Immediate breast reconstruction in cancer. Are women satisfied with their decision?

Abstract

Objective: To know the experiences, expectations and perceived satisfaction in a group of breast cancer women who had undergone immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy.

Material and Methods: 20 women took part in a qualitative study. 4 women were assessed through an in-depth interview and the other 16 women were divided into two focus groups (8 each). The recorded interview and focus group discussions were transcribed and analyzed using “framework analysis”.

Results: Five areas were explored: 1) Impact of cancer diagnosis, 2) Information received about the surgery, 3) Post-surgery experiences, 4) Fulfilment of expectations and 5) Satisfaction with the decision. Cancer diagnosis was overwhelming for most of the women. For women, information received was considered good and sufficient, but the study shows that after the post-surgical period, more complaints related to pain and other complications appear. The expectations about immediate breast reconstruction were linked with the final aesthetic results. Some women would choose to do the same procedure again despite the  complications but some other women would not choose the same option because of the complications and they regret their decision.

Conclusion: There is no clear and unanimous position among women about whether they would go through immediate breast reconstruction again and whether the surgery has fulfilled their expectations. The patients need complete, unbiased and appropriate information in order to be able to make an informed and shared decision. It is for that reason that we think it is necessary to devise patient decision aids which could facilitate the information delivering process to patients.