[Method of esthetic evaluation of the reconstructed breast after cancer. Report of 76 cases]

Abstract

The authors propose a simple method of aesthetic evaluation of breast reconstructions after cancer, based on a 20-point score. In the 76 patients included in this study and mainly reconstructed by implant, the following seven criteria were evaluated by a score: the reconstructed breast, the symmetrized breast, symmetry of the 2 breasts, the areola, the nipple, the areolo-nipple complex (ANC) and the overall reconstruction. The first score was established during the visit by the patient and independently by the same plastic surgeon. The score was then established during two sessions of projection of standardized photographs, by two groups, A and B, composed of 9 nurses and secretaries and 10 plastic surgeons, respectively. Statistical analysis of the results showed that the scores for these criteria were all correlated for all examiners. This study confirms the reliability of aesthetic evaluation of breast reconstruction after cancer, by a group composed of 2 men and 2 women, surgeons or non-surgeons, on photographs or on clinical examination, based on a 20-point score.