The impact of mastectomy and reconstruction technique on patient perceived quality of Life

BACKGROUND: We sought to evaluate the impact of mastectomy type, post-mastectomy reconstruction choice, and procedure bilaterality, on patient perceived postoperative quality of life (QoL). METHODS: Patients who underwent post-mastectomy reconstruction between 2008 and 2020 were identified in a prospective database. QoL was assessed with the BREAST-Q and the Was It Worth It (WIWI) questionnaires. The results were compared between reconstruction type, reconstruction laterality, and type of mastectomy. Responses were compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and chi-square tests. RESULTS: 568 patients met inclusion criteria, and 244 patients responded (43%). QoL did not significantly vary between different reconstructions selected, procedure laterality, or mastectomy type. Patients who underwent DIEP flap were significantly more satisfied with their reconstructed breasts than implant-based reconstruction. Overall, over 85% of patients experienced improved or unchanged QoL no matter what reconstruction choices were made. CONCLUSION: Most domains of QOL are not impacted by mastectomy type, post-mastectomy reconstruction, or laterality.