Psychological impact of modified radical mastectomy carried out simultaneously with breast reconstruction (n=45) was compared with that in controls who underwent similar surgery for cancer alone (n=50). After 12 months, depression was less frequent in group 1 and indices such as being a good mixer, joyfulness, activity, happiness, job satisfaction and access to leisure and entertainment were significantly higher than among controls (p< or =0.05). However, deep depression persisted in group 1 (13%) as long as for 12 months and intense angst in 17.8%.

The report deals with retrospective research in possible induction of relapse by breast reconstruction carried out simultaneously with surgery for breast cancer. The end results were compared between cases of modification of radical mastectomy combined with reconstruction (n=124) and controls who underwent surgery for cancer alone (n=379). Standard radio- and systemic therapy was used. Median follow-up was 64 months. Local and general recurrence as well as relapse-free and overall survival rates were identical. Multivariate analysis failed to establish any correlation between primary breast reconstruction and relapse. Nor did it increase the risk of the development of the latter.

Different procedures of breast reconstruction were employed in the treatment of 223 breast cancer patients (primary reconstruction-97; delayed reconstruction-136). No major complications were recorded, including total necrosis of transverse abdominal island flap. The advantage offered by the latter is due to its resistance to chemoradiotherapy: complications such as boundary necrosis do not destroy cosmetic effect as in the case of expander application.