Objective: To investigate the optimal time to perform breast reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer.
Methods: From May, 2001 to March, 2004, 52 patients were performed immediate or delayed breast reconstruction after mastectomy. They were given questionnaires to assess for satisfaction, sexuality, anxiety, depression, body image and self-esteem.
Results: 97% of the IR group patients were very or moderately satisfied while only 75% of the DR group were so (P = 0.026). Only 6% of the IR group compared with 30% of the DR group felt an obvious impairment of their sexual attractiveness (P = 0.043). Anxiety (P = 0.014) and depression (P = 0.006) were less in the IR group than the DR group. Body image (P = 0.012) and self-esteem (P = 0.003) were superior in the IR group.
Conclusions: If tumor characters and patient health permit, immediate breast reconstruction should be performed after mastectomy for breast cancer.