Chest wall perforator flaps for breast reconstruction: international survey on attitudes and training needs

Abstract

Abstract Background Volume replacement using chest wall perforator flaps (CWPFs) is a promising technique to reduce mastectomy rates without sacrificing function or aesthetics. Owing to limited availability of the technique, only a minority of patients currently have access to CWPF procedures. Methods An international web-based survey was disseminated through social media, dedicated webpages, and national and international societies for breast surgery. The survey explored surgeons’ attitudes towards CWPFs and their perceived training needs. Results Of 619 respondents, 88.4 per cent agreed that CWPF surgery was desirable, with one-third offering it and performing a median of 10 (i.q.r. 5–15) procedures annually. They were more likely to be senior (OR 1.35, 95 per cent c.i. 1.18 to 1.55; P < 0.001), with formal oncoplastic training (OR 4.80, 3.09 to 7.48; P < 0.001), and working in larger units (OR 1.18, 1.03 to 1.35; P = 0.018) with a free-flap (OR 1.62, 1.06 to 2.48; P = 0.025) or CWPF (OR 3.02, 1.87 to 4.89; P < 0.001) service available. In cluster and latent class analysis, none showed high cohesion with performance of CWPF surgery. Conclusion There is a discrepancy between perceived importance and availability of CWPF surgery, indicating that optimal training is needed.