant-based reconstruction?
  5. What steps can be taken to minimize the risk of complications and failure with implant-based reconstruction?
  6. How often will I need to follow up with you after the reconstruction surgery to monitor for any potential issues?
  7. What are the signs and symptoms of complications that I should be aware of and report to you immediately?
  8. If complications do arise, what are the treatment options available to address them?
  9. How often do patients who undergo implant-based reconstruction require removal of the implant or conversion to a different type of reconstruction?
  10. Can you provide me with any additional resources or information to help me make an informed decision about the type of breast reconstruction that may be best for me?

Reference

Authors: Bucher F, Vogt PM. Journal: Ann Plast Surg. 2022 Jun 1;88(6):695-703. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000002980. Epub 2022 Feb 1. PMID: 35102018