J Niddam1, R Bosc2, F Lange2, H Chader2, B Hersant2, V Bigorie2, O Hermeziu2, J-P Meningaud2. 1. Henri Mondor Hospital, University of Paris-Est, 51 avenue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, 94000 Créteil, France. Electronic address: j.niddam@yahoo.fr. 2. Henri Mondor Hospital, University of Paris-Est, 51 avenue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, 94000 Créteil, France.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although some papers have analyzed patient satisfaction after traditional abdominoplasty, studies that have specifically assessed patient satisfaction on abdominal reconstruction after deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) surgery are lacking. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess satisfaction, specifically for abdominoplasty results, in patients who underwent breast reconstruction with a single DIEP flap. METHODS: This retrospective study included 53 consecutive patients who underwent unilateral breast reconstruction with a DIEP flap. The patients were all clinically evaluated during a specific consultation and answered a satisfaction survey based on a four-point scale (unsatisfied, satisfied, happy, and very happy). RESULTS: A total of 50 patients responded to the survey. The average age was 52.3 years. This study revealed that 52% of the patients were happy or very happy with the aesthetic result of their abdomen. A total of 34% of the patients confessed that they preferred their abdomen before surgery. A further analysis of the dissatisfied patients showed particular dissatisfaction with dog-ears (50%), residual abdominal overhang (18%), or the horizontal scar (12%). The average distance between the horizontal scar and vulvar anterior commissure was 10.6 cm. A total of 86% of the patients were happy or very happy with the preoperative counseling. CONCLUSIONS: The authors note the necessity to give detailed preoperative information to explain the final abdominal aesthetic result, which can be quite different from the patient's expectations.
BACKGROUND: Although some papers have analyzed patient satisfaction after traditional abdominoplasty, studies that have specifically assessed patient satisfaction on abdominal reconstruction after deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) surgery are lacking. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess satisfaction, specifically for abdominoplasty results, in patients who underwent breast reconstruction with a single DIEP flap. METHODS: This retrospective study included 53 consecutive patients who underwent unilateral breast reconstruction with a DIEP flap. The patients were all clinically evaluated during a specific consultation and answered a satisfaction survey based on a four-point scale (unsatisfied, satisfied, happy, and very happy). RESULTS: A total of 50 patients responded to the survey. The average age was 52.3 years. This study revealed that 52% of the patients were happy or very happy with the aesthetic result of their abdomen. A total of 34% of the patients confessed that they preferred their abdomen before surgery. A further analysis of the dissatisfied patients showed particular dissatisfaction with dog-ears (50%), residual abdominal overhang (18%), or the horizontal scar (12%). The average distance between the horizontal scar and vulvar anterior commissure was 10.6 cm. A total of 86% of the patients were happy or very happy with the preoperative counseling. CONCLUSIONS: The authors note the necessity to give detailed preoperative information to explain the final abdominal aesthetic result, which can be quite different from the patient's expectations.
Authors: Ankur Khajuria; Max Prokopenko; Max Greenfield; Oliver Smith; Andrea L Pusic; Afshin Mosahebi Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open Date: 2019-10-28
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