For women subject to breast reconstruction after mastectomy, advanced age is associated with small but significant incentives in certain complications, reports a study in the January edition of Plastic and reconstructive surgery®, the official medical magazine of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASP). The magazine is published in the Lippincott portfolio by Wolters Kluwer.
Older women may be less satisfied with the appearance of the reconstructed breasts, but they can a better psychological adjustment after breast reconstruction compared to younger patients, according to the new research of Jonas A. Nelson, MPH and colleagues. “These findings clarify how age affects the results of breast reconstruction, which can help minimize risks and maximize the benefits for older women who consider reconstructive surgery after mastectomy,” says Dr. Nelson.
Increased complications of breast reconstruction in older women
Breast reconstruction has important benefits for women who undergo mastectomy for breast cancer treatment. Previous studies have suggested that age “should not be a deterrent” for breast reconstruction after mastectomy (PMBR), but the real impact of age on the patient’s results remains an uncle. While around half of the patients undergo a breast reconstruction, only about six percent are over 60 years.
Towards “a more complete and rigorous evaluation” or how age affects the results of breast reconstruction, Dr. Ir. Nelson and their colleagues analyzed 4.730 patients who underwent PMBR in the authors “Cancer Center between 2017 and 2022. After adjustment for other factors, older patients had a higher risk of three types of complications: infection, decomposition (necrosis) of the skin The reconstruction and accumulation of liquids (serome) under the wound.
For the three complications, the risk -in training slightly per year. For each increase of 10 years in age, the risk of infection increased by 10%, while the risk of skin necrosis and Seroma increased by 20%.
Mixed effects of age on the results informed by the patient or PMBR
The study also analyzed how age affected patient satisfaction and results of quality of life, evaluated using the Mama-Q validated questionnaire. Advanced age was associated with lower scores in breast satisfaction, such as the natural appearance of the breasts and the adjustment of the clothing.
In contrast, advanced age was linked to higher scores for psychosocial well -being, addressing factors such as body image and confidence in social environments. Researchers suggest that older patients may have FOBE concerns about factors such as their career and finance, and a more baggy attitude towards aging and their cancer diagnosis. Age was not related to the physical relationship of well -being with chest, such as limitations of pain or activity, or sexual well -being.
Subgroups analysis suggested some differences in complications and results informed by the patient for women undergoing reconstruction based on implants versus autologous reconstruction using patients. There were also differences in the results for older women who had other health conditions associated with fragility.
“Our findings suggest that age should be considered together with other factors when determining whether a major patient is an adequate candidate for breast reconstruction,” Dr. Ir. Nelson comments. The increase in complications associated with old age reflects risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Researchers suggest that optimized attention for thesis conditions could help reduce the risk of complications.
The study also provides information on age -related differences in the results informed by the patient, visualized as an important factor to evaluate the benefits versus the risks of breast reconstruction. Dr. Nelson adds: “This integral analysis can also help maximize postoperative physical functioning and patient satisfaction among older women who opt for PMBR.”
Plastic and reconstructive surgery® is published by Wolters Kluwer.
Click here to read “Age impacts on clinical results and informed by the patient after postmastectomy breast reconstruction”
Article: “Age impacts the clinical results and informed by the patient after postmasting breast reconstruction” (DOI: 10.1097/PRS.000000001554)
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