Factors associated to complications in reconstruction in patients with breast cancer treated with mastectomy

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common invasive neoplasm in women. When taken to mastectomy, breast reconstruction is an integral part of treatment. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine which factors are associated to post-operatory complications of breast reconstruction in patients with breast cancer treated with mastectomy. Methods: 306 patients taken to breast reconstruction were divided into three groups depending on technique: pedicled flaps, prosthetic material and deep inferior epigastric perforators (DIEP). Descriptive and comparative statistics were performed to find associations between the type of reconstruction and complications. Results: The factors associated to general were bleeding and reintervention. Reintervention was associated to loss of reconstruction. Factors associated to reoperation were immediate complications, late complications, and radiotherapy. Factors associated to loss of reconstruction where smoker status, presence of late complications, and reintervention. Conclusion: There is a higher percentage of immediate complications and loss of reconstruction with prosthetics. DIEP is an alternative with lower probability of loss of reconstruction. Multidisciplinary teams should establish the decision of the best type of reconstruction.