Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Background Currently, the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and implant-based breast reconstruction (IBR) is becoming increasingly prevalent in clinical practice. This investigation sought to determine the impact of NACT on outcomes connected to IBR. Methods We analyzed the medical records of patients who underwent IBR at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University during the period from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2019.A total of 562 patients were enrolled, including 233 who received NACT and 329 who did not receive NACT. We evaluated complications and identified influencing factors. Patient satisfaction with reconstruction surgery was assessed using the BREAST-Q score. In the end, we assessed the patients' 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates. Results In baseline observations, we found statistically significant differences in age (P = 0.027), N stage (P = 0.037), histological grade (P = 0.001), Ki-67 expression (P = 0.011), and reconstruction mode (P = 0.002). There were also significant differences in the occurrence of seromas (P = 0.017) and skin-flap necrosis (P = 0.034) between the two groups of patients. T stage (P = 0.019) and diabetes (P = 0.001) were identified as independent influencing factors for total complications, while NACT was not. Between the non-NACT group and the NACT group, a significant difference in 5-year DFS was noted, with rates of 92.46% and 87.12%, respectively (P = 0.020). Conclusion Our research indicates that NACT is not an independent factor affecting common complications and does not influence patient satisfaction after IBR surgery. However, in clinical practice, individualized treatment plans should be formulated based on factors such as tumor size, age, diabetes history, and other relevant considerations to minimize the occurrence of complications.