Postmastectomy breast reconstruction after previous lumpectomy and radiation therapy: analysis of complications and satisfaction

Abstract

Background: Lumpectomy and radiation therapy (breast conservation therapy [BCT]) are common treatments for early-stage breast cancer. However, many of these patients will require a subsequent salvage mastectomy and reconstruction after a locoregional recurrence. This study examines whether prior BCT leads to higher rates of complications and dissatisfaction with subsequent mastectomy and breast reconstruction.

Methods: All women undergoing initial breast reconstruction at an academic institution were identified (1999-2006). Women who had undergone prior BCT were compared with women without prior BCT. A questionnaire adapted from the Michigan Breast Reconstruction Outcomes Survey was administered. Rates of complications, as well as general and aesthetic satisfaction, were compared between the 2 groups. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the effects of prior BCT, age, comorbidities, reconstruction type, and time between radiation and reconstruction.

Results: Overall, 532 women underwent 802 reconstructions, of whom 113 women (137 reconstructions) had prior BCT. Prior BCT did not correlate with higher complication rates (odds ratio [OR] = 1.09, P = 0.690), or lower general or aesthetic satisfaction (OR = 0.84, P = 0.559; OR = 0.91, P = 0.723, respectively); however, there was an increased rate of mastectomy skin flap loss (12.4% vs. 6.8%, P = 0.024). Increasing age was the most significant risk factor for complications and dissatisfaction.

Conclusion: Radiation in the setting of BCT did not increase overall rates of complications or dissatisfaction with subsequent breast reconstruction in our patient population. These patients, however, had a higher incidence of mastectomy skin flap loss. These findings are important for preoperative counseling and intraoperative planning in patients with prior lumpectomy and radiation.