“CLINICAL PROFILE AND SHORT-TERM OUTCOMES OF PATIENTS UNDERGOING BREAST RECONSTRUCTION AFTER MASTECTOMY”

Abstract

Background: Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction plays a vital role in the comprehensive oncologic care of breast cancer patients, restoring physical form and mitigating the profound psychosocial sequelae of mastectomy. Despite a global surge in reconstructive procedures, real-world data from tertiary care centres in low- and middle-income countries remain sparse. This study aimed to delineate the clinical profile, surgical characteristics, short-term outcomes, and patient satisfaction among women undergoing post-mastectomy breast reconstruction at a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India.

Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Plastic Surgery, Kilpauk Government Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, reviewing medical records of all eligible patients who underwent post-mastectomy breast reconstruction between January 2021 and December 2021. Data extracted included socio-demographic details, tumor staging, operative characteristics (timing, technique, mastectomy type), and short-term postoperative outcomes up to 90 days, categorized by Clavien-Dindo grading. Patient satisfaction and aesthetic outcomes were assessed at three-month follow-up using a 5-point Likert scale administered by a blinded assessor. Descriptive statistics, appropriate comparative tests, and logistic regression were employed for analysis. The study adhered to STROBE guidelines with institutional ethics committee approval.

Results: Thirty patients were enrolled, with the majority aged 40–50 years (60%) and presenting with Stage II breast malignancy (50%). Malignancy was the primary indication in 90% of cases. Immediate reconstruction was performed in 83.3% of patients, with implant-based techniques predominating (73.3%). Skin-sparing mastectomy was employed in 60% and nipple-sparing mastectomy in 40% of cases. Uneventful recovery was observed in 73.3% of patients; minor complications occurred in 20% (predominantly seroma, 10%), and major complications in 6.7%. Mean hospital stay was 4.2 days. At three-month follow-up, satisfaction with breast appearance (mean 4.1/5), surgeon care (4.7/5), and psychosocial well-being (3.8/5) were high across the cohort.

Conclusion: Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction at this tertiary care centre demonstrated a safe and satisfactory short-term profile, with immediate implant-based reconstruction as the predominant approach. The low major complication rate and high patient satisfaction affirm the feasibility and effectiveness of reconstruction in a resource-limited setting, supporting its integration into routine oncologic surgical care.