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BackgroundBiological and synthetic meshes may improve the outcomes of immediate implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) by facilitating single-stage procedures and improving cosmesis. Supporting evidence is, however, limited. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of biological and synthetic mesh on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of IBBR 18 months after surgery.MethodsConsecutive women undergoing immediate IBBR between February 2014 and June 2016 were recruited to the study. Demographic, operative, oncological and 3-month complication data were collected, and patients received validated BREAST-Q questionnaires at 18 months. The impact of different IBBR techniques on PROs were explored using mixed-effects regression models adjusted for clinically relevant confounders, and including a random effect to account for clustering by centre.ResultsA total of 1470 participants consented to receive the questionnaire and 891 completed it. Of these, 67 women underwent two-stage submuscular reconstructions. Some 764 patients had a submuscular reconstruction with biological mesh (495 women), synthetic mesh (95) or dermal sling (174). Fourteen patients had a prepectoral reconstruction. Compared with two-stage submuscular reconstructions, no significant differences in PROs were seen in biological or synthetic mesh-assisted or dermal sling procedures. However, patients undergoing prepectoral IBBR reported better satisfaction with breasts (adjusted mean difference +6.63, 95 per cent c.i. 1.65 to11.61; P = 0.009). PROs were similar to those in the National Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction Audit 2008-2009 cohort, which included two-stage submuscular procedures only.ConclusionThis study found no difference in PROs of subpectoral IBBR with or without biological or synthetic mesh, but provides early data to suggest improved satisfaction with breasts following prepectoral reconstruction. Robust evaluation is required before this approach can be adopted as standard practice.

Original publication

DOI

10.1093/bjsopen/zraa063

Type

Journal article

Journal

Bjs open

Publication Date

01/2021

Volume

5

Addresses

Population Health Sciences, Bristol Centre for Surgical Research, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK.

Keywords

implant Breast Reconstruction Evaluation (iBRA) Steering Group and the Breast Reconstruction Research Collaborative, Humans, Breast Neoplasms, Postoperative Complications, Breast Implantation, Mastectomy, Linear Models, Logistic Models, Prospective Studies, Surgical Mesh, Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Middle Aged, Patient Satisfaction, Female, Young Adult, United Kingdom, Patient Reported Outcome Measures