Comparisons of resource costs and success rates between immediate and delayed breast reconstruction using DIEP or SIEA flaps under a well-controlled clinical trial.
BACKGROUND
Every year many patients diagnosed with breast cancer are subjected to mastectomy. Some of them choose to undergo breast reconstruction to restore their body image. Immediate or delayed reconstruction is possible, depending on medical, financial, and emotional considerations. High success rate and cost-effectiveness are two important factors that may guide decision making in the management plan. The objective of this study was to compare the resource costs and success rates of immediate and delayed breast reconstructions using either deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) or superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flaps. The resource cost is referred to as the cost of operation and hospitalization.


METHODS
From September of 2000 through August of 2001, 42 patients underwent immediate (n = 21) or delayed (n = 21) unilateral breast reconstruction using either a DIEP (n = 30) or SIEA (n = 12) flap by one surgeon.


RESULTS
There were no statistical differences in resource costs, success, and complication rates between DIEP and SIEA flaps in both the immediate and delayed breast reconstruction groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Using either a DIEP or SIEA flap as the autologous tissue, delayed breast reconstruction is as cost-effective as immediate reconstruction.
Cheng
Ming-Huei
MH
Department of Plastic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan. minghueicheng@hotmail.com
Lin
Jeng-Yee
JY
Ulusal
Betul Gozel
BG
Wei
Fu-Chan
FC
D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D019074:Epigastric Arteries; D005260:Female; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods*; D008408:Mastectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000191:economics*; D013624:Taiwan; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome