Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction in Irradiated Patients: A 12-year follow-up of Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator and Latissimus Dorsi Flap Outcomes

The aim of the current study was to conduct a 12-year follow-up on the authors´ previously evaluated group of irradiated patients who underwent postmastectomy breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) and latissimus dorsi (LD)-flaps with implant.

The follow-up involved 67% of the patients from the original cohort (17 DIEP and 13 LD). Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) were measured using the BREAST-Q, SF-36, a satisfaction form, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaires. Aesthetics were evaluated by a board of independent plastic surgeons.

The average follow-up time was 12.6 years (DIEP) and 11.8 years (LD). Contralateral symmetry procedures were performed on 15 DIEP and 9 LD patients. Both groups underwent an average of 2.5 reconstructive procedures. The BREAST-Q and satisfaction questionnaires showed no group difference. SF-36 showed no group difference but had significantly higher values in both groups compared to the general population with regard to the physical role limitations (p=0.034 and p=0.004, respectively). The DASH scores showed minimal shoulder function impact in the LD group.

Aesthetic evaluations revealed a discrepancy between the opinions of the patients and surgeons, with patients valuing the size (p=0.015) and overall aesthetic (p=0.012) of the reconstructed breast higher in the DIEP group. The weighted kappa analysis showed poor agreement between patients and surgeons. Over time, the patients´ preferences shifted from LD to DIEP flaps, possibly due to the more natural aging process associated with autologous reconstruction. This underscores the importance of long term follow-up studies.