Layman Title
Effects of breast reconstruction compared to mastectomy only on survival and risk of recurrence of breast cancer
In a nutshell
This study aimed to find out if breast reconstruction using deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap reconstruction resulted in higher levels of recurrence compared to mastectomy alone. The authors found that there was no increased risk of breast cancer recurrence after this type of surgery.
Background
It has been suggested that women who have total mastectomy are less likely to have breast cancer recurrence compared to women who have breast reconstruction after mastectomy.
Methods and Findings
This study recruited 255 women who had the DIEP surgery, and 450 who did not. These women were followed up for over ten years to determine overall survival.
It was determined that recurrence of breast cancer was not statistically different in the two groups. There was no difference in overall survival found between the two groups.
The bottom line
There is no difference in survival and recurrence of breast cancer in women who had breast reconstruction using DIEP, and those who had a total mastectomy.
The fine print
This was a fairly large trial with a long follow up time.
What’s next?
The findings of this study may ease the mind of any patient concerned about their treatment choice.
Published By :
British Journal of Surgery
Date :
Jul 12, 2018
