Johnson, Joan L.

240 Background: Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) is increasingly chosen by patients with breast cancer. Satisfaction after CPM is high. However, decreased satisfaction has been associated with reoperation after reconstruction. This study’s aim was to examine the adverse aspects patients attribute to reconstruction and the subsequent effect on psychosocial consequences and satisfaction with CPM. Methods: 487 unilateral breast cancer patients with a family history of breast cancer who underwent CPM between 1960 and 1993 were mailed a questionnaire evaluating QOL and satisfaction with CPM. Results: Of 269 respondents, 210 (78%) underwent reconstruction and 59 (22%) did not. Mean age at CPM was 46 and 50 years respectively (p=0.01). Mean follow-up was 20.2 years. Reconstruction was immediate in 96%, 98% with implants and 2% with tissue flap. Reconstruction was associated with lower satisfaction with CPM (p=0.03), but still only 7% (vs 2% in those without reconstruction) said they were dissatisfied. Most (83%) of those with reconstruction said they would choose reconstruction again while 7% were unsure and 10% said they would not. In those who did not undergo reconstruction, 18% said they would choose reconstruction if able to make the choice again while 5% were unsure and 77% said they still would not. 95 patients (45%) of those that underwent reconstruction required one or more reoperations for complications. Those with reoperation reported poorer responses for satisfaction with CPM (p=0.04), choice to have CPM again (p=0.008), and choice to have reconstruction again (p=0.004) when compared to patients with reconstruction and no reoperation. Those with and without reconstruction did not differ significantly with respect to femininity, sexual relationships or emotional stability, but those without reconstruction reported significantly poorer effects related to self esteem (p=0.04) and body appearance (p=0.002). Conclusions: In patients who undergo CPM, many years after surgery satisfaction with CPM is higher in those choosing not to have reconstruction than those with reconstruction although it was high in both groups. Reoperation is common after reconstruction and is associated with lower satisfaction.