Late results following mastectomy for cancer and breast reconstruction.

A series of 100 women had been surgically treated for breast cancer and reconstructed by implantation of a submuscular prosthesis. The patients intensely desired the procedure and were supposed to have a realistic anticipation concerning the results. There was one late extrusion of prosthesis and one prosthesis was removed because of a local recurrence. Six patients had local or distant recurrences. Breast reconstruction was not a disadvantage in the treatment of these recurrences. In 48% of the cases the patients thought that the reconstructed breast was harder than desired. The corresponding figure for the independent examiner was 31%. After breast reconstruction, ipsilateral arm complications increased in number or severity by about 5%. In 82%, life-style and in 53%, social relations had improved after breast reconstruction. One of the 100 patients regretted the reconstruction and three were indifferent to it. For 14 patients it was so important as to be possibly psychologically vital.