ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Breast reconstruction is intended to improve the quality of life of patients who underwent mastectomy, and the use of the Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous (TRAM) flap is a valuable option. Objective: To assess the influence of delayed TRAM flap breast reconstruction on patient’s quality of life.
Methods:
30 breast cancer patients who had undergone mastectomy were enrolled in this crosssectional study. Fifty of them (Study Group - SG) had undergone delayed TRAM flap breast reconstruction six months before, and the other 15 (Control Group) were scheduled for the operation. To assess quality of life, the Brazilian version of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-form Health Survey (SF-36) was used. Data were statistically compared.
Results:
Compared to CG, patients in SG had better quality of life scores for the SF-36 domains social aspect (p<0.001), mental health (p=0.002) and general health (p=0.008). No statistical significances were reached for the other SF-36 domains. Conclusion: The delayed TRAM flap breast reconstruction had a positive influence on patient’s quality of life.
Keywords:
Quality of Life; Surgical Flap; Mastectomy
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