Satisfaction with outcome and attitudes towards scarring among women undergoing breast reconstructive surgery

Abstract

Objective: Surgical breast reconstruction following mastectomy often results in scarring not only to the breast but often to the donor-site area. However, few studies have been devoted to the potential effects of scarring among women who underwent breast reconstruction. The aim of the study was to explore these women's attitudes towards scarring.

Method: Fifteen women who had undergone Transversus Abdominis Myocutaneous (TRAM) flap breast reconstruction surgery (mean age 50 years) took part in a semi-structured qualitative interview. The interview examined their experiences of breast reconstruction surgery, post-surgical adjustment and the impact of scarring.

Results: Scarring, particularly donor-site scarring, emerged as the main area of dissatisfaction with the breast reconstruction process. Expectations of the surgery and information provided prior to surgery were also found to relate to women' reports of overall satisfaction.

Conclusion: This study highlighted that satisfaction with breast reconstruction surgery included relief at not needing to wear prostheses and increased body confidence. However, some women reported unrealistic expectations regarding the outcomes of breast reconstruction surgery including extended recovery time and donor-site scarring.

Practice implications: Future patients may therefore benefit from a patient-centred evaluation of their information needs incorporating both their preferences for type and amount of information at each stage of treatment and recovery as well as their understanding and interpretation of the information given to them.