Patient reported outcome and cosmetic evaluation following implant-based breast-reconstruction with a titanized polypropylene mesh (TiLOOP® Bra): A prospective clinical study in 269 patients

Introduction: Implant-based or expander-supported breast reconstruction is an established surgical method after mastectomies due to cancer or to prophylactic reasons. Patient reported outcome (PRO) and cosmetic outcome after breast reconstruction with a synthetic surgical mesh was investigated in a prospective, single-arm, multi-center study. Material and methods: Primary or secondary implant-based breast reconstruction with support of TiLOOP (R) Bra was performed in 269 patients during the PRO-BRA study. PRO 12 months after breast reconstruction was evaluated using Breast-Q questionnaire. Cosmetic outcome was evaluated by two independent experts by means of pictures taken preoperatively and at the follow-up visits. Results: Breast-Q and 12 months FU were completed by 210 women. Patients without adverse event had a significantly higher Breast-Q score for sexual well-being (p = 0.001); psychosocial well-being was negatively influenced by prior therapies (p < 0.01), and older patients had significantly lower scores at 12 months FU compared to pre-OP for satisfaction with breasts (p < 0.01) while the opposite was true for younger patients. Unilateral surgery resulted in reduced satisfaction with breast at 12 months FU (p < 0.01). Radiotherapy negatively influenced satisfaction with breast, sexual well-being and physical well-being chest. The cosmetic evaluation showed a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the evaluation by the patients and experts with the patients' assessment being worse compared to experts' assessment. Conclusion: Our study showed that two years after implant-based breast reconstruction with support of TiLOOP (R) Bra PRO is influenced by different factors. This information can be used to improve the decision-making process for women who chose implant-based breast reconstruction. (C) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.