Autologous breast reconstruction in older women: A retrospective single -centre analysis of complications and uptake of secondary reconstructive procedures

摘要

Background: Women aged >= 65 years have the highest age-specific rates of breast cancer incidence in the UK. However, national audit results demonstrate that the rates of postmastectomy breast reconstruction offered to and performed on this age group are considerably lower than in younger women (Jeevan, 2009). This discrepancy may arise from unsubstantiated concerns over greater medical and surgical risk in older patients (James, 2015). In the present study, the first of its kind in the UK, we sought to evaluate potential differences in postoperative complications following autologous breast reconstruction between young and older patient populations.