Effective breast reconstruction in female veterans

• Published in: The American journal of surgery Vol. 198; no. 5; pp. 658 - 663
• Main Authors: Leong, Mimi, M.D., M.S, Chike-Obi, Chuma J., M.D, Basu, C. Bob, M.D., M.P.H, Lee, Edward I., M.D, Albo, Daniel, M.D., Ph.D, Netscher, David T., M.D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Inc 01.11.2009; Elsevier; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Breast cancer; Breast Neoplasms - surgery; Breast reconstruction; Cancer; Complications; Demographics; Demography; Female; Female veterans; General aspects; Hospitals, Veterans; Humans; Mastectomy; Mastectomy - statistics & numerical data; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Multidisciplinary teams; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local - surgery; Patient satisfaction; Plastic surgery; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures - statistics & numerical data; Referral and Consultation - statistics & numerical data; Surgery; Surgical Flaps; Surgical implants; United States; Veterans - statistics & numerical data; Womens health; United States; North America; America; United States > US; Breast reconstruction; Female veterans; Multidisciplinary teams; Medicine; Plasty; Treatment; Efficiency; Surgery; Breast; Female; Mammary gland; Veteran; Multidisciplinary
• ISSN: 0002-9610; 1879-1883
• DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2009.07.020

Abstract Background Despite increasing female veteran numbers, literature regarding reconstruction after breast cancer is lacking. The purpose of this study was to examine breast reconstruction referral rates and reconstruction outcomes at a tertiary Veterans Affairs hospital. Methods Female breast cancer patients (1997–2008) were identified. Demographics, tumor stage, oncologic therapies, reconstructive timings and procedures, and complications were noted. Results Eighty-two women underwent mastectomy (46%) or breast conservation (43%). The referral rates to plastic surgery were 61% (mastectomy) and 32% (overall). Reconstruction rates were 42% (mastectomy) and 22% (overall). Sixty-nine percent were suitable candidates and chose immediate (67%) or delayed (33%) reconstruction, with implant-based (44%), autologous (39%), or autologous plus implants (17%). There were complications (28%) but no mortalities. Comorbidities were not correlated with outcomes. Conclusions Breast reconstruction can be effectively delivered within the Veterans Affairs system. It is essential that sufficient Veterans Affairs resources be deployed to address the increasing reconstructive needs of female veterans.