A National Snapshot of Patient Reported Outcomes Comparing Types of Abdominal Flaps for Breast Reconstruction

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify differences in patient reported abdominal well-being, satisfaction, and quality of life in women with muscle-preserving free abdominal versus pedicle TRAM flap for breast reconstruction. Background: The purpose of this study was to identify differences in patient reported abdominal well-being, satisfaction, and quality of life in women with muscle-preserving free abdominal versus pedicle TRAM flap for breast reconstruction. Methods: Women with a history of breast cancer surgery were recruited from the Army of Women foundation to take the BREAST-Q© and a background questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were used to compare abdominal physical well-being, breast satisfaction, chest physical, psychosocial and sexual well-being in women undergoing free versus pedicle TRAM flaps. Results: Of 657 women; 273 (41%) had free flaps, 384 (58%) underwent pedicle TRAM flaps. Compared to unilateral pedicle TRAM, those with unilateral free flaps scored an average of 9.5 points higher (p

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