A Meta-analysis Of BREAST-Q Administration In Implant-based Breast Reconstruction: When And How Often Should We Assess Patient Reported Outcome?

Résumé fourni par la source

PURPOSE: BREAST-Q is the most used patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) following breast reconstruction, but optimal timing and frequency of administration are unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate follow-up timing and duration for BREAST-Q assessment after implant or tissue-expander reconstruction. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective cohort studies (PCS) administering the BREAST-Q to women undergoing immediate or delayed reconstruction with implants or tissue expanders. Random-effects meta-analysis and meta-regression examined the five BREAST-Q domains across multiple follow-up periods. Pooled mean scores were compared at six time points ranging from 3 months to 2 years. RESULTS: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria, totaling 3,894 patients. Substantial variability in BREAST-Q scores was observed across follow-up times. Meta-regression showed no significant overall effect of follow-up duration on Satisfaction with Breasts, Psychosocial Well-being, Physical Well-being, Sexual Well-being, and Satisfaction with Outcome. However, subgroup meta-regression by follow-up interval showed that Physical and Sexual Well-being scores were significantly higher at 12-16 months compared with 0-6 months, then stabilizing thereafter. At the 12-16-month mark, Physical Well-being scores were higher by 13.46 points (95% CI [2.72-24.20], p = 0.014), and Sexual Well-being scores were higher by 14.23 points (95% CI [3.77-24.68], p = 0.008). No other domains showed significant time-dependent changes. CONCLUSION: While overall BREAST-Q scores were favorable, only physical and sexual well-being improved meaningfully by 12-16 months, then plateaued. Assessing patient-reported outcomes around the 12-month mark may best capture recovery and guide counseling and follow-up scheduling. High heterogeneity suggests that factors beyond follow-up duration and frequency, such as surgical technique, patient demographics, and postoperative complications, may influence BREAST-Q scores.© 2026. Plastic Surgery Research Council | All rights reserved |*Source: https://ps-rc.org/meeting/Program/2026/AS113.cgi*

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.