Patient-reported outcomes for nipple reconstruction: Review of literature

Abstract

Background: There is currently no validated patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) that is specific to nipple-areola complex (NAC) reconstruction. This paper evaluates all patient-reported outcomes for NAC reconstruction in the literature.

Methods: Systematic literature searches of The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were conducted to identify all primary studies with patient-reported outcomes for NAC reconstruction. The primary outcome measures were patient satisfaction rates for appearance and symmetry of NAC reconstruction.

Results: Fifty-nine papers were included in this review. Reported patient satisfaction was generally high, with the pooled average satisfaction rate for appearance being 81.9% and symmetry 80.3%. 89.5% of respondents would do it again and 94.8% would recommend it to others. There is no standardised or validated PROM specific to NAC reconstruction and this contributes to a lack of conclusive findings from studies in this area.

Conclusion: There is a need for a validated PROM that is specific to NAC reconstruction, in order to serve as a standardised outcome assessment to guide further research and improve patient care.

Keywords: Nipple reconstruction; Nipple–areola complex reconstruction; PROM; Patient satisfaction; Patient-reported outcomes.