Authors' objectives:

This study aims to assess the effects of immediate versus delayed breast reconstruction in women having mastectomy for breast cancer.

Authors' recommendations: We found one randomised controlled trial. The other studies we found were cohort studies with comparison groups that differed by other characteristics. Studies of this design are intrinsically susceptible to confounding and are therefore inconclusive. Psychological outcomes: We found limited evidence from cohort studies and one randomised controlled trial that immediate reconstruction improves psychological outcomes compared with delayed reconstruction. Patient satisfaction: One large cohort study found limited evidence that patient satisfaction was similar after immediate and delayed reconstruction. Cosmetic effects: We found insufficient evidence about cosmetic effects of immediate versus delayed reconstruction. Operative complications: One cohort study that attempted to control for confounding provided weak evidence that complications may be more common with immediate reconstruction. Delay to chemotherapy: We found inconclusive evidence about effects of immediate versus delayed reconstruction on delay to start of chemotherapy. Cancer recurrence and survival: We found insufficient evidence about effects on recurrence and survival of immediate versus delayed reconstruction.

Authors' methods: Review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.wihrd.soton.ac.uk

Year Published: 2002

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England

Organisation Name: Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development

Contact Address: Pauline King. Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development, Boldrewood Medical School, Bassett Crescent East, Highfield, Southampton. SO16 7PX Tel. +44 1703 595661 Fax +44 1703 595662

Copyright: Bazian Ltd, Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development