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Postmastectomy radiotherapy did not impact quality of life

Postmastectomy radiotherapy had no impact on a number of outcomes after free flap based breast reconstruction, including quality of life and satisfaction with the outcome.

The current study included 230 patients undergoing procedures at a single center between January 2013 and December 2016. The researchers evaluated whether postprocedural radiotherapy improved the aforementioned outcomes. Clinical outcomes included fat necrosis of the flap and its severity, according to the researchers.

Clinicians used the BREAST Q questionnaire to determine quality of life outcomes, along with general satisfaction and satisfaction with the aesthetic outcomes of the surgery.

The current data set includes a mean follow-up duration of 23 months (6 to 48 months).

Results indicated no significant differences in terms of quality of life or satisfaction scores among patients in the post-mastectomy radiotherapy arm vs. those who did not receive radiotherapy.

Fat necrosis also did not significantly differ, with 11.1% of those in the radiotherapy group and 13.76% of those in the nonradiotherapy group experiencing this outcome.

“The potential need for postoperative radiotherapy should not hinder women from the benefits of autologous immediate breast reconstruction,” the researchers concluded. – by Rob Volansky

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.