Quality of life and effects of breast reconstruction in patients with breast deficiency: a cross-sectional study / 中华整形外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective@#To investigate the satisfaction and well-being of Chinese women with breast deficiency, and to analyze the relevant influencing factors.@*Methods@#A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-designed questionnaire to investigate the women with breast deficiency, visiting the Plastic Surgery Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from November 2013 to August 2018. The BREAST-Q BR (breast reconstruction) pre-operation and post-operation modules were used to assess the quality of life.@*Results@#A total of 139 effective questionnaires were collected, including 83 patients before BR surgery and 56 post. There was no difference in quality of life in different ages, marital status, education levels, working status, and causes of breast deficiency. Mean scores of satisfaction with breasts, psychosocial well-being and sexual well-being of patients after breast reconstruction were significantly higher than those of patients without reconstruction (P=0.000), but there was no statistical difference in physical well-being-chest score. The physical well-being abdomen scores of patients with abdominal flap reconstruction was lower than that of the patients without reconstruction (P=0.007). With regard to analysis of specific items, compared with preoperative patients, patients with abdominal flap reconstruction reported lower scores in the items related to abdominal muscle weakness (P<0.05).@*Conclusions@#The breast deficiency resulting from Poland syndrome, breast cancer and other causes, can lead to a significant decrease in quality of life. Breast reconstruction can improve satisfaction with breast, psychosocial and sexual well-being in women with breast deficiency. The abdomen well-being of patients with abdominal flap reconstruction is decreased. Therefore, more attention should be paid to retain abdominal muscles to maintain abdominal shape and motor function during operation.