An exploration of patient decision-making for autologous breast reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine patients' experiences of the decision to undergo breast reconstructive surgery following mastectomy.

Method: 21 Women, who had undergone reconstruction, took part in a semi-structured qualitative interview, which examined the participants' experience of the decision-making process. The recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using "framework analysis".

Results: Women who underwent immediate reconstruction spoke of the convenience of undergoing only one operation with regards to juggling work and childcare arrangements. For women who underwent delayed reconstructive surgery the reasons centre on dissatisfaction with wearing prosthesis. Others spoke of no choice, as immediate reconstruction was not offered as an option. However both groups did report similar influential factors and received and used similar informational content and informational sources in order to make their decision.

Conclusion: The study outlines the different motivations for undergoing immediate or delayed breast reconstruction and highlights that there is not always a choice offered to patients.

Practice implications: Future patients who are considering breast reconstruction should be provided with the relevant information to make a well informed decision and may benefit from different methods of information delivery that could include decision aids such as informational booklets, photographs, and videos.