Breast reconstruction: a review and rationale for patient selection.

SUMMARY: The importance of good patient selection is becoming increasingly appreciated as a predictor of good outcomes following mastectomy and reconstruction. There are many variables that should be considered when making these decisions. Patient variables include breast characteristics, age, body habitus, comorbidities, and expectations. Oncological variables include tumor size, cancer stage, and perioperative radiation. This article is structured to review the variables that are relevant when deciding upon a particular reconstructive option for a particular patient.