Patient-reported Outcomes and 3-dimensional Surface Imaging after Risk-reducing Mastectomy and Immediate Breast Reconstruction

Abstract

Background: The cosmetic results after risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM) and immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) are intended to be long-lasting. Long-term follow-up of the cosmetic outcome can be evaluated subjectively by the women themselves through patient-reported outcome measures such as questionnaires, or by using data from three-dimensional surface imaging (3D-SI) to calculate the volume, shape, and symmetry of the reconstructed breasts as a more objective cosmetic evaluation. The study aim was to evaluate the correspondence between patient-reported measures and 3D-SI measurements. Methods: Questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-BRECON23 and BIS) were sent to women on average 13 [7–20] years after RRM and IBR. Items were preselected for comparison with 3D measurements of women imaged using the VECTRA XT 3D-imaging system at the long-term follow-up. Results: Questionnaire responses and 3D images of 58 women, 36 without and 22 with previous breast cancer (where 15 also received radiotherapy) before RRM and IBR, were analyzed. Median age at follow-up was 57 [41–73] years. Patient-reported satisfaction with the cosmetic outcome was positive for both groups. 3D measurements indicated more symmetrical cosmetic results for women without previous breast cancer. No statistically significant associations between patient-reported satisfaction and 3D measurements were found. Conclusions: Satisfaction with the long-term cosmetic outcome after RRM and IBR was, in general, positive when evaluated by the women. 3D-SI could be used as a more objective approach to assess the cosmetic outcome in terms of volume and shape-symmetry; however, it does not directly translate to the patient-reported satisfaction.