The Impact of Chemotherapy on Complications Associated with Mastectomy and Immediate Autologous Tissue Reconstruction.

We performed this study to evaluate the impact of chemotherapy on the outcomes associated with immediate autologous tissue reconstruction (IATR) in the treatment of breast cancer. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 received chemotherapy before surgery and Group 2 did not receive chemotherapy. Records were reviewed to identify demographics, comorbidities, histology, and wound healing complications. Groups were compared using Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher exact tests as appropriate. A total of 128 patients were identified: 29 received chemotherapy before surgery (Group 1) and 99 did not receive chemotherapy (Group 2). Group 1 patients were more likely to have diabetes 27 per cent versus 6 per cent (P = 0.005) despite both groups having a mean body mass index of 30. Group 2 patients had less advanced stage disease as expected because they did not receive chemotherapy; 37 per cent of Group 2 patients had stage 0 breast cancer (P < 0.001). The incidence of wound complications was 17 per cent in Group 1 and 12 per cent in Group 2 (P = NS). Preoperative chemotherapy for breast cancer followed by IATR was associated with no increased risk of healing complications. IATR can be offered to patients who require preoperative chemotherapy, and their healing will not be impaired as a result of the chemotherapy.