SP4.6 12 months analysis of the PROM-Q study: Comparison of Patient Reported Outcome Measures using the BREAST-Q questionnaire in pre- versus sub-pectoral implant based immediate breast reconstruction

Introduction

There is a lack of comparative data on clinical and patient perceived outcomes on pre- versus sub-pectoral implant-based breast reconstruction (IBR). We investigated whether these different surgical approaches influenced clinical or patient perceived outcomes.

Methods

This prospective non-randomised longitudinal cohort study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04842240) recruited patients undergoing immediate IBR (Sep 2019-Sep 2021). Data collection included patient characteristics and post-operative complications. Patients completed BREAST-Q questionnaire at baseline, 2 weeks, 3 and 12 months post-surgery.

Results

We recruited 78 patients (46 pre-pectoral; 59% vs. 32 sub-pectoral; 41%). Patient characteristics were comparable (Table 1). Similar complication rates were observed (15.2% pre-pectoral vs. 9.4% sub-pectoral; p=0.44). Overall implant loss rate was 3.8% (6.5% pre-pectoral vs. 0% sub-pectoral; p=0.14).

Median Breast-Q scores were similar between pre- and sub-pectoral IBR at 3 months; breast satisfaction (58 vs. 48; p=0.12), psychosocial well-being (60 vs. 57; p=0.9), physical well-being (68 vs. 76; p=0.53), and Animation Q scores (73 vs. 76; p=0.45). Similar findings were observed at 12 months; breast satisfaction (58 vs. 53; p=0.3), psychosocial well-being (59 vs. 60; p=0.9), physical well-being (68 vs. 78; p=0.18), and Animation Q scores (69 vs. 73; p=0.4).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates equivalent clinical and patient perceived outcomes between pre- and sub-pectoral IBR, thereby aiding informed decision making regarding either surgical option.