title: Self-esteem and patients' satisfaction after deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction.
abstract: The objective of this article is to assess the impact of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction on self-esteem and to analyze the correlation between aesthetic outcome and self-esteem. Global self-esteem was evaluated using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale in 31 patients who underwent DIEP flap breast reconstructions. A study-specific questionnaire and photographic evaluation were used by the patient, the plastic surgeon, and the oncological surgeon to measure satisfaction with the aesthetic outcome. Patients' satisfaction and self-esteem were analyzed for any existing correlation. Overall patients' satisfaction had a mean score of 6.55 (range, 0-10) on the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire. A mean score of 32.48 (range, 10-40) was found on the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. More than 80% of patients were content with their decision to undergo this procedure and would recommend this to a friend. Surgeons tended to rate the aesthetic outcome better than patients. Patients' satisfaction and self-esteem were found to be positively correlated. Patients are generally content with the outcome of primary DIEP flap breast reconstruction. The favorable aesthetic result of this procedure has a beneficial effect on patients' self-esteem.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Academic Hospital, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Christel M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Haekens
authors.forename: Morteza
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Enajat
authors.forename: Kristien
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Keymeulen
authors.forename: Rene R W J
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Van der Hulst
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000523:psychology*; D008408:Mastectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012649:Self Concept; D013524:Surgical Flaps