BREAST-Q questionnaire: tool for evaluation of quality of life following breast reconstruction with DIEP/SIEA flap

Breast cancer management is important for both oncologists and plastic surgeons. We can observe a considerable progress in knowledge and treatment modalities in this type of cancer. Treatment often requires reconstruction of the removed breast. Modern methods are becoming better and more suited to patient’s needs. At the same time, we observe a steadily increasing interest in quality of life after medical procedures. This tendency is particularly visible in plastic surgery, where simple analysis of complication rate is insufficient. In order to effectively help, a scrupulous evaluation of the outcomes by the patient herself is necessary. The aim of the study is to discuss and present the use of BREAST-Q questionnaire. It allows to assess patient’s satisfaction with the breast treatment as a whole and medical care. In this article, we present BREAST-Q questionnaire scores in 20 patients following secondary breast reconstruction with DIEP flap without rib removal when accessing internal mammary vessels. The assessment of quality of life is necessary for the reconstructive surgeon to evaluate his own work. It enables deeper understanding of needs and better advice for future patients during preoperative consultation. The results can also be useful for payers in order to decide about reimbursement of specific procedures.