Setting the Stage for Success: Evaluating Both Partner and Patient Satisfaction with Post-Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: Few studies have looked in-depth at the relationship between patient and partner satisfaction with post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. The studies that do exist suggest that perceived partner satisfaction is an important predictor of patient satisfaction in post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Methods: We created a novel survey designed to look at reconstruction outcomes from a partner’s perspective. Patients with a history of mastectomy-alone or mastectomy with reconstruction at our institution from January 2011 through December 2020 were contacted electronically to complete a demographic form and the BREAST-Q©, while partners completed our novel partner survey. Sixteen mastectomy-only and 76 mastectomy with reconstruction couples completed surveys. Results: The mean Breast-Q© and partner survey scores were 87 and 87 (maximum possible=100) respectively for mastectomy with reconstruction. There was a correlation of 0.57 between patient and partner overall satisfaction. There was no difference in overall satisfaction between patients who underwent reconstruction and those who did not p=0.19. There was a relationship between satisfaction with pre-operative counseling and overall satisfaction in both patients and partners. The partner survey was found to have high internal consistency for measuring various areas of partner satisfaction. Conclusions: There is a relationship between patient and partner satisfaction with post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Our data may support the positive impact of social support on recovery after breast cancer treatment, as satisfaction was high in both groups. We therefore encourage partners to attend and participate in pre-operative consultations. Finally, our novel partner survey is a reliable tool to assess partner satisfaction with post-mastectomy breast reconstruction.