Comparative study of the physical symptoms following bilateral mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction and delayed breast reconstruction

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2015-05-01

Authors

Bhat, Ritika U.

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Abstract

Breast reconstruction following a mastectomy can be done either immediately, at the time of the mastectomy, or following a recovery from the original surgery. This study compares the post-operative symptom experiences of these two groups of patients through secondary data analysis, using an existing survey, “How Women Decide” conducted at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital, Fort Worth (THFW). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20. Tiredness/fatigue is the only symptoms which approached significance between the two groups; patients in the immediate breast reconstruction group experienced more tiredness/fatigue. No other aspects covered in the survey differed between the two groups. The study also found that hot flashes and tiredness/fatigue are the most common symptoms affecting the patients following bilateral mastectomy with breast reconstruction surgery. A larger sample size may have uncovered additional significant differences.

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